The end of 2024 has almost arrived, and unemployment in South Africa is still one of the main social issues that has not been resolved. Unfortunately, this issue will increase as many school leavers of this year might want, or may need, to work first before they can study further. To say it is difficult to find a job without any work experience is the same as saying the grass is green because it is a statement that is both true and common knowledge.
But, for the class of 2024 and any other individual trying to find work with no experience, there is a glimmer of hope. It just depends if you want to make an effort.
You can find work with no experience, though it might not be your dream job. Life is about the choices you make; you can either take on a challenge or quit.
If you are looking for work but have never worked a day in your life, then you will have to make some tough decisions, one of which is to take action by putting yourself in a vulnerable position.
What does this mean? You will have to research, phone and email every company you think you can get a job at. The work is not going to come to you; you will have to go to it. In other words, if you don’t try, you will never know, and there is no harm in trying. Especially if you are trying to find a job.
Another option, which may strike fear in some people (yes, you introverts), is speaking to the relevant people in person.
For instance, my first job was at a wholesale company as a general worker, but I was employed after my fifth attempt in trying to speak to the manager directly.
I had to step out of my comfort zone and speak to the person in charge in person. Though the work wasn’t glamorous, nor was the pay, it was better than sitting at home. Your life is a result of the decisions you make.
Some of the vacancies you could possibly find are general worker jobs at wholesale or manufacturing companies, call centre agents, packers at supermarkets or any other job for a company that is willing to offer training. You will, however, have to hang up your ego jacket on a hanger if you want to start somewhere and build yourself up. Especially if you are in a difficult financial situation.
You may find work at companies that have poor management and devious staff, but at least you are getting some income at the end of the month, and more importantly, you are getting work experience.
To those kind-hearted souls who don’t get jealous of the success of others, don’t help these individuals find work. You had to read that again, didn’t you, because the words don’t help. Well, let me explain.
If it is someone who has been trying time and time again to find a job but just can’t seem to find work, then this situation is obviously acceptable, and they should be helped because they have been doing what they were supposed to.
They have been trying or making an attempt, but for those who haven’t (especially the young adults who are finishing school), give them an opportunity to try for themselves. Do not spoon-feed them. They need to make an effort on their own first.
So, if you don’t know what to do or what to study after school, try looking for employment even though you have no work experience. Make an attempt to get a job, but keep in mind that you will have to start from the bottom. Your first job at the company you work for will teach you a lot of life lessons which you can learn nowhere else.
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