The diary of a jobless youth

Very early in the morning I woke up knowing full well that I have no job, no money to meet up

 

and solve my needs. I set up my plans of where to go and how to find a job. It was a huge task

but I had  high hopes. I dust my certificate, my C.V and specially composed application letters.I  

I ironed my cloths, ate and head for the bathroom. Today is going to be my lucky day I think. 

After taking my bath I said a short prayer “Lord may your wish be done in my life” I left home 

with high hopes. I visited different establishments, companies. Going from one offices to 

another, checking my mail for my online applications. I called the people that promised to help 

me secure a job after my NYSC, they all had one excuse or the other to give. Some of them 

demanded what I can not afford. I went home feeling dejected. The scenario continued weeks, 

months, years, but to no avail. One night, I lied down unable to sleep, reflecting on my past

 years of struggle for academic success. The stress, the hunger I endured which almost took my 

life. I graduated and served my country. I always feel the sense of disappointment from my 

parents, siblings, friends, knowing full well that I have failed to meet up to their expectation. 

Most time I asked myself the aim of going to school?  If I can’t secure a good job after years of 

my struggles, isn’t that a wasted effort? I was faced with dilemma of what next to do.  I 

contemplated going into crime; will that be a good option? I ask myself. No, crime is a 

dangerous thing to do, but expectation and need must be met. Our law makers share billions of 

naira annually among themselves for doing what every educated Nigerian can do.  Passing of 

laws, sponsoring of bills which some of them may spend four years without sponsoring any bill. 

They receive fat allowances more than their salaries. The Nigerian legislators are the highest 

earning legislators in the world, while minimum salary is eighteen thousand naira for civil 

servants. The governors are not left out they receive billion annually as security votes. Meant for 

provision of security to their respective states which  many of them have converted the money 

for their personal use.  Creating employment opportunities for the youth is not their agenda. To 

pay workers’ salaries is now becoming an impossible task for the governors. To travel 

abroad seems a better option, but where is the money for the process and procurement of all the 

necessary requirement needed for the trip? I had a dream to get a job after my education, build a 

house, buy a car, get married, help my family and the society but all were wishes. When one has 

stayed for years without a job, all his hopes will be lost. For how long will my present situation 

last? The more I think about my situation the more I get depressed.  Guess what!!!! I grabbed 

my pillow tight as a means of comfort. It is time to sleep, I slept off, and that was just a wish.

If wishes were horse beggars might ride. 

The end

The diary of a jobless youth is written by Uche Osefoh who writes as a hobby.