Every year, a fresh wave of graduates enters the job market full of hope. But with some white-collar jobs offering limited earnings and little growth, many have chosen to create their own opportunities, resulting in more young entrepreneurs than ever before.
Fresh out of the university with a Bachelor’s degree, Atude Jerry imagined a comfortable office job with a steady paycheck. Two years later, he finds himself stuck at home waiting for calls and failing appointments. « I went from office to office but the job offers were not encouraging. I thought this was success, he says, but as days go by, I feel like I am losing it. » His story echoes across appointment, where a growing number of graduates are realizing that the promised dream of white-collar jobs is turning into a daily grind with little reward.
The reality of corporate life is far from what many graduates expected. Long hours workout, flat salaries, and limited growth opportunities have left young professionals questioning their choices. Claris Newiyou, another Bachelor degree graduate, shares her experience « After three years in accountancy, I earn less than my friend who started a small catering business last year, then I realized it was a matter of choice ».
Stories like hers are becoming increasingly common as the gap between expectations and reality widens in the corporate world. Recent surveys show a telling trend nearly 40% of graduates under 30 are now considering entrepreneurship . The reasons are clear, while office jobs offer stability on paper, many provide neither financial security nor personal fulfillment. In contrast, starting a business even on a small scale, gives graduates control over their time and income.
Take Aimè Kevin, who left her insurance job to open a co-working space. « I work harder now, but it is for my own future, » she says that makes all the difference.» As this year’s exam results are announced, another wave of graduates will enter the job market. But with some white-collar jobs failing to deliver on their promises, many will likely turn to entrepreneurship, becoming the CEOs of their own lives.
