Since 2008, we’ve all seen and experienced the consequences of the economic meltdown that occurred. In one form or another, it has had some effect on our lives. Although I won’t be going through all the characteristics of the “crisis”, I will be talking about employment. And not so much about the loss of employment. That’s all too much a common topic and event, especially when things seem to go bad. What I would like to talk about is actually getting a job, especially for the thousands and thousands of fresh Gen-Y graduates that have nowhere to go.
The Catch-22
Getting a job has always been a catch-22 experience. To get a job you need work experience. But to get work experience you need a job. It’s really an interesting dilemma. Especially for all the college and university grads who were told that getting an education would give them a better shot at life and jobs. And I’m not devaluing education. I think post-secondary education is a privilege and an accomplishment. Considering the amount of people around the world that will never have that privilege and the countless numbers throughout history that would’ve never even come close to the experience of education.
By kevindooley
So now, as a graduate with a Bachelors of Arts, Honours Double Major plus a graduate from a Postgraduate Program, ironically enough my work experience prevents me from getting jobs I am highly capable of doing. And in no way am I suggesting that I am entitled to extraordinary positions but an individual’s capability should in no way overshadow their lack of experience.
Experience vs. Capability
I’ve been mulling over this subject for a while. Because personally, people that have experience are not at all capable of certain positions. But experience is king. And if I might be just as capable, less capable or even, maybe, more capable, my lack of experience automatically disqualifies me. And there are definitely ways around it. But getting around it has put me into another quandary.
The Gen-Y Problem
With networking, blogging, researching, volunteering and doing just about anything to get ahead, I’ve found myself to be in a position where people have told me I would be bored in lower positions but I’m not qualified for higher positions. I seem to be in employment purgatory. This is something me and the rest of Gen-Y will face. And I do feel sorry for the generation behind us.
It’s no wonder we’ve seen a boom in entrepreneurial activity. Along with the divide that’s growing between those of the older generations with jobs in comparison to the Gen-Y that don’t have them. It was even suggested to me that the way I think is a fatal flaw to my own success. So maybe I should stop reading the 20 or so articles a day. Maybe I should sell my books. Quit blogging. Stop specializing in social media, Generation-Y, mobile communications, technology and all things trending now. And the many other things what will be trending in the years to come. Maybe I should start thinking like “everyone” else. Give up my unique ideas, marketing strategies and keep my conversations to myself…
I had you going there, at least for a second. I’m not changing anything and neither should you.
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