Why life sucks as a graduate

You’d think graduating with a 2:1 or first class honours degree would be enough to at least bag you a job…any job at all…

But these are the issues we face as degree holders trying to make a living in a world that seems to be against us in every aspect of life. And maybe we’ve had our fair share of freebees from freshers’ fairs, but a free ride onto the career ladder would be very much appreciated.

If you’ve recently finished university these seven feelings will be more than just a little familiar.

1. You’ve got a serious case of the post-uni blues

The party’s over now and the busy adult world is waiting for you. The idea of mortgages, tax and maintaining a steady income are starting to make you sick so you curl up in your bed and blast through every series there is on Netflix.

Leaving your bed would mean acknowledging that university is over and having to send out those dreaded cover letters.

2. Losing your independence is tough

When you’ve been roaming free for three or four years, being back home having your mum cook your tea and wash your clothes can feel like a bit of a step back.

3. You’re clinging onto that last pound

You had your last student loan a few months ago now and are struggling to survive. Not literally of course – your parents have your back – but your social life dried up the moment you realised you were too skint to play out.

4. You’ve applied for the same job twice

It’s come to your attention that there isn’t much you can buy with a quid, so you decide to start looking in the big wide world of jobs. Of course, with job boards so ripe and ready, you don’t even need to move so that’s handy at least.

But like all graduates, you’re either too desperate or just not organised enough to write down which jobs you applied for. So you end up ruining your chances by looking needy and stupid.

5. You lose your graduate standards

Opportunities are in short supply and it’s looking like no one you want to work for wants to even interview you. This can make you feel a little sad about your job prospects, but don’t worry, we’re all struggling.

Within a week, you take a job in sales or telemarketing just to get you through.

6. You feel like you’ve wasted £40k

When you realise that no one else in the office has a degree but you, it makes you feel as though those three years were a complete waste of both time and money. And whilst you won’t have to give the time back, the debt weighing on your shoulders isn’t particularly reassuring.

But on the plus side, you’re going to have to get to £21k before you pay it back, so right now it feels like it will never happen.