Jobs nowadays are like trickles of rain in hot summer. If you are an information technology graduate in our little town Tuguegarao, there are only two opportunities for you: become a computer instructor or an encoder in an internet café. The government has problems capitalizing in our IT pool due to lack of strategic planning and the needed infrastructure (bottom line is lack of budget).
At the other end of the world, we have government of European countries consistently making good performance in the use of IT and displaying the needed leadership in promoting its usage.
You see, we have the brains to compete in the tough IT market. But then brains alone cannot build an infrastructure without a budget. And how can I contribute to this economy, when I can’t even get employed. No, it’s not because I’m imbecile but there’s no opportunity in the place. In fact today, I am applying as a utility worker at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). It’s a lot of eating my own pride and I am as helpless as the government system itself.
Interviewer: You are overqualified.
Me: I know. But you see, I need at least an entry position. Can you consider me?
Interviewer: Yes of course. (places my resume’ at the piling of papers) The funny thing is, there are others applying even with masteral degrees.
(silence)
Me: (I figured out she’s not kidding so I extended my hand to shake to end the interview). Thank you for the information.
Interviewer: (whispers) But if you want to be considered, you need at least a recommendation letter from any politician.
(silence again)
What’s wrong with this country? I am applying as a utility worker and I am advised to get a recommendation letter from a politician?
