Be optimistic when searching for jobs

CONGRATULATIONS to all the recent graduates on your achievements.
Your pain and sacrifices did not go to waste.
It is an exciting moment and a time to celebrate your achievements.
To the first-time graduates who will be looking for jobs, I want to encourage you.
To those who have already secured jobs, hold on to them.
We are living in a country where getting a job after graduating is not a guarantee.
Even graduating with flying colours does not guarantee a job.
Job search is an expensive exercise.
New graduates would be joining the “job search” queue with graduates from previous years.
Some of you will be surprised to serve in organisations you never expected to work with.
Things will not necessarily go according to your plans.
This is completely a new chapter of your life.
Expect the unexpected.
You will encounter many issues in new environments.
Learn to be humble and accept the challenges you face everyday.
Life after graduation is the real world.
It is nothing compared to your student days.
If you manage to find a job, please look after it.
Do not take it for granted.
Budget your earnings wisely.
How much you earn does not matter, but how much you spend and where you spend it matters.
Do not spend your money on alcohol, cigarettes and betel nuts.
These will drain your money.
You will make new friends and have a few enemies as well.
Expectations will be very high.
But you have to learn how to control your life.
You should never forget your country, your job, your family and your faith.
Job search is an ongoing exercise and the unemployment rate is very high.
Some will get jobs quicker than others.
It is possible that some might spend years before getting a job.
You will have to do everything you can to get a job.
Never give up.
Never lose hope. Always remain optimistic.

Michael Otto Awaliye,
Jiwaka Gara