While many graduates continue waiting for opportunities in their chosen fields, 29-year old Boitumelo Promise Lebusho chose a different path.
Originally from Botshabelo and now living in Bloemfontein, Lebusho took a job as a waiter after completing her theology studies at the University of the Free State in 2021, refusing to let unemployment keep her standing still.
“I decided to take a job as a waiter because I got tired of being at home and not doing anything, and there were no vacancies or anything available in my fi eld of study,” she shares.
The long shifts, carrying heavy trays, and serving customers at Cappello in Westdene with patience and kindness have become more than just about earning an income, but about creating memories for her customers for the past three years.
“My service being at its best means my customers are happy, and that keeps me motivated. Nothing feels better than people having the best experience through you.”
The job not only gave her financial independence and the ability to support her family, but also renewed her belief that work, no matter the industry, can open doors for opportunities.
“I have met different people from various industries whose advice has made me believe that I am capable of achieving more than I am today, which is one of the reasons why I want to grow in this industry and become more than just a waiter,” she adds.
Lebusho hopes to one day own an events company that caters to graduates and unemployed youth who want to make use of their talents outside their qualifications.
She would like to provide her nieces, nephews, and future children with the comfortable life she struggled to have. She believes there is still a stigma attached to graduates working outside the fields they studied for, as many people expect graduates to immediately find work within their qualifications after completing their studies.
However, she says this is highly unrealistic in the current state of the economy. Her advice to any young person battling unemployment is to take any job opportunity available, as it can serve as a stepping stone to the goals they are working towards.
“Being unemployed does not mean you are untalented. Being rejected does not mean you are incapable, and struggling does not mean you are failing at life. People who are winning today once felt invisible too,” she concludes.
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