We all graduated and were full of expectations about what the next chapter of our lives would look like. For most graduates, the expectation is get a degree, get a well paying job, move out from home, buy a car, get married, get children and possibly own a home.
However, while few are lucky and blessed to have their dreams actualized, the reality for the majority of people is that life has a way of humbling you.
A tweep today sparked a conversation on Twitter about a recent graduate who said she could not take up a job paying less than Ksh. 70,000.
Someone from campus has just said she cant take up a job that pays less than 70k
Should I tell her?😣😣
— Akisa Wandera (@Akisawandera) November 15, 2018
While it’s good to be ambitious, the reality in Kenya is that very few people are privileged to leave campus and get a job let alone a good paying job.
Additionally, it is no secret that Kenyan employers value work experience when considering candidates for different jobs thus, fresh graduates are finding it hard to secure employment since all they have is their degree. Therefore, seventy thousand as a salary expectation for your first job is a bit of a stretch don’t you think?
Here’s what KOT think:
Woi hata usimwambie acha akae miezi mbili akose mpaka credit kwanza😂😂😂😂
— L.U.N.A.N.I.™🌻 (@_Lunani) November 15, 2018
I cant also do that with my masters
— KOT LOYAL (@Kot__Loyal) November 15, 2018
mwambie ata ya 7k ni hard to come by 😆
— Michira$$ (@mmichira) November 15, 2018
Sai anadai kazi bora,after few years atadai bora kazi😂😂😂
— Wafula (@Its_WNMichael) November 15, 2018
😂😂 just keep cool and watch how she will change and take 15k
— Mandela Onchwati (@mandelaonchwati) November 15, 2018
The truth of the matter is that life is hard out her for graduates. In fact one would be privileged to find an internship that pays them as most have had to work for free or even a stipend of about ten thousand Kenyan shillings.
If you’re in a high-demand career field, it will be easier to earn what you’re hoping for in your first salary. If not, there will be opportunities to increase your earning potential over time. Therefore if you are a recent graduate, it is important to prioritize gaining exposure than the salary you start off with.
However, think about your industry, the popularity of your industry, where the job is, and what company it is, what are other employees saying about their work conditions then you can be able to make a decision on whether or not you take the job.
The truth is, it is discouraging for most students who work so hard in campus only to come out to the world and find that there are no jobs and if there are, the salary is a raw deal.
Do you think the government should set a minimum wage for graduates?