From order to chaos—that's how I see my life post-graduation. The dream of earning my degree, which fueled my journey through academia, seemed like an escape from obligations and a ticket to a promising job market.
Little did I know that I was stepping into a vortex of endless conflicts and a perpetual sense of guilt, as each hour slipped by without gaining the knowledge or experience crucial for the expansive job market, where I constantly searched for my place.
Where do we begin? This question plagues us all. When should we start accumulating experiences? Can working in a clothing store truly help me gather the skills needed for a career in accounting and eventually land my dream job? Even the work at the clothing store demanded 12-hour shifts, with half my earnings spent on breakfast and transportation.
Determined not to surrender, I sought employment in companies. Upon finding a vacancy, I submitted my resume and was swiftly accepted. During the interview, however, the salary was capped at a mere 2,000 EGP.
I was stunned! I realized my wages would barely cover transportation and breakfast expenses. To make matters worse, these companies required formal attire, consuming nearly three-quarters of my salary, and expected an eight-hour workday.
Despite my ideals, should I accept such a paltry salary?
I opposed the exploitation of individuals through inadequate wages. Nevertheless, I decided to give the job a try. On my first day, I realized the extent of time wasted—an hour and a half in traffic, compounded by the long walk due to the lack of bus access.
If I had volunteered for this position, I might have enjoyed the journey, the workday, the suit, and the company.
This scenario is not unique. According to the 2024 census by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, around 21.1 million young people, aged 18 to 29, make up 19.9% of the population. Among these, 51.9% are males and 48.1% females. In 2022, public and private universities produced 543.6 thousand graduates, with 43.1% males and 56.9% females. The 2023 labor force survey revealed that 39.9% of youth contributed to the labor force, with 81.7% males and 18.3% females, and 24.6% were higher education graduates.
In 2023, the Central Agency's statistics indicated a 16.4% unemployment rate among the youth, with males at 10.9% and females at 41.1%. The Egyptian Ministry of Labor set the minimum wage at 6,000 EGP per month.
Why weren't we warned about the harsh realities of post-graduation life?
I recall family gatherings during Eid, where elders recounted their job experiences. The past seemed vastly different. Employees with diplomas, not university degrees or ten years of experience from another planet, would return home at 2 PM, watermelon in hand—a simple joy that's rare for today's employees.
They lacked a "Blue Ocean" strategy. These concepts from the book "Blue Ocean Strategy" by Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne describe fierce labor market competition. In the blue ocean, a worker's unique skills set them apart; in the red ocean, they drown in competition. With advancements, job requirements now demand university degrees and experience from birth. I never imagined that inflation would also affect job prospects.
As the Egyptian proverb goes, "He who gets burned by the soup blows on the yogurt” i.e. Once bitten, twice shy. How will my children prepare for the "Blue Ocean" challenge? I'll start training my son on his first day of first grade to envision his career goals five years ahead. He will learn computer programs, report writing, and data analysis to enter the job market ready to navigate the blue ocean seamlessly.
