Experience vs Opportunity

Are you currently doing what you dreamed of doing your whole life? Are you the princess you pretended to be all those years ago? Are you the fireman- saving the damsels in high, burning towers- that you would dream of as a youngster? No? Well, don't feel so disappointed, as many of us haven't become what our childhood dreams made us believe we would be one day. Let's face it, things were a whole lot easier back then. Back then, you could walk around with a paper cone on your head, and get away with calling it a "crown". Back then you could pretend to be anything from a mother or a teacher to being a fairy or a robot.

Nowadays, pretending is not viable as a career. When you "grow up" and have to face the "big, bad world" pretending to be something won't cut it. Finding the prince nowadays is not as easy as it might be in childhood stories. And even though Kate Middleton managed to charm her Prince William, she's quite a rare exception.

The rate of unemployment in South Africa has been on a steady incline for the past two years. According to the IndexMundi since 2008 the unemployment rate has risen over 13%. Its scary to see such stats, especially since our government is calling for international tradesmen to find jobs in our country. (apparently we don't have qualified people in our own country.)

The reason why most of us are sitting, tied to uncomfortable office jobs, is because we lack the experience to fill the positions we so wish to fill. And how are we meant to get this desired experience? well we're meant to find a company that will give us an opportunity to work for free.

I don't know about you, but doesn't spending thousands of hard earned South African rands on tertiary education count as some sort of sign. A sigh that should shout out loud and clear, "I am qualified" or "GIVE ME A CHANCE"; no, instead we get BEE shoved in our faces and the position will be given to someone less qualified purely because the colour of his/her skin gives her the experience needed. I don't understand how the colour of my skin can be the deciding factor on whether or not i'm good enough for a job. I thought this country was over the discrimination factor.

Many companies have small print at the bottom of vacancy ads which read " gives every candidate and equal and fair opportunity" How much truth is really in that statement? Are they really fair in their decisions?

I don't know how many interviews I've been to, but the feeling of rejection always leaves that bitter taste in my mouth. It never changes, its always the same awful taste of disappointment and giving up.

Should I give up on my dream to be a writer? Should I continue on this road of disappointment?

I don't think so.