Thread by @HildaMuteshi

I want to speak as a Kenyan youth.
1. There is what you want and feel you are entitled to
2. There is a reality that you need to face every day
Below are realities in Kenya

In Kenya, I graduated when my elder brother was still looking for a job, so I knew there were no jobs, lower your expectations while at the university, I don't mean aim lower

In Kenya, it's good to have a dream career, but if you are poor, you study what is available and what your parents can afford or what what government sponsors you to do

In Kenya, when you graduate with that degree that you never wanted, don't expect to get a job in that field, you will be lucky if you get any job

From experience, most people study a course without knowing the reality in Kenya. Eg BSc. the level of manufacturing is low, we are no longer designing chemical formulas

In Kenya, when you step out here, forget about what you studied for a moment. Get any opportunity that can help you meet new people, give you a work environment, open up your mind

I don't mean to support the government. Yes it has failed. But your life must go on. The more you complain, the more you become bitter in life, unproductive, unfocused

It's sad, I still know of people who we graduated together, its now 10yrs of waiting for the job they studied for. You can as well sit down and complain or do something else

You may wonder why I encourage you to do any job
1. You need money to print your Cv and make applications and attend interviews, that's what any job does for you

2. You need money to sustain yourself in the city, you need money to network with friends, working class as you look for your dream job that's why you should take any job for a start

I don't mean you forget your dream, career, but if it is not working, you can dream another dream that works, it's not giving up, it's realizing you have more options in life

Instead of looking for the job I want, I decided to be happy with the job I get, I would study how it is done, and do it well. That's an attitude that will take you places

When given an opportunity to work, you should never care how much it pays, it's an opportunity to learn, network, build your experience. You can as well volunteer to do some things

If you are a fresh graduate, avoid having a stand on how much you want to be paid, employers don't know how much you can deliver, they may as well lose their money.
Avoid money discussion at your level

When you get a job for a start and is not your dream job. Think very fast. Either quit within one year and find what you love, or love it forever. You can't afford to be bitter in life for 5-10yrs OR forever

The most important thing is your happiness and productivity at work place. A bad boss is not an excuse for career stagnation, or bitterness, define your path and rise above office politics

You don't need 20yrs work experience, you need few years of consistency, determination to learn and the right attitude to be competitive in the job market.

Define your path and be consistent, what do you want to become
1. Academician
2. Educated practitioners,
3. Business, I avoid "entrepreneurs"
4. Employee
You can't be moving from one path to another all the time

@threadreaderapp