From school to success: Building resilience for a bright future

As Grade 12 learners gear up for their final school exams, the anticipation of extended matric holidays looms ahead. But what comes next? Some will pursue higher education, join family businesses, or even start their own ventures. Others might take a gap year to explore their career options. Yet, many are still uncertain about their future come the new year. 

Finding a job in today’s challenging economy is tough. Stats SA (August 2024) reveals that young South Africans (15-34) face significant hurdles in the job market. Many get so discouraged by the lack of opportunities that they lose interest in further education or training. Almost four in every ten young people between 15 and 24 were neither employed nor part of the education system in the first quarter of this year. Even a university degree doesn’t guarantee a job, with graduate unemployment rates just almost 10%. 

Several factors contribute to graduate unemployment: negative perceptions of certain higher education institutions, lack of work experience, insufficient industry-specific skills, and cultural fit. These statistics paint a bleak picture for school leavers stepping into adulthood. 

But there’s a silver lining: almost six in every ten young people between 15 and 24 have been employed or in education in the first quarter of this year.  

But what sets successful individuals apart?  

One crucial factor is resilience. Resilience, in engineering, refers to an object’s ability to spring back after being exposed to pressure. In humans, it’s the capacity to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and persist through difficulties. In a country with high unemployment, resilience is vital for success. 

Aesop’s fable of the willow and oak trees illustrates this perfectly. The willow, with its flexibility, survived the storm, while the rigid oak fell. Like the willow, resilient people bend but don’t break under pressure. 

So, how can we cultivate resilience? 

1. Self-awareness: Know your strengths and areas for growth. This awareness helps you leverage your abilities to cope with stress. 

2. Self-belief: Trust in your abilities. Remind yourself that you can handle difficult situations. 

3. Relationships: Lean on friends, family, and colleagues for support. Connections are key to resilience. 

4. Optimism: Focus on the positives. Reframe challenges as opportunities. 

5. Problem-solving: Remember, every problem has a solution. Persistence is crucial. 

On a very practical level:  

Journalling is a great tool to become more self-aware. These journalling tips can help you navigate the uncertain transition from school to the next phase of your life and build your resilience for a bright future. 

Useful references: 

https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/journaling-tips-for-beginners/ 

https://vanillapapers.net/2019/11/13/journaling-tips/ 

https://bellagracemagazine.com/blog/enjoyable-daily-journaling/