Living in campus hostels blinds us from the harsh realities of today’s economic situation. In campus we have it easy; we heat water using electric jugs and cook with electric coils without daring to pay attention to the power units that we incur. We wash dishes under running taps with no scruples whatsoever about the dent we inflict upon the school budget. For a meagre Ksh.30 you will eat to your fill at the mess- Rice 20 bob and beans 10 bob. If the school so much as manages a wink in its job, if the price of beans is hiked to 15 bob due to lack of rains, we riot. A blackout lasting more than an hour is a sin.
It is all good until we graduate from campus.
I met a former student who graduated in December. He had these delusions of grandeur in which he saw himself driving three months after being awarded the power to read. However shock was on him when he begun looking for a job, and it quickly dawned upon him that finding employment ‘outside there’ was like a child with no shoes in a world full of invisible broken glasses.
While in campus, he was fond of saying that he wouldn’t accept a job that would not pay anything above Ksh. 30,000. In a year or so he would have his own villa in a suburban neighbourhood.
When I met him the other day, he was a dilapidated soul. He had lost the appeal he had in campus. There was no little Miss Thing hanging onto his arm. Clearly, he was weathered. Right now, he doesn’t mind working for lunch and fare only. Looking for a job has become his only job.
“I thought we are now in a digital government? Kazi kwa vijana, no?”
I prodded and asked about his dream of driving a guzzler after three months. He didn’t respond, but instead he asked me whether it would be a good idea to start a barbershop clinic.
A barber shop? Are you kidding me? Here is a rather capable guy with a fairly admirable degree from a revered university in East Africa, asking me whether he could open up a barber shop and whether I could be his regular customer.
I have always known that life behind these campus walls is unkind, but this is a new low. He didn’t even have the luxury of self-preservation. I could have laughed at him but I will probably be in his situation a year from now. Probably making a living behind an M-Pesa stand. Well, I guess it’s true that having the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
28 Comments
“Life out there” is always unpredictable.
I guess the best way to go about it is to start earning while still in campus.
never that easy..they ask for 7 years experiences, like you started working in High School
“Life out there” is always unpredictable.
I guess the best way to go about it is to start earning while still in campus.
never that easy..they ask for 7 years experiences, like you started working in High School
Hahaha…the pain of being ee
“Life out there” is always unpredictable.
I guess the best way to go about it is to start earning while still in campus.
never that easy..they ask for 7 years experiences, like you started working in High School
Hahaha…the pain of being ee
@ Magunga, you can still find other ways to make an income… like writing essays and articles while still in campus. This is much more lucrative than barbering..
@ Magunga, you can still find other ways to make an income… like writing essays and articles while still in campus. This is much more lucrative than barbering..
This story is not in any way about me….but thanks for the advice anyway. I am sure my buddy has read all about it…
My friend says that she would be lucky to get even an internship. It’s harsh out there.
My friend says that she would be lucky to get even an internship. It’s harsh out there.
LL.B, CPA, CPS – Into my personal business…Saved myself!!
LL.B, CPA, CPS – Into my personal business…Saved myself!!
Are you learning, or merely accumulating titles? hehehe
This is very realitic, life after campo can be hell. Most dudes begin living well after almost 4yrs past graduation date
This is very realitic, life after campo can be hell. Most dudes begin living well after almost 4yrs past graduation date
Life after campus is a wake up call, a shock into reality. It’s painful at first but if you are willing to adapt and strengthen your mind you will drive that car and own that home. Starting your own business is also an excellent idea, even a Barbershop venture can open up doors to wealth. The problem with campus living is that their is a defined road that vanishes after graduation, you have to build your own road thereafter.
Life after campus is a wake up call, a shock into reality. It’s painful at first but if you are willing to adapt and strengthen your mind you will drive that car and own that home. Starting your own business is also an excellent idea, even a Barbershop venture can open up doors to wealth. The problem with campus living is that their is a defined road that vanishes after graduation, you have to build your own road thereafter.
they call it the life of Wanjiku; life in campus is full of illussions about instantaneous financial prowess which only happens in utopian worlds, NOT EARTH!!!! all thats left i guess is to accumulate titles for now and take a few chances on any opportunity available and keep our eyes on the price
they call it the life of Wanjiku; life in campus is full of illussions about instantaneous financial prowess which only happens in utopian worlds, NOT EARTH!!!! all thats left i guess is to accumulate titles for now and take a few chances on any opportunity available and keep our eyes on the price
very true.,!
very true.,!
If they wont take jobs paying less than 30k, then its just sad…you gotta start from somewhere..
Great read! 🙂
If they wont take jobs paying less than 30k, then its just sad…you gotta start from somewhere..
Great read! 🙂