I graduated in 2013. I am now 22 and have become stuck as a waitress. What started out as a short-term solution to paying bills has now become a seven-month job working irregular hours at minimum pay. I have come to wonder, why as a graduate I’m not able to find a better job?

My CV is good although arguably basic. No one will take you on without work experience or a completed internship, but like so many other recent graduates, I am not in a financial position to take on an unpaid internship, and any paid ones are like gold dust. It’s a vicious cycle. It appears you need experience in everything before you will even be considered for an entry level role.

I feel extremely miserable at my current job but I can’t afford to quit. How can I find the employment I’m looking for?

Leila

The counselor’s thoughts...

It’s truly an awful experience having to tolerate a job you despise. This induces feelings of frustration and resentment, making an already bad situation appear worse than it really is.

However, having a lousy or less paying job is far better than having the negativity of unpredictable periods of joblessness. As a result of tight competition on the job market, today, numerous people are working outside their professional expertise just to earn an income for their survival as they continuously search for suitable jobs. Before you declare yourself stuck, make sure you have covered all your bases, done your dues diligently and taken full charge of your current situation to move yourself forward.

It is really hard to get out of this treadmill when all of your energy is sucked out by despair. So don’t allow frustration to taint the element you really find good or satisfying in this current job.

This will give you some perspective that even the worst job isn’t extremely bad, so you can feel more in control and motivated to explore other career opportunities. Try to figure out what you truly want and be relentless about going for it. Yes, it may involve some short sacrifices and life changes. But just knowing you’re moving forward will tighten your emotional burden and give you the momentum to find creative solutions.

Nurturing and caring for your current job has the potential to open doors for better and suitable jobs so you can afford to have choices around your career plans.

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Your feedback: Readers advise Leila

Connect with other people

Ange Kaneza

Waiting for a job advert in the media might not help you. In my opinion, you need to use your links with people to connect you to any job opportunities they may come across. Your network is bigger than you think it is. It includes all of your family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances. Use them effectively.

Use your job to get links

Diana Ingabire

It is good you still have a job. It’s an opportunity to meet and socialise with several people who can help you get the job you desire. Obviously, nobody gets a job sitting home; use your current job as a meeting ground with different links to employment opportunities.

Don’t be desperate

Diana K. Muhoza

Don’t be desperate; that will only worsen the situation. All you need to do is stay focused and find more information on what qualities are needed in the employment market. Desperation is the worst element a person can have when looking for a job.

Prioritise networking

Steven Muhumuza

The job you want may not be advertised at all. Networking leads to information and job opportunities, often before the job is even announced. Prioritise networking more and in the end it will yield good results.

Take small manageable steps

Yvone Cyamazima

Create a job search plan. Avoid getting overwhelmed by breaking big goals into small, manageable steps. Instead of trying to do everything at once, set priorities. If you’re not having luck in your job search, take some time to rethink your goals.

Compiled by Dennis Agaba

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Go for a great career, not just money

Freizy D

Keep in touch with your passions and goals. Before looking for a job, it is important to consider what you want. Don’t just look for jobs that will give you money, because money is something brief. Look for a good career.

Think positively

Geoffrey Mugabo

Have a positive attitude towards your job search and take time to do an extensive pursuit on several social media platforms and company websites that you’re interested in. That will keep you focused and updated on the available job opportunities. Do not forget to pray to God to help you find a job.

Stay informed on availbale jobs

James Rutikanga

I’m sure there are several companies which offer employment to different people with or without experience, thus having no experience shouldn’t worry you so much. All you need is to be alert on the available employment opportunities and that requires a lot of commitment in staying informed on what’s happening in the job market.

Try internship

James Ndahiro

In my humble opinion, you need to find some time to do internships; it’s the only way to gain good experience which will earn you the job you want.

You can’t give up

Jovia Murungi

Job searching has never been easy. It’s frustrating and at times seems impossible. But winners never quit; keep moving forward, improve your networking level and with no doubt, you will find a good job.

Don’t quit your job

Chantal Zuba

Don’t quit your current; job it’s the only source of income you have and a potential place to socialise with other people. Talk to people you know to help you with your job search process and have hope that one day you will find it. Don’t give up.

Go for training and seminars

Nelson Madiba

Attend different trainings and seminars in line with your career choice that will help you gain experience, skills and the knowledge that employers are looking for. This will boost your CV.

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