We have all received that terrible email. It contains the words: “we regret to inform you”. Nobody likes getting that type of response and it can be disheartening. 

Today in decent work and economic growth, I speak to Workers day in South Africa which is annually observed on the 1st of May. For us to move forward as a country and a continent, we need to look at the rear view mirror. We need to acknowledge the challenges that were experienced by the people who came. before us. Historically, because of colonialism and apartheid, the worker has always been disadvantaged. During this time, there was a racial and socioeconomic class divide. This resulted in certain groups of people being treated differently from others because of their intersectional identities such as race and ethnicity, gender, citizenship, indigeneity, education level etc. 

As a young person myself, I understand the challenges experienced by young people. The plight of young people is even more challenging because even if they have a degree or any other qualification, they need to compete in a job market with stiff competition. According to De Witte, Rothmann and Jackson, this has the potential to cause “boredom, loneliness, uncertainty about the future, concerns about financial matters, emptiness and conflict”. As young people, there is still a need to build resilience and bravery that is required to occupy spaces that are not designed for us.

Our circumstances and experiences of unemployment will never be the same. We all come from different backgrounds and have diverse stories that have shaped the people that we are. We also do not share the same privileges in life and because we live in an unequal society, race, gender, age, ethnicity and other factors can impact our success in finding opportunities. There is also a need for empathy and understanding when coming across young people who are faced with these challenges because the truth is, we are all trying.

Addressing youth unemployment needs to be a community effort that requires compassion and understanding. There is this misconception that we need to help everyone in society and this is not always feasible and can lead to burnout. Offering support does not mean that you have to help everyone but the small acts of kindness and support can go a long way in helping a young person to reach their fullest potential. This can be through mentorship, helping someone develop their CV or being their source of encouragement amid rejection emails. The ability to take rejection is an acquired skill but for young people to get there, they need people who are on their side and understand their struggles.

We also need to avoid making suggestions to young people to start their businesses or create jobs. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone and to be fair, it is okay to want to work 5 days a week. Not everyone is equipped to run a business especially if they do not have the privilege of waiting for the business to grow. Young people also have responsibilities and in some cases, a job brings them closer to ensuring that their families are fed, the rent is paid and there is water and electricity at home. Do not get me wrong, youth entrepreneurship is good but if you are from a disadvantaged background and never saw your mother, father, aunts and uncles run a successful business, then you do not have anyone else around you to emulate or inspire you. Hence we need mentorship from public and private sector partnerships for accelerated skills development that will equip our youth to lead and not just be employees.

Some tips to help young people cope:

1. Rejection is part of life it makes us much better people. It refines us so that we have the right attitude when we get the things that we desire. Rejection is beautiful, own it, accept it and keep smiling until you get what you want. This practice is not always easy so take a break from searching especially if you were excited and already picturing yourself in that desired role or position.
2. Try by all means to watch how you talk to yourself when you get rejected during your job search. After reading a rejection email, you need to keep your head up and talk to yourself nicely. Also, make an effort to respond to rejection emails and ask for feedback especially if you went for an interview. This practice has the potential to set you up and prepare you on how to process criticism
3. Of course, different factors might make one anxious during their job search. Remember that historically because of slavery, colonialism and Apartheid, black or people of colour were previously disadvantaged and they could not access opportunities. Find ways to make your voice and opinions heard healthily and constructively through blogging, photography, poetry or any other creative outlet to express yourself and the injustices that you observe.

Remember to always be kind to yourself, establish strong boundaries and look after your wellbeing in this sensitive time of your life!