Feature Articles

Fellow jobseekers, are we cooked?

Topic

Economy

Subtopic

Community stories

Identity and values

17 March 2026

Thoughts from a fresh graduate trying to crack the job market.

And egg saying: Fellow Job seekers, are we cooked? Thoughts from a fresh grad trying to crack the job market.

When I was young, I always thought that a promising future would await me once I grew my wings and graduated. Eggs dreaming about Nest Scientist at Googull, Facebeak analyst, Seed scientist at B*star.

Text: But I soon realised that while we will all leave the nest, some of us won't be able to hatch. Eggs being sad in a supermarket. the shopper says "So many eggs, I only need 6". A bird flies outside the window.

Text: Still I think it's important we keep moving forward, even if the path ahead is no longer so clear. Salted eggs say "It's too late for us, don't bother", but other eggs go to Traineeships, internships, and training courses.

Because with time, effort, and perseverance, I believe we'll be able to find our own place. The egg says: "A bakery> Not what I expected, but I'll try!" A bakery is in front of it.

Looking at it another way, you must first be cooked and chopped. The egg is being cooked - cracking open your full potential, mixing in new skills and knowledge, and moulding into a new you.

Text: before you can serve and eat. A beautiful swan meringue stands in teh bakery window. People praise it for being beautiful, unique, even the flying birds.

A heartfelt message by the author, depicted with an egg over her face. Text: "To my fellow jobseekers, don't give up! Let's not crack from the pressure, but come out stronger. We can all move towards a brighter tomorrow, one small step at a time! Comic by a grit @ gov trainee"

I graduated in 2025 with an English degree, hoping to join a creative industry to showcase my passion for the arts. After 117 job applications, 4 interview offers, 3 interviews, 1 regretful and 1 pleased-to-inform email, I found myself at 24, working as a trainee in a government ministry for the next 6 months.

I am not sure what will happen when my 6 months are up, but I know that I will continue to be adaptable and resilient in times of uncertainty. When new opportunities come your way, don’t be afraid to take them on. You might end up somewhere completely unexpected, but it could just be the place for you to shine the brightest!

Don’t give up! Let’s keep moving forward together.

Wishing you the best,
A trainee from the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) @ Gov program

#lifelonglearning #careerjourney #jobhunt #freshgraduate #adulting

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