44 Comments

1. Tanya de Grunwald on March 21, 2012 at 11:53 am

   Here are the comments left by other Graduate Foggers in response to Rachel’s comment last night, which was left on an old post. Please leave all further messages to Rachel here, below this post. Thank you!

   londongrad86 wrote this:

   Hi Rachel,

   So sorry to hear about your situation. The UK is down in the gutter at the moment isn’t it? Maybe 2 years is a whole new level to my 11 months but I reached a point where I just didn’t care anymore. What I did was use my dole to keep sane. I used to keep a routine. I used to job hunt mon/weds, tuesday I used to go to pizza hut, and on friday I used to go indoor climbing. In between I used to go the library and read newspapers and keep up to date with stuff. I found this greatly helped me keep sane and resulted in some routine which was great!

   Now that I have got a job I am not happy as I don’t have the free time, nor do I really enjoy the job…there’s no winning! (stuck in data admin non grad job!).

   Anyhow, why don’t you do some voluntary work you genuinely love and which covers expenses? I ended up finding a voluntary maths tutoring job for a local charity. I still do this at weekends even though I’ve got a full time job now, just because I love it. .

   Remember, there’s more to life than work; try chill out and see the world in a bigger picture i.e. people starving in africa, being tortured and killed in syria etc etc. Compared to that we’re still living a dream. That’s what I did when I was in the dumps, and hope some of my advice helps you,

   cheers,

   Sarah wrote this:

   Hi Rachel. I’m so sorry to hear of your situation, I know exactly how it feels. I was unemployed for a long while after graduating, applying for hundreds of jobs every month and hearing nothing back. It might be that you need to widen the net as to which jobs you’re applying for, or even think about relocating somewhere else. You’ve certainly got some impressive qualifications, and I would think it very unlikely you’ll be in the same situation in a year’s time. When you’re unemployed, it feels like you’re going to be in the same situation forever but things do change and all you need is one opportunity.

   It’s unfortunate that the last job you went for, you were passed over for someone with a phd, but it doesn’t mean your qualifications or experiences count for any less. Most companies have an enormous amount of competition for posts at the moment, and they have to make the decision based on something. I usually got passed over in favour of people with more experience, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less capable. I do hope you find something soon — it won’t always be the case that you’ll be beaten by those with more: my housemate works for a law firm and he’s never even been to university. There will be a role out there for you, it’s just a matter of finding it.

   I wrote this:

   Hi Rachel

   Thanks for commenting on the site. First of all — you’re not alone! Lots of Foggers are struggling at the moment, for the same reasons as you. Please keep visiting the site and getting involved in the discussion. Job hunting can feel like a lonely business, but really there are loads of people out there who are in the same boat — you just can’t see them because they’re all in their bedrooms looking for work, like you. Thank heavens for the internet, which can build real communities like ours!

   It seems like you have some brilliant qualifications and experience — well done for getting those. I’m sure it wasn’t easy and those things ARE worthwhile. From what you say, I’m wondering several things… 1) where are you looking for jobs? I suspect it’s the same places that everyone else is looking, which is why you may not have had any luck yet. I think you could benefit from learning how to find opps that other people won’t know about 2) what sort of positions are you looking for — and should you broaden your search?

   If you email me your address via the Contact form I will send you a copy of the new book How to get a graduate job in a recession (free of charge) when it comes out in a couple of weeks. All I ask in return is that you go and visit your GP and tell him / her how you are feeling. I would expect them to refer you for some counselling, which will mean you’re in a clearer frame of mind before you re-start your job hunt. Do we have a deal? : )

   Tanya x

2. matthew on March 21, 2012 at 1:02 pm

   hi rachel
   my advice as a student who is going to leave uni in july 2012 is to try country like Auz and try and find work

3. Jonathon White on March 21, 2012 at 1:36 pm

   I second Tanya’s advice, if you really feel depressed go to see a GP right now!, so many people are afraid or embarrassed to admit it or talk openly, but i did when things got on top of me. I went to see a “psychological wellbeing practitioner”! (that’s what they like to call themselves now) It was good just to have a good old moan to her!

   It is hard, and the sense of failure can be crushing but it is important to talk to people about it don’t bottle it up, there is a lot of help out there (your GP can advise you), seriously don’t let it get to you like this. you just have to keep fighting, Honestly it could just take one application and everything could change!

   Just remember just are not alone, even though it may feel like you are sometimes.

   All the best

   Jon

4. Margret on March 21, 2012 at 2:00 pm

   Hey Rachel,

   I was feeling much in the same way after on 5 months looking and the best advice I got was to just get the hell out of the house. When you’re not working and you don’t have any other activities that involve interacting with other people, there is a real danger of closing yourself off from the world and living more and more inside your own head. (this advice comes via my own therapist) Once you’re living in your head, problems can get magnified to the point where they seem unmanageable. So my advice to you is to 1) talk this out with someone and 2) be sure to interact with the world as often as you can. Volunteer with any organization, just to keep yourself involved with the world. I bet the are tons of nonprofits that would love to have someone with your skills help out. Use the people you meet as resources in your job search. Good luck.

5. Kayla on March 21, 2012 at 2:24 pm

   Hi Rachel,

   I’m sorry to hear how you feel! It can be so hard feeling like no one wants you and you’ll be stuck this way forever! However, your qualifications sound really impressive, so don’t let that PhD person passing you over get you down! I second what someone said earlier about keeping a routine or just doing the things you enjoy (which I understand at this point might not be much, but it’s worth a try). I personally found that doing exercise helped me fill time with something meaningful as well as made me feel better about myself for getting fit. I don’t know if you get this, but for me the worst bit was the constant guilt because I felt like I should be applying for jobs nonstop and would feel wretched whenever I did something else. To combat this, it helps to either set yourself a target (eg. 5 applications per week) or a set time you do your applications, and once you’ve hit that target, just go do something else. You still deserve to have fun and relax even though you’re unemployed, so make sure you put in some time to do the things you like, maybe watch a movie. Or you can use your free time to learn a new language, do crafts or read up on a topic that interests you, whatever that may be.

   I really hope the tide turns for you soon and you start feeling better!

6. Craig on March 21, 2012 at 4:59 pm

   Dear Rachel,

   (Or, indeed, any of the many graduates in this same, horrible position)…

   I’ve been there too. It’s a horrible place to be. But here’s what I did, and it helped a lot:

   1) I noticed that the way I felt impacted on my physical health a LOT. To combat this, I dedicated a lot of my time and attention to losing weight, exercising, eating well and reading about fitness. Fortunately, this interested me. Perhaps you have something you want to improve or do? Learn a new language or skill? Use the time wisely and keep your mind off your problems. It helps.

   2) Keep active contact with your friends: This is of vital importance – and make a routine of it! Every Saturday I went to stay at a friends house overnight. We had a bottle of wine between us and some cheese (sounds ridiculous, I know, but it kept me going) and then watch silly films (Monty Python much?). Sometimes, when my friends weren’t available, I’d go and sit in a busy-ish pub with a newspaper or copy of the Economist. It kept me up to date with the world (and therefore commercially aware) and it kept me occupied and my mind off my plight. Although I was in the pub alone, quite simply being around people helped.

   3) I constantly search for jobs and improved my CV. I constantly re-worded and re-reviewed things. I read everything I could about getting a job, passing interviews, etc. I may not be getting them now, but one day I WILL and I had to be ready.

   4) Find a new hobby or passion: I took up writing restaurant reviews. But is there something you’ve always wanted to do, but not had time?

   5) Keep a diary.

   I have a friend who is in the same position as I was up until 6-months ago. As I’ve identified in him the symptoms that I had, I am constantly encouraging him to come out with us. We’ve set up a Wednesday meet to get him out the house. I invite him to social events. I help him when I can with CVs and Cover letters.

   Ultimately, the way I look at it is: You’ve got 40-45 years of employment in your life… You’re not going to be unemployed forever, it’s *got* to happen at some point.

   As the saying goes: This too shall pass.

   Kindest regards,
   C.

7. redheadfashionista on March 21, 2012 at 5:09 pm

   Sad, sad times Rachel. I have a fair few family friends who work in law – I’ll do some asking and see if they can offer help and advice.

8. Betty on March 21, 2012 at 5:48 pm

   Hi Rachel,

   I have definitely felt the brunt of it too. I have a BA (for which I got a 2:1) and an MA (Distinction) and I am still working in an admin job after 5 years of searching for a ‘graduate role’.

   I really think you should speak to your doctor, seek a therapist and tell your friends and family. You are not alone in this, it is not your fault and you should not have to feel so lonely. Please, please, please seek help, there are people out there who can help you and who definitely care, even if you feel that the government doesn’t. My personal experience with therapy has transformed my life and I was in such a dark place I had no option but I’m so glad I looked for avenues through the pain.

   Aside from that, I would say

   Indulge your hobby. I started a blog, I take photos, write about things I love to do, it has led to meeting people, talking to more people online, it gets me out of the house and gives me a sense of purpose

   Look after yourself – for me that’s running, eating well, spending time with friends and family, watching rubbish films, enjoying eggs and coffee on a saturday – anything, it’s the little things in life!

   Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. Anything where you have a sense of purpose, it gets you out of the house, it allows you to meet new people. If it’s related to your chosen degree, so much the better. If not, make sure it’s something you really enjoy.

   I hope you can post on here again and feel that you have some support.

   Betty

9. Marcus on March 21, 2012 at 6:04 pm

   Hi Rachel,

   One thing that I would recommend is to give yourself a break from applying to jobs and take some time to reflect on the things that can be appreciated for free in life. There are options such as WorkAway.org where you can see a new place and escape from the stress of applying for a job for a while or it may even be the company of friends or going on a walk.

   One quite extreme thing to try that I tried and would strongly recommend is a 10 day silent meditation retreat called Vipassana. It was completely free and gave me 10 days to reflect on the fact that whatever situation you may be in you can still choose mentally how it will affect you.

   I know this advice doesn’t help with getting a job but the more important thing is your mental state and you should focus for now on being happy regardless of whether or not you are employed.

   Marcus

10. lawgrad on March 21, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Hi Rachel. I too studied law did an internship and pro bono work as well only to be unemployed for 6 months after graduating. I just want to say YOU are worth it. Please don’t stop believing in yourself. I know how hard it is waking up everyday faced with the same situation but please try and look on the positive side.

    Aside from the obvious of seeing your dr have you tried volunteering at your local citizens advice bureau or developing another interest? I know what its like to be in a group of friends were everyone seems to be working and moving forward and feeling like bad for not working.

    Please know you are not alone and that we are all here for you!

11. Rachel on March 21, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Hi guys,

    Thanks for your kind words of encouragement, I am extremely gratefulfor your messages of support at this very difficult time. All of suggestions have been extrmely helpful, Iam definitely going to go and see my Doctor,to try and get my mind sorted. I will be updating with any developements.

    Thanks do much 🙂

12. Lisa on March 22, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Hi Rachel,

    I don’t know if you have come across this before, but another way of keeping your mind active and even a great example to put on your interests/hobbies on your CV is doing a few free online courses, http://www.open.edu/openlearn/about-openlearn/try ! There are a few law courses, so just something to do to keep you occupied and refreshing your law knowledge. I’m not sure if you know about other volunteering opportunities you could do even if you found some part time work is volunteering for your local Law Centre. They usually only require you to go one day a week and try and find any Legal Advice centres who might run evening sessions for the local community so even if you found a full time 9 to 5 job you could do this alongside.

    Hope this helps too 🙂

    Good luck!!!!!!

    Lisa xx

13. Sara on March 23, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    Dear Rachel,

    I am really sorry to hear about your situation. I too have two degrees and no job 🙁 I am currently living of my (meagre) savings, when those run out I will have to move back to my parents. I have only been unemployed for a short while, but I recognise some of your feelings. It looks like you are planning to get some help from a medical professional – I think this is a really good idea, and everyone will understand you feel the way you do. My personal bit of advice would be to try and keep a routine, and one that involves getting out of the house. I personally find that going to a library and hunting for jobs from there works really well – most universities have arrangements for non-students to access their libraries, and otherwise almost every town has a regular library. If most of your friends are students you may know someone who regularly studies in a library and could team up with them. Libraries also have the resources for you to keep up to date with developments in your field and often provide newspapers so you can keep up with current affairs (although with an internet connection that might not be as important). I also find being organised helps – I have a spreadsheet listing the job openings I have found, their deadlines and when I have applied for them. Geeky, for sure, but it helps me feel on top of things. And remember, you are not alone, and no one will blame you for the situation you’re in (try to ignore negative stories about the (graduate) unemployed in the papers, they were written by people with jobs!). Good luck!!!
    Sara

14. Sara on March 23, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Btw, Lisa, thank you so much for that link, it’s great!

15. Lisa on March 27, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    Yeah, I thought it was pretty good and you don’t even have to do just the Law ones, there’s some other interesting courses! It also allows you to print out a record of what you do 🙂

    And don’t fret either, I am also a law grad who hasn’t been able to find not even some form of work legally related and I graduated in 2010 (I know plenty of law grads struggling)! Just think, whatever happens, it is still a great course to have under your belt.

16. Lawgraduate22 on March 31, 2012 at 4:39 pm

    Dear Rachel, I am in an IDENTICAL position to you. 13 GCSES, 3 Alevels and a Law degree from a good university.

    At the moment I’m looking at legal jobs with minimum wage-low salaries (about 11K-14k a year) and even these seem ridiculously competitive (“I’m sorry, but we need someone with at least two years experience”). When you have minimum wage jobs “requiring” a law degree AND experience, well it really is a messed up situation.

    Whilst I’m in no way a salary snob and am more than happy to work in a shop (have done since graduating but was only kept temporarily) it makes you feel worthless that you aren’t even worth minimum wage. All this talk of “average graduate starting salaries” isn’t helpful. I believe I heard it quoted at £26k not to long ago., where on earth do these figures come from?! I myself doubt I’ll be earning that in the next five years. At the moment I’m resigned to £6k a year through part time work if I’m lucky or the dole.

    And unpaid internships and voluntary positions are now equally competitive, rejections from these are an absolutely horrible blow; it very easy to let it get to you and take it personally. I’m guilty of doing that.

    Having suffered from depression for years I can empathise, the job issue in no way helps. I think the one consolation you have to take in all this is that you aren’t alone. The job market is terrible, particularly for people are age. Likewise support and help for graduates is often lacking. Don’t blame yourself for some crappy government decisions over the years. You just have to keep positive and know that someday the situation will improve.

    I don’t want to be totally doom and gloom so heres a few helpers:
    -see your GP
    -Create a support network (close friends and family)
    -start meditating (its not as “new-age” as it sounds, it truly works)
    -Just keep at it with the job hunting, even if it seems hopeless you only need one employer to bite.
    And most importantly:
    -Look after yourself, eat well, exercise and don’t be afraid to treat yourself. You are worth it.

17. rknowsit on April 2, 2012 at 11:20 pm

    I know (somewhat) how Rachel is feeling as I’m in a very similar situation being unable to find a job in law. The legal sector is probably one of the most competitive in this country. Try and do something else to get your mind off of it. Read a book, learn to program,whatever. I hope you feel better and get a job.

18. Rachel on April 3, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    Hi Guys,

    I havent responded earlier because I have ill with a chest infection…. Anyway I have taken all of your kind words and advice, and have decided to book a one month trip away, I will be going to the Phillipines for two weeks then on to Sydney; I was scared to book a trip away because I felt like had to keep on trying to get a job, but I am going to put the jobsearch on hold for a while and just try and enjoy myself, and try to remember that not having a job doesnt make me a failure ( which I often feel. Thanks again

19. Tom on May 10, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    I have a degree in english and a postgraduate certificate in library studies and a uk driving licence and won’t even consider a phd as the fees are ludicrous. I do want an Open University Master’s Degree in English and would love to get my foot in the door as regards an opportunity, an opportunity which I think I’m more than equal to. I gave up with my original choice of career, that being library as I realised that unless I had HRH infront of my name I wouldn’t get anywhere. I’m broadening my job search and at least I have admin volunteering to look forward to.

20. Craig on May 10, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    @Tom
    What about grants and scholarships?
    Last time I looked into PhD prices, they looked pretty reasonable (about £1500 a year)… Has something changed?

21. Sarah on May 10, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    “Last time I looked into PhD prices, they looked pretty reasonable (about £1500 a year)… Has something changed?”

    Perhaps that is a reasonable rate but it’s certainly not doable if you don’t have a job!!

22. Craig on May 10, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    Of course it is. There’s loads of scholarships and grants available, especially in STEM subjects, but there are some available in social science and humanities.

23. Sarah on May 11, 2012 at 8:24 am

    @Craig

    You said £1500 is a reasonable amount – which it may well be, but not for a graduate with no job. Grants and scholarships are by no means sure things, most of them don’t cover the full cost of the course including day-to-day living costs, and the competition for them is huge.

24. Some_Guy on May 15, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    http://www.employmentmag.com/job-search/10-cognitive-distortions-to-strictly-avoid-in-your-job-search/

25. Lauren (@laurenpowell89_) on June 22, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Dear Rachel,

    I am so sorry to hear how you are feeling – the important thing is to remember that you are not alone. Look back at all the comments you’ve had and people relating with you.

    It might be of comfort to you to look up afteruni.com: a website I created for students and graduates to go to share experiences and seek reassurance. We have a ‘graduate friday’ interview most fridays (where we rely on people to be brave and share their story), which is organised into 1 year + (after graduating) 3 years + and 5 years +. I started this up because after graduating last year I was constantly seeking solace in others stories, but couldn’t find stories in one place, under one web address. Although this is still just ‘finding it’s feet’ (I started it 4 months ago) I hope it to eventually feel like a ‘home’ for graduates to come to in the ‘in between’, for graduates to share their stories openly, without feeling ashamed.

    I’ll leave you with this, written by graduate and actor/writer Adam:

    ‘Firstly, remember, we’re all in the same boat…I know it’s still depressing but you’re not alone in this. It is a particularly stressful and tense time in this country at present and the jobs aren’t there, they just aren’t. Build up and write a decent CV, go for jobs that either: you like, can tolerate, pay enough to foot the bills and your food allowance, or (if you’re lucky enough) you are skilled in or fall within the type of job you want to do full time. Don’t be scared to ask for help or support, there are many places and people that you can turn to. Interviews are very hard to get hold of so apply everywhere and keep doing so every week; be prepared, punctual, talk passionately, look smart, make your mark. These may seem simple things, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook them. Watch out when working for free too — it’s OK sometimes but don’t get exploited. You must have the enthusiasm, the work ethic, and the ambition to succeed, especially if it’s a dream job — do everything you can to get it! From internships and apprenticeships to specialist courses and training, try and make yourself as impressive a candidate you can. Beware: it may take a very long time — make sure you can support yourself financially but if you want it enough and have the skills and right attitude, it will come to you’.

    He graduated in 2009. Hope it helps. Remember, we’re in this together. X

26. Caitlyn on August 17, 2012 at 10:44 pm

    As someone who’s experienced suicidal feelings and serious depression for almost 6 years I need to point out that going to your GP doesn’t always get you very far. Of course anyone who is experiencing continued low mood or anxiety should consult their GP but a lot of GPs are inexperienced in mental illness. Unless you’re psychotic or self-harming it’s not unusual to be totally dismissed with lines like: “set a routine” “do more exercise” etc. It took my second visit several months after my first (which itself was several months after my symptoms had got bad) to be prescribed medication and referred for therapy. The waiting time for therapy was almost two years! The medication didn’t help, my Dr was reluctant to try different ones and my family ended up spending a couple of thousand pounds on a psychiatrist who managed to get me on a drug that actually made a significant difference. Only 1% of people with depression get to see an NHS psychiatrist and 6% a psychologist. Most are treated by GPs, many of whom have never done a placement in a mental health setting. Different areas vary in the efficiency of services but there is massive underfunding in the mental health service and that’s a separate scandal. My advice is to exercise, eat well, take 1000mg epa fish oil a day, talk to family/friends, make time for things you enjoy and try cognitive based mindfulness therapy, yoga, learn new things, meet new people, go to places of natural beauty (a park will do.) It’s really hard but you can get better if you put the effort in-other people can help but you have to use any strength you have left to help yourself.

27. Richard on August 18, 2012 at 2:11 am

    Admittedly I don’t know a lot about law, but to become a barrister/lawyer I think you need to make connections to get onto the final parts of the course (Pupillage?). I have a family member who is a barrister and this is what happened.

    With regards to how you’re feeling, definitely see your GP who can arrange informal therapy. When you’ve seen them once you don’t have to go back onto a long waiting list.

    Hope this helps a bit.

28. Richard on August 28, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    I thought the following links may be useful. I searched for them at random but it shows the career progression of some law students:

    http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/jason-merritt/18/670/627
    http://uk.linkedin.com/in/rckelly?trk=pub-pbmap

29. Zoe on November 7, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    Dear Rachel,

    I completely empathise. I have been interning (unpaid) at a fantastic regional art gallery as a Marketing & Communications Assistant for almost 10 months now. It was a completely untapped field to me, but I have learnt so much and garnered an exemplary reference. It has helped somewhat, I mean, at least I’m getting interviews now, but still that elusive job evades me. I always seem to miss out to someone better or with more experience – possibly somebody who has been working for free for longer than me in which case they deserve it – but it is waring me down. I too feel lethargic, as if I’m wasting away, and yes, I’ll admit sometimes suicidal.

    I also work an extra 16 hours a week part time to supplement the unpaid work that I do which is starting to take it’s toll on my sleeping habits, as often I feel that I’m sat at my laptop applying for jobs or serving pints when really I’ve just been in bed tossing and turning all night having an active dream. It is a little amusing albeit worrying. All in all I must do a 60 hour week of work (internship + part time bar job) with the rest of my free time occupied by applying for jobs. Insane, right? I don’t know how I do it.

    Anyway, thanks for all of the suggestions on here; you all sound very wise.

    Thanks again.

30. bob on November 7, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Lower your sights?

31. Rachel on November 20, 2012 at 3:31 am

    Hi guys,

    I am sorry I have been MIA for a while; So much has happened in the last couple of months. During my travels I met my husband, and we got married, last month. I have also now found a job, I am now working in Singapore as a Business Development Manager, a job which I luckily stumbled on, during my travels, I have been here a month now and I am absolutely loving it. I now have my confidence back, and now realize that not finding a job is not necessarily a reflection on myself or my ability. I was extremely lucky in getting this job, through a chance meeting with the one of the founders, its nice to wake up in the morning and have a purpose and responsibility. Having said that there is more to life than a job, that’s something which I realize now. I think the best thing decision I made was taking a break from job applications, it can literally drive you crazy, with the constant stream of rejections.

    Thanks again to all those who offered kind words of support and advice.

32. Caitlyn on November 29, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    Great to hear you are now doing well Rachel.

33. Rodney on December 14, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    I can relate. Excellent degree, and no luck with jobs because of trivial issues. I’d rather kill myself than than work in a non-graduate role. I did not work this hard for no reason.

34. CD on December 14, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    Rodney, even if you’re in a non-graduate job… what really is the problem? Look at it this way, a graduate will be in a non-graduate job is a few years worst-case scenario until the market smooths out. You’ve gotta glean the most experience out of what’s on offer right now in order to put yourself in the best possible position – and part of that is showing the resiliance to stay strong considering present labour market circumstances yet still show the determination towards your chosen career.

    A degree used to do that automatically – but now it does not, and as graduates we have to adapt.

    Right now, 40% of graduates are in non-graduate jobs (http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/news/forty-percent-of-grads-in-non-grad-jobs,-says-report/)

    Four out of ten is by no stretch of statistical language “uncommon”. A lot of us are in that situation and unlike the coalition’s insincere “we’re in this together” rhetoric, as graduates we really *are* in this together and the best we can do right now is to work what we can, take everything we can, refuse unfair labour market conditions (vis-a-vis unpaid internships), and, in time, prosper. Most importantly? Don’t become everything that we stand against right now.

    When you’re in the position to recruit, don’t let the treatment of jaded employers who feel “Well I served my time, so, so should today’s grads” alter your feelings of fairness and ethics.

35. Caitlyn on December 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    Sorry Rodney but that’s a ridiculous thing to say. I’ve been suicidal before and whilst some of it was related to unemployment I didn’t limit myself to only graduate roles! I’m not saying you should do ANY job but you should certainly expand your horizons and open your mind. If you go through life wanting to kill yourself every time things don’t work out exactly how you want you’ll be very unhappy or dead. If you are so fixed in your thinking you can’t accept this you need to seek psychological help.

36. Tanya de Grunwald on January 28, 2014 at 12:18 am

    Hi all

    I’ve just discovered an organisation called Young Minds UK, who have a brilliant website with loads of info about where to go for help if you’re struggling.

    This is a good link for depression: http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/whats_worrying_you/depression

    This is a good one for if you’re looking for support with austism or Asperger’s:
    http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/whats_worrying_you/autism_aspergers

    This is good for anxiety:
    http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/whats_worrying_you/anxiety

    And this is the general page for all sorts off issues, it’s just called ‘What’s worrying you?’
    http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/whats_worrying_you

37. Desmond Wakehurst on April 10, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    What most graduates don’t realize, is that unless you’ve graduated from a an upper class University such as Oxford or Cambridge, you’re just another statistic to employers.

    Standard Universities across the United Kingdom are of the same standard as academies, the qualifications on offer are only worth a tenth of what private schools, and Universities as mentioned above offer.

    This ambition is very popular among employers in this country, and unless you’ve graduated from an elite University, don’t put a degree on you’re CV.

    Job Centre Plus staff have warned job hunters that their degrees will only act as a barrier in terms of securing employment.

    As for this Rachel character, we are seeing more and more of people like this in modern times.

    The problem with people like Rachael is, they have been spoiled by mummy and daddy all their lives, and when things don’t go their way as in Rachael’s case of long term unemployment, they throw their toys out of the pram.

    People like Rachael have no right to a high flying career or job unless (1) they have worked extremely hard for it, (2) have the right attitude,

    “and that’s not the attitude of a spoiled bratt as in Rachael’s case.” enthusiasm,meet the needs of an employment, most of all stand out from the rest of the crowd.

    Mummy and Daddy never wrapped their arms around myself when times were hard, instead I had to give 110% to succeed in life.

    Depression is just an excuse for people like Rachael to hide behind, knowing full well their just failures of the highest magnitude.

    Like it or lump it, degree or no degree, employment is only rewarded for people who meet all the requirements.

    Desmond.

38. tom on April 10, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    Desmond

    Don’t be such an ignoramus.

39. Tanya de Grunwald on April 10, 2014 at 11:02 pm

    @Desmond

    Oh dear, I think Graduate Fog might not be the site for you! While you are of course free to disagree with anything you see on Graduate Fog, I must ask you to do so with respect and kindness in future.

40. rachel on April 6, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    @Desmond,

    First of all whilst I did not graduate from Oxford or Cambridge; I graduated from a very good university which is top ten in the UK; and I know of many people who have attended what you will call lower tier Universities and still have managed to secure a job.

    Secondly, I am by no means a spoil brat. I was fostered as a child then returned to a single parent family, and despite much adversity I managed to gain excellent Alevels, and go to a very good university. What makes you think I do not deserve a job ? or have not worked hard enough to get it. Lets face it; there is a certain element of luck in finding work; many people often meet the criteria, and are left at the mercy of unscrupulous recruiters. I once attended an interview in a big city firm, and the partner suggested I should become a model instead … You having a job does not make you better than me, or more of a hard worker; thankfully I have now realized this and I am in a much better place.

    Finally depression is a very real and debilitating illness; which affects many people; it is not an excuse for anything.

41. Richard on April 6, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Hmm, I know another person who got a graduate job in Singapore. Perhaps it is time to look over there instead of the UK.

42. Rachel on April 6, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    I was lucky to be honest.. back in the UK now though.

43. Tanya de Grunwald on April 22, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    COMMENTS ON THIS POST ARE NOW CLOSED

    For advice, please visit this page:

    Graduates with jobs – what advice do you have for those still hunting?

44. Tanya de Grunwald on August 2, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    Hi all

    Thought you might like to know we’ve just published a super-useful new article: How to get a graduate job at Allen & Overy
    Here is the link: http://bit.ly/2aehCo4

    (And yes, someone from A&O actually talks you through what they’re looking for!)