The unemployed.

I once have a young Bumi friend who asked me if I could employ him. He was raised by a single mom (my ex boss from my previous employment) and the eldest of three siblings. I did not at the time accept his request as there was no vacancy suitable for him in my small company even though he was quite like a brother to me. However, I thought him few tricks and trade of the business. Without the job market showing any booming sign and the high cost of living, he had no choice but to follow my advice against his conventional young bumi dream to be employed by the Government or big Corporations.

His first business venture was doing computer 'maintenance and upgrade' in a medical clinic. Next he provided t-shirts to a government agency during their family day. Following that, he was awarded some printing job (he sub contracted the job). Ever since the last time I met him (2 years ago)while doing the printing jobs, I have not heard from him until today when I called him to say hello. His latest update is that he is supplying toner for LaserJet printers and doing comfortably OK.

He is a classic example of a young bumi graduate obliged by the economic environment into being an entrepreneur. Personally, I think, rather than wasting time moaning and groaning of failure to get employed, young people should take the stride of marching into the field of entrepreneurship.

Sometimes, thinking small first will get us somewhere. Soon its ‘aidil fitri’, lots of houses in Klang Valley with grass to be trimmed. Why not invest in a decently cheap machine, start distributing leaflets and employ yourself. A lot of houses need to be repainted too, why not 'cut-throat' the price of expensive big contractors and show that you are industrious. For those who can cook, scout around to ‘warong’ or ‘mamak’ and be the supplier of ‘nasi lemak bungkus’, ‘karipap’, etc. Who said you need a big capital to start up a business? Say you are an MBA from an 'ivy league', ssoooo what?

Who knows, from small venture you might get it big. I always believe that starting small before you delve deep into riskier venture is a smart thing to do. After your small venture and you still think you want a 9 to 5, go ahead, at least you have tried and you are a better person. When you strike a good idea, don’t wait, pull yourself together and do it.

I call for all unemployed graduates all over Malaysia; it is time to wake up. If you are not getting any employment then create your own. Read this few simple tricks,

1. Your own enemy is the barriers inside you including the introvert trait you have developed from childhood and your ego.
2. Brave the world; fear will not take you anywhere.
3. Put a logical target, nothing wrong with aiming high but one step at a time only.
4. Practice the practical.
5. Lastly, don’t be afraid to do the dirty jobs (I mean dirty jobs like grass cutting, washing dishes, etc.)

Been there, done that. Cya.