Jobs are everywhere? ….A conversation we need to have.

 

Hi new aunties and uncles

Let’s talk.

Unemployment can feel heavy sometimes, as in really heavy 💔

Last week, social media in Zambia was busy,  especially for those in the health sector. People were celebrating their new positions, sharing photos of themselves, saying “finally.” Their family members and friends were just as proud, posting them, congratulating them, and celebrating the milestone like it was a win for everyone. And honestly? It was beautiful to see.

But not everyone was celebrating.

Some people were not among those that were picked.

In the middle of all this, at work, my colleagues and I were casually having a conversation about it. Then one of them shared something that honestly caught me off guard. She said she met someone who got a job immediately after finishing university a couple of years ago, even before graduating. And this person said, “I don’t understand how people fail to find jobs because they’re everywhere. I think those who don’t get jobs are not just smart, not serious, or they’re just lazy.”

My eyes widened.

I just sat there thinking… wow.

I won’t lie, that statement offended me. Not because people aren’t allowed to have opinions, I respect that, but this one didn’t sit right with me at all. It felt so disconnected from reality, it felt like someone speaking from a place of privilege, not understanding what it actually takes for most young people just to get one opportunity.

Because the truth is, in our generation as “new aunties and uncles” things are not as simple as they may seem to be.

Yes, on social media it looks like everyone is winning with new jobs, new cars, soft life, promotions. But behind those posts? There are so many people quietly struggling.

I know this because I’ve been there.

Before I got a job, I was looking for one every day. I searched on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, I also went out physically, I’d wake up every morning and go to a certain voluntary role that felt somewhat promising, hoping someone in management would notice my commitment and give me a chance. I dropped off CVs, talked to people, and kept putting myself out there, just hoping someone would see my effort and take a chance on me. You know, you get to a point where you tell people your qualifications, your experience, hoping maybe one day they’ll remember you.

I remember applying for a certain job I really wanted. I had so much hope, I saw myself there and I believed this is it.

But I didn’t get it. That rejection broke me, and I won’t lie, I really cried. But still, I kept going.

I kept applying, kept trying, kept hoping, and today, when I look back, I realise I ended up somewhere better than where I thought I needed to be. But in that moment? It didn’t feel like that.

It felt like failure.

And here’s the thing about unemployment that people don’t talk about enough.

It’s lonely.

When you’re in that space, not many people stand with you. People assume things, they think you’re not trying hard enough, they don’t see the emails you’ve sent, the CVs you’ve edited a million times, the interviews that didn’t go anywhere, those “Unfortunately, we regret to inform you…” emails? They can really break you. Each one of them takes a small piece of you, and you still have to wake up the next day and try again.

It can get emotionally exhausting sometimes, It’s physically draining and It can even make you doubt yourself.

Then imagine hearing someone say you’re lazy or not smart.

That’s painful.

Because somewhere out there is a “new aunty or uncle” with a diploma, a degree, maybe even a master’s still at home, still depending on their parents for everything.

And trust me, no one wants that, no one enjoys asking for money from someone every day, no one enjoys feeling stuck and no one enjoys not having good news to share.

Unemployment is real guys.

And yes, some people are doing so well in business, and that’s really amazing to see. But not everyone is built for that path, and that’s okay too.

Life is already hard, even harder when you don’t have a strong support system.

After some time, people stop asking how you are doing, they stop understanding, some even start looking at you like you’re comfortable in that situation. But they don’t know the battles you’re fighting in your mind.

So “aunties and uncles,” as we continue navigating this thing called life, can we please be gentle with each other?

Everyone is fighting a war we cannot see.

I once read something that said, “When life favours you, don’t assume others are lazy.”

Let’s hold onto that.

And if you’re reading this and you’re currently unemployed, still applying, still hoping, I see you.

Take a break if you need to, please rest when you can, cry if you have to. But please DON’T GIVE UP.

Pick yourself up again, and keep going.

Your time will come.

With love,

Your Resident New Aunty ❤️