Life After Graduation: How to Keep Calm When Not Finding a Job After Graduation

I am in the last year of my law degree and I am already feeling the frustration of not finding a job – this article is for all those brothers and sisters, who are in the same situation as me. COVID-19 has caused a lot of anxiety and we must talk about it. 

University, graduation, unemployment. For many academics, their careers begin with a major setback: Being unemployed after graduation. Even with the best grades and degrees, a smooth transition from university or college to work is not guaranteed. For some graduates, the unexpected unemployment represents a huge turning point: the (understandable) disappointment is usually accompanied by despair and fear of the future.

The good news is that fear is often unfounded. Unemployment among academics was the lowest in the beginning of 2019; in the medium term, more than 94 percent found a permanent job.

However, the UK’s GDP started to fall in the first quarter of 2020 and is now officially in a recession. Therefore, businesses who would usually offer graduate schemes are being more careful. This is increasing the frustration of those who graduated in 2020 and those who are yet to graduate in 2021. 

Remember, you are not alone!

The frustration and doubts are easy to understand. Various studies keep saying that graduates and academics have the best career opportunities in the job market. The impression that is often conveyed is: After graduation, you can start working straight away and you practically have your first employment contract in your pocket.

The reality is of course different. Instead of a vertical take-off, some people find themselves in a waiting position. It is true that the career prospects for academics are particularly good. but by no means for everyone. And starting a career is not an automatic process either.

Just remember, that you are not alone in this position. We all face the challenges of not finding a job straight away. In my friends and family circle, I only know two people who were actually able to secure a position before they graduated. A majority of people do end up struggling a little.

According to studies conducted in 2019, you will most likely find a job. The question is, what can we do to overcome that frustration which can cause anxiety and fear of the future. 

Take every opportunity!

Sometimes we get so busy in planning our careers, that we forget the purpose of our being. After many setbacks in my life, I have understood a very valuable lesson: A problem is never a problem, it is a gift from Allah. Not finding a job after graduating from college or university is just another test in this life. Look at it as an opportunity that Allah is inviting you towards Him. 

“Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident those who are false.” (Quran 29:2-3)

Each time there is a test, there can only be two outcomes. Either we get closer to Allah and we pass the test or it takes us further away from our belief. Remembering Allah 24/7 is something we can easily implement in our day to day life. 

Especially the five daily prayers can open doors of opportunities, which we never imagined being open.

The Prophet saw. said: “Whoever asks often for forgiveness, God will provide for him a way out of each concern he has, and will solve all his troubles, and will provide him with livelihood from sources that were not known to him.” (Ahmad)

Keep pushing and challenge yourself!

Graduates know the frustration of sending out countless applications and preparing hours and nights for potential job interviews, just to see a mountain full of rejections in your inbox.

There are days when you think that all of your efforts are not being appreciated or that no matter how hard you try; you will never achieve your goals. On days like this, you feel like throwing everything away and just doing something different.

Maybe today is one of those days or those moments! You have to stand firm and not allow temptation to overtake you, even if it seems easier to just stand still.

In situations like this, it seems that while you have already achieved a lot, your goal is so distant that you don’t want to go any further. However, you have to fight to achieve your goal.

“…And whosoever fears Allah…He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine.” (Quran 65:2-3)

Reflect back on your education. How many difficult situations have you gone through? Remember, the fact that you graduated or are about to graduate is due to your perseverance. Perseverance is a valuable ability students gain through failure in their education.

Don’t be afraid of rejection!

Setbacks are just there to learn from it. We all make mistakes. It is completely normal. I would say it is even healthy to make mistakes. You should never give in just because you’ve been wrong a few times … or maybe many times. Instead of being frustrated, you can look at the reasons for your failure and turn the tide. A mistake is always an opportunity for change

Change is always good. Without change, it wouldn’t be possible for us to move forward in life and cherish new moments.

Never despair in the mercy of Allah. Allah listens and responds to His servants. He is closer to you than your own blood vein. Allah will always respond to your efforts if you ask Him for help. After all, is there any better helper than Allah? Use the opportunity to get closer to Him. Never stop and always keep pushing forward. And always remember, that rejections are just part of the learning process.