A recent graduate has spoken out about the struggles facing young people in today's job market, revealing that even entry-level jobs at McDonald's are now highly competitive. The graduate, who earned a 2:1 in Business Management from a good university, described feeling hopeful after graduation but soon faced silence from major firms like PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte.
After applying to smaller companies and graduate programmes at Cadbury, Arla, Lidl, and Sainsbury's, the graduate often received only automated rejections citing overwhelming demand. The experience left them confused about the selection process, noting that even McDonald's graduate programme—once seen as a fallback—is now out of reach for many peers.
The graduate described a daily routine of waking up late due to anxiety and demoralisation from LinkedIn comparisons. Two interviews in the events and hotel industries ended in rejection despite positive feedback, which felt worse than no response at all. Arguments with parents over well-meaning but unhelpful advice added to the stress.
Following a father's suggestion, the graduate physically handed out CVs to shops and restaurants, describing the experience as humiliating and akin to begging. A trial shift at a restaurant chain went unpaid and resulted in being ghosted, which felt like rock bottom. The graduate now works intermittently at a pub and is considering training as a nursery practitioner, though this requires more time and expense.
Reflecting on the generational divide, the graduate noted that watching the 1980s series It's a Sin made them realise how young people then could afford London flats on starting salaries—a fantasy for today's youth. They concluded that the government-created upside-down worlds in Stranger Things seem more believable than the prospect of achieving the same young adult experiences as their parents.
