Of jobs, choosy graduates and archaic mindset

On March 26, Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar made a comment on how breaking monopolies would not affect jobs in the country.

While I agree with that view, I’m itching to address one particular thing he mentioned in the statement and that touches on jobs.

“The problem I see is that many of the unemployed are too choosy about jobs.

“If we want to look at the vacancies that exist, there’s a lot. So, I don’t think this process will have any adverse effect on existing jobs, there is no problem,” Bernama reported the minister as saying.

First up, I’m not sure how many millennials and Gen Z are up in arms over Sivakumar’s statement but please, stay calm.

Just so you know, this “graduates are too choosy” statement has been the mantra of most baby boomers for a long time.

Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar

Though Sivakumar is not a boomer, it looks like he definitely has their mindset.

In fact, the argument was made back in 2004… the year I graduated from a public university. That’s 19 years ago, mind you.

Among other blanket statements, we used to get back then were “youngsters are not loyal to their companies”, “companies are investing in you for…” and “be the jack of all trades in whatever you do”.

Now to address millennials and Gen Z’s concerns, I want to share some tips. See what works for you.

‘Times have changed’

First up, limit receiving advice from baby boomers. While the group do have invaluable pearls of wisdom to offer, they tend to be stuck in the “good old days” when it comes to career and employment.

For example, I’m sure many have heard arguments like how they used to work for just RM500 monthly salary and still managed to run a family.

Yes, they did run their families with RM500 back in the 1980s -when you could purchase an entire month’s groceries for less than RM100. But these days, that amount won’t even buy you groceries for a week.

Being the Ebenezer Scrooge that I am, I still have to spend nearly RM300 a week to feed my family – which includes two children and my aged parents.

For some reason, inflation and the rising cost of living seem to escape their minds when advising youngsters.

I understand that times are tough for young graduates these days. Even with a degree, it’s hard for them to find decent-paying jobs due to the sluggish economy and scarcity of employment.

Upskilling and reskilling

One thing graduates can do is improve one’s communication skills. English mastery is a must. Despite whatever is said and done by one’s so-called race champion, English mastery is necessary given how interlinked our economy is with the international markets.

In addition, try to pick up other languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, French or whichever you feel would boost your future career prospects.

Secondly, despite being looked down upon by some sections of society, there is nothing wrong with joining the gig economy.

One does not have to treat it as something one will do forever. Just take it up until you find something better along the way. In fact, yours truly also joined the gig economy for nearly a year to make ends meet some years back.

Lastly, but probably one the most important point, is that one should be loyal to their profession – not their employers.

To put it in context, back in the 1970s and 1980s, employers tend to lay off workers only as a last resort.

When in red or during an economic slowdown, bosses back then would undertake various other options to cut down on costs as they treated employees as integral parts of their establishment.

But times have changed. Many companies no longer treat retrenchments as a last resort option.

Perhaps, that’s why our seniors keep using the “youngsters are not loyal to their companies” argument until today – not realising that employers are no longer “loyal” to their staffers like in their good old days.

Do your best

Hence, stay true to your profession. Do your best in whichever job you undertake and learn as much as possible.

If your employers offer you what you need, stay. However, if better opportunities come by, take it.

Granted, you may make some mistakes in your hunt for the best career but it’s alright. It is through mistakes one learns what works and doesn’t for their life.

Because at the end of the day, our seniors have lived their lives and are either retired or going to retire. It’s up to you to carve out your future career. - Mkini

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G VINOD is a member of the Malaysiakini team.