According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate was 63,9% for those aged 15-24 and 42,1% for those aged 25-34 years.
Although the graduate unemployment rates are significantly lower, the figures show that a university degree does not guarantee a job. The unemployment rate among graduates aged 15-24 was close to 33%, and among those between 25 and 34 years, just more than 22% in the first quarter of 2022.
Why is it possible for some young people to find their feet in the labour market while others struggle to do so? Of course, we know that this is a complex issue and there are many external factors contributing to this. However, we often forget about one of the most important factors that leads to success: the resilience of the jobseeker.
In the engineering world, resilience refers to the ability of an object, or structure, to spring back into shape after it was exposed to a severe force or pressure. Other terms associated with resilience are elasticity, flexibility, pliability, plasticity, and adaptability. In human terms, resilience refers to the ability of a person to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going even when facing difficult circumstances. To survive in a country with a high level of unemployment, resilience is probably one of the most important skills for anyone to possess.
The characteristics of a resilient person remind us of Aesop’s fable of the neighbouring willow and oak trees. Amid a raging storm, the mighty and solid Oak collapsed, as it was rigid and inflexible. On the other hand, the Willow survived owing to its ability to be flexible and adaptable to weather storms.
How can we as humans cultivate such a willow-like character? Although researchers have made strong links between resilience, genetic and biological factors, the good news is that we can also learn to be more resilient! Here are a few ideas:
- Work on your level of self-awareness. If you have a good understanding of your strengths and development areas, you will be able to use or develop them to help you cope with stressors and problems in any area of your life.
- Believe in your own abilities. When things get almost too difficult, remind yourself that you can do hard things.
- Relationships are excellent plant food for resilience. When things are tough, don’t rely on your own strength, but rather seek support from your friends, family, and colleagues.
- Rather look at the glass as being half full, than half empty. Try to get a different, more optimistic perspective on a challenging situation.
- Always remember that every problem in life has a solution. Don’t give up if you do not find an immediate solution.
