Good afternoon, everyone.
I’m writing tthis due to two reasons. There’s a thread on FP where someone’s said sometimes he almost regretted going to school. I’ll post the link to that thread later. Also, a few days ago, maybe even over a week ago, a friend of mine sent me a text message as early as 6 am, complaining how joblessness has been frustrating him. In the message, he claimed he was about to go into depression and that I should advise him.
My friend and I have come all the way through the same secondary school back in Lagos. He later went to read Marine Engineering from UST, Port Harcourt, the same city where I now work. I called and spoke at length with him. He saw my points. And it’s some o these points I’m now sharing here.
A wrong Reason For Going To school!
A vast majority of us believe that the sole aim for going to acquire a degree or some other higher qualifications is to secure a job. That’s a terrible mindset! It’s the most inappropriate reason for undertaking a challenging process like getting a degree. I used to think that way too. But I was fortunate to have read Rich Dad, Poor Dad and other inspirational books during my ND days. From those books it became clear I was in school to reduce my ignorance and to increase my capacity for usefulness.
When you have a wrong mindset like this, you set up yourself for frustration when the job doesn’t come at the right time. It creates tension, envy, depression and may even lead to a suicide. But when you have the right mindset, it prepares you for the challenges ahead, and may force you into doing or learning other skills that may prove invaluable in the future. We didn’t go to school for the sole purpose of getting a job. It was a mindset sold us by the society and our parents, but we have to change it. NOW!
The World Doesn’t Owe You A Job!
This was the second point I discussed with my friend. My dad told me how jobs were waited for them even before they finished school. That time don pass! A few top politician may achieve that for their fortunate kids, but the vast majority of us knew before hand that that won’t be our case. With that belief, we have set up ourselves for unnecessary tension and frustration. The world doesn’t owe you a job. The system doesn’t owe you a job. You’ve got to go and fight for your place. You’ve got to hustle and create a niche for yourself.
Your Degree Isn’t A Guarantee For Success!
We need to change our mindset about a lot of things. I never doubted the fact I was going to secure a job after my higher Institution but I also knew my certificate isn’t necessarily a guarantee for a job. In fact, I had gone to Lagos hustling with my fishing boat and wood engine boat when I got a letter for my aptitude test. I was still reading and making the necessary contacts as I was paddling my canoe. My hatred for poverty and lack was so great I wasn’t even willing to narrow down my success to a paper- a degree/certificate. People saw me as I took my engine and boat to hustle opposite the Nigeria Ports Authority in Lagos, moving passengers from the villages to Apapa township. I didn’t bother. I knew it was temporary. But in between when I would secure that dream job, I couldn’t ask my parents for money. They’ve done their best.
I was always prepared for any aptitude test. I had a lot of past oil and gas questions and answers. I never failed to browse relevant sites. I was able to pass the aptitude test, the oral interview and landed the proverbial dream job. I give Him all the glory.
To all those believing Him for a great job, do not pass this moment complaining and whining; they will only lead to chaos and disaster. Look for something SMALL to do. Start small little. Just do something.
There’s no free meal anywhere anymore. Don’t let that degree prevent you from taking up that cleaning job. Don’t let it stop you from taking that security job. It’s all a process. Don’t let your degree stand in your way. Your degree is supposed to give you a PLATFORM from which you could shoot into any angle and area. Why allow it to become a hindrance to you? Opportunities abound; open your eyes.
Till date I keep learning new skills. There’s NO job security anywhere. I’m always conscious of the future. I’m not relenting. I’m not carried away by the little pleasure of the moment. I’ve got TOMORROW in view.
Change your mindset, and you’ve changed your life.
The world owes you NOTHING! Forthwith, get busy and believe God for that mega paying job.
Wishing you all a successful career. Thank you!
Lalasticlala, please move this message to the appropriate quarters!
