YESTERDAY's article in the Saudi Gazette that quoted a number of job seekers unsatisfied with the Ministry of Labor's employment tracks program raises a number of questions, some of them linked to a developing economy and others concerned with the maturity and expectations of the job seekers themselves. First of all, nobody enjoys looking for a job. It requires a lot of time and energy that more often than not provide little or nothing in return. In the US, for example, employment counselors regularly tell job hunters that they should contact anywhere from 10-20 potential employers daily until, finally, some interest is generated. That can mean up to 250 phone calls, faxes and emails executed in the hopes that one, yes, one company may show interest in the job seeker's skills and experience. There is also a valuable maxim that job seekers must keep in mind: it is easier to find a job if you already have one. That means if you are having difficulties finding the job that you dream of, you may have to take something that does not meet your expectations. Getting up every morning, arriving at work on time and responsibly carrying out your duties, especially as part of a job that you don't love, can be a valuable indicator to a potential employer of your level of responsibility and maturity. If you can behave like that in a job you don't love, just think of what you could do in a job that you truly want. Savvy employers notice this kind of character. Finally, there is nothing wrong with starting at the bottom. Low pay and long hours are no fun, but those who work hard and learn the ropes will inevitably rise through an organization and reap the benefits. Those benefits range from monetary ones to the respect of one's employees. The Ministry of Labor is certainly aware of salary levels in the government and private sectors and must formulate employment programs that meet the needs of the economy and the Kingdom's industries. Unemployment will not be reduced by simply producing sinecures of university graduates who believe they automatically deserve a high-paying job even though they have little experience outside the classroom. In the end, it is this sense of entitlement among Saudi graduates that must be reversed if they are to fully participate in the development of Saudi Arabia. After all, there is another old maxim that is valuable to keep in mind: nobody owes you a living. __
