Unemployment Dilemma | Struggling IT Graduate Seeks Path Forward
Edited By
Liam O’Reilly
As job markets tighten in 2026, a three-year unemployed IT graduate from Indonesia grapples with the decision of pursuing work abroad or finding opportunities locally. With a promising career halted due to unforeseen events, he voices his frustrations online, stirring a mix of advice and empathy from fellow forum members.
The graduate feels unqualified due to a lack of coding skills, despite his IT education. Currently, he assists his father in a construction business that has seen minimal profits lately. "I want to work abroad without relying on my parents, but the current economy has me confused about what business I could run," he expressed.
Key Themes Emerging from the Discussion
Building a Portfolio: Many comments emphasize the importance of creating a coding portfolio, even if it starts with freelance work.
Quotes like, "Start by building a portfolio to impress HR" and "Freelancing can pave the way" reflect a shared belief that showcasing skills is crucial.
Exploring Alternative Paths: The conversation also dives into alternatives outside traditional IT roles, such as online businesses and agricultural ventures.
A respondent noted, "Don’t limit yourself to your major; look into fields that AI can't easily replace."
Self-Investment on Skills: There's a strong sentiment about upskilling, with several suggesting different online work opportunities, including learning new programming languages.
One user advised, "Invest in learning new skills that align with your interests."
Sentiments from the Community
Support emerges mixed with realism as some highlight the difficulties facing new graduates. One user commented, "2026 might be the worst year yet to enter software engineering," underscoring the competitive job landscape.
"Stop second-guessing your skills. If you wish to work in IT, apply for those jobs and learn from the experience."
This sentiment encourages action, whether through applications or self-led projects.
Key Insights
📊 Many emphasize the necessity of building a portfolio to stand out in a saturated job market.
💡 "Learning to use AI effectively is vital, even for beginners."
✈️ Those interested in jobs abroad are reminded of current challenges, with some suggesting Australia’s Working Holiday Visa as a potential route.
While the road ahead appears daunting, the discussions underline that there are strategies and opportunities available. The community is unified in its encouragement for the job-seeker to persist, learn, and adapt.
Clear Path Forward
There’s a strong chance that job markets will continue to shift, prompting many recent graduates to pivot toward freelance or remote work. Experts estimate around 60% of new hires may come from non-traditional backgrounds as companies seek diverse talent amid economic uncertainty. This scenario suggests that the IT graduate could find success by developing a robust online presence, which may increase his chances of landing projects. Moreover, as more businesses embrace AI tools, those who learn to leverage these technologies will stand out, boosting their employability in a rapidly evolving field.
Threads of History
A striking comparison can be drawn between the current job market challenges and the Great Resignation of 2021, when many sought better opportunities and work-life balance during a turbulent period. Just as workers then recalibrated their career paths, today’s IT graduate stands at a similar crossroads. The construction of skill sets and adaptability, shaped by new personal circumstances, echoes how Americans turned to entrepreneurship or pursued entirely different careers back then. This time around, the transition may involve navigating the digital realm, emphasizing the constant headway that adaption brings, even amid hardship.