diya shamald's blog : Why Young Saudis Are Struggling After Graduation
With the Kingdom changing so fast,
figuring out what comes after university feels like a maze. Let’s talk about
the emotional struggles young Saudis face, why it’s so tough, and how they’re
finding ways to keep going.
What Makes Life After Graduation So Rough?
Graduating college is supposed to be
this big, exciting moment, but for a lot of Saudis, it’s more like a mix of
hope and worry. Over 60% of us are under 35, and we’re stepping into a world that’s
shifting quick. Vision 2030’s bringing new jobs, but the gap between school and
a solid career can feel huge. So, what’s making this time so emotionally heavy?
The Emotional Stuff Young Saudis Are Dealing With
Here’s what’s weighing on young
Saudis after they toss their graduation caps:
Job Hunt Blues
Finding a job isn’t easy. I read
that youth unemployment was about 15% in 2023, even with new jobs popping up.
Lots of graduates are stuck sending out CVs with no replies or landing gigs
that don’t match their skills. That waiting game can make you feel pretty down.
Family Expectations
In our culture, family’s a big deal.
Parents often expect you to land a great job or get married quick. When that
doesn’t happen right away, you feel like you’re letting them down. It’s like
carrying a heavy backpack full of guilt.
Mental Health Struggles
A study from 2023 said about 40% of
young Saudis deal with stuff like anxiety or feeling low. Not knowing what’s
next after graduation makes it worse, leaving a lot of us feeling lost or
stressed out.
Who Am I Now?
School gives you a clear
role—student. But after graduation, it’s like, “What’s my purpose?” Figuring
out where you fit in a fast-moving world like Saudi Arabia’s can mess with your
head.
Why It’s Extra Tough in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom’s got its own vibe that
makes these struggles unique:
- Economy’s Changing Fast: Vision 2030’s pushing tech and tourism, but a lot of
graduates studied for older industries like oil or government jobs. That
mismatch is stressful.
- Family Matters:
We’re tight with our families, so not meeting their hopes feels like a big
fail. Balancing your dreams with their expectations is a juggling act.
- Mental Health Stigma:
Things are getting better, but some still shy away from help like marriage counseling Riyadh because it feels awkward to admit you’re struggling.
- Tons of Young People:
With so many of us young, the competition for jobs and opportunities is
fierce, piling on the pressure.
How Young Saudis Are Pushing Through
Even with all this, young Saudis are
finding ways to handle the uncertainty:
Chasing New Careers
Vision 2030’s opening doors in tech,
tourism, and startups. Graduates are learning stuff like coding or social media
marketing through programs that trained 100,000 Saudis in digital skills in
2023.
Getting Mental Health Help
More of us are trying therapy, like obsessive compulsive disorder treatment, to deal with stress or anxiety. Places like ACT Center in
Jeddah are making it easier with counseling that gets our culture.
Finding Their People
Youth are teaming up on social media
or in local groups to share their struggles. Apps like Arab Therapy let you
talk it out online, which feels safe and easy.
Starting Their Own Thing
Some graduates are saying forget it
and starting businesses. Saudi startups pulled in $1.2 billion in 2023, showing
young people are carving their own paths.
Questions You Might Have
Why’s Post-Grad Life So Stressful?
The job market’s tough, and family
expectations are high. Plus, figuring out who you are without school is a lot
to handle.
Can I Get Mental Health Help in Saudi Arabia?
Yup! There’s counseling in places
like Riyadh and Jeddah, plus online options for privacy.
How’s Vision 2030 Changing Things?
It’s creating jobs in new fields, but
you might need new skills, which can feel overwhelming.
What Helps with the Stress?
Therapy, learning new skills, or
talking with friends can really lift the weight.
Tips for Young Saudis Feeling Stuck
If you’re a graduate wondering
what’s next, try these:
- Pick Up New Skills:
Take a course in something like coding or marketing. Check out local
programs or stuff online like Coursera.
- Talk to Someone:
Try counseling or a support group. It’s okay to say you’re struggling.
- Take Baby Steps:
Don’t stress about the whole future. Update your CV or reach out to one
person for advice.
- Hang with Others:
Join a youth group or chat online with people going through the same
thing.
- Go Easy on Yourself:
It’s okay if it takes time. You’re figuring it out, and that’s enough.
Stories of Young Saudis Making It
My cousin in Riyadh graduated with a
business degree but couldn’t find work. He took a digital marketing course and
now helps a startup with their social media. Then there’s a girl in Dammam who
felt lost after college but joined a women’s group where they journal together.
She says it helped her find some direction. These stories show young Saudis are
pushing through.
How Families and Communities Can Help
Our families and communities can
make a difference:
- Just Listen:
Let graduates vent without pushing quick solutions.
- Push for New Skills:
Encourage learning stuff that fits the new job market.
- Make Mental Health Okay: Show that therapy’s no different from seeing a doctor
for a cold.
- Cheer the Small Stuff:
Celebrate little wins, like getting an interview, to keep them going.
Wrapping It Up
Life after graduation is no joke for young Saudis. The job hunt, family pressure, and figuring out who you are can feel like a lot. But with Vision 2030 opening new paths, more of us are trying therapy, picking up skills, or starting our own gigs. If you’re feeling lost, you’re not alone—there’s help out there, from counseling to friends who get it. Take it one step at a time, and give yourself a pat on the back for trying. Saudi Arabia’s young crowd is tough, and we’re finding our way through the fog, one day at a time.
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