Getting a job is hard, even if you have a university degree.
Many of my former science students are still searching for jobs. They have shared their sadness and frustrations with me.
It hurts more when you are not even interested in natural sciences.
You took the science degree because you trusted older people. Your science teachers, parents, and scientists online gave you the impression that you would get a job if you had a science degree.
Now, five years later, you realise that is not true — at least not for you.
Personal and Economic Worth
Struggling to land a job does not reflect your worth as a person. Separate your personal value as a human being from your labour value in the economy.
Your labour value is determined by:
- The skill sets demanded by the current market.
- The skill sets you offer.
Your skill sets may be strong. But if the current demand is weak, you still will not get that job.
It is not your fault. You could not have predicted the current market condition when you chose your degree years ago.
Taking Charge of the Situation
While the job market condition is not your fault, it is now your responsibility to adapt:
1. Find another market segment that matches your existing skill set
For instance, you may have good lab skills. But if many graduates share the same skills (higher supply), and few companies need them (lower demand), then you will find it harder to get a job in that specific market.
So, rethink your entire skill set.
Along with your primary lab skills, you may have secondary skills, for example, coding, writing, or science communication skills.
Lean towards those secondary skills. Seek job roles that prioritise those skills over your lab technical skills.
Think of areas closer to your degree (e.g., science journalism or private science tutoring.) or farther away (e.g., financial services, sports).
2. Find another skill set that matches the current market demand.
Another approach that I would try is messaging recruiters on LinkedIn.1There are techniques to do it appropriately. See Lee, C. (n.d.). How to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn (with message examples). LinkedIn. Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-reach-out-recruiters-linkedin-message-examples-lee/
Inform them who you are and what your skill set is. Be brief. Then ask them, what skills do their company need that you don’t have now?
Most of them will ignore you. You are nobody, and they have other priorities.
But some kind souls may reply, and that’s good enough.
You then pursue those skill sets they mention. That will increase your labour value. Enrol in courses that will equip you with the skills and certifications.
If you are completely broke, find free courses.
But if you have some cash given by your family or a temporary gig, don’t waste it on entertainment. Invest in hiring a coach or trainer. You will speed up your skill progression. You will get the return on that investment later in multiples.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this process, remember that rejection in the job market only reflects your role as an economic entity. It is not your intrinsic value as a person.
You can see this yourself: there are morally disgusting people out there who have a job doing things that harm others. Because they tap into immoral market segments.
Don’t do that. Don’t compromise on who you are.2It does not mean you have to be a morally perfect person. See Navigating Faith in Your 20s: Becoming a Less Bad Muslim.
Keep being a good person, and keep intelligently trying to earn an honest living.
Notes:
- 1There are techniques to do it appropriately. See Lee, C. (n.d.). How to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn (with message examples). LinkedIn. Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-reach-out-recruiters-linkedin-message-examples-lee/
- 2It does not mean you have to be a morally perfect person. See Navigating Faith in Your 20s: Becoming a Less Bad Muslim.