Survival Techniques All Unemployed Graduates Know Too Well

For most people, college is a gateway to a brighter future. Education is supposed to increase a person’s lifelong earning potential. Therefore, many parents and students take out expensive loans to get fancy college degrees. Then, upon graduation, they find out that most of the story has been a lie. Not all college graduates are lucky enough to find jobs soon after graduation. During those times, life can be grim and depressing. Here is a list of some of the survival techniques all unemployed or underemployed college graduates must resort to:

Slaving Away at Unpaid Internships

Only the lucky ones land proper jobs upon graduation. Most end up at unpaid internships. Though these are internships, a graduate could be working at the office 8 to 10 hours per day, and even on weekends. Basically, it’s slavery in the hopes of a good recommendation letter, job experience or, better yet, a job offer. If you can survive an unpaid internship, your job prospects into the future will certainly be brighter.

Freelancing

Those who cannot find a job that fits their qualifications often end up freelancing. That is, doing menial creative work for a pittance online. Some end up going on to establish fully-fledged businesses out of small-time freelancing. Others hope to earn some money to survive until they find full-time employment.

Crashing with Friends

If you are an unemployed college graduate, that means you are two steps away from becoming homeless. Affording rent is next to impossible for those without a steady job. So, most unemployed college graduates end up crashing with friends or family nearby while hunting for a job. Some may even take up residence at shelters.

Going Back Home

Some have no choice but to go back home. Living expenses can become too unbearable in cities for graduates without an income. Therefore, for some, the best option is to go back home and rethink everything. Some graduates find jobs in their hometown. Others might apply for jobs from home. A number of graduates also end up borrowing more money for extra qualifications to become more employable.

Begging for Money

Obviously, many will have to resort to financial donations to survive. Most people borrow money from parents to cover rent and other expenses while they hunt for a job in the city. Some people end up begging for money from other family and friends. Enterprising grads might even crowdsource their funds online.

Looking for a Financial Sponsor

If there’s no one to beg for money from, certain undergrads turn to “financial sponsors”. That’s a fancy term for a sugar daddy. There have been a number of high-profile reports of unemployed college grads resorting to prostitution to cover living expenses. It’s not a crime after all.

Selling Old Things

If someone is truly desperate, there’s one last resort of obtaining money: selling or auctioning off valuables. Items passed down from grandparents, gifted jewelry, old books, and similar items can fetch good money online.

Like the Rolling Stones once sang, you can’t always get what you want. If you are a recent college graduate, that thing is a solid job, unfortunately.