You worked hard for your degree. Your family sacrificed for it. And now you’re at home, sending off applications, checking your inbox and answering the same question from every relative: “So, what are you doing now?”
If that sounds familiar, you are far from alone. And it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.
You’re not the only one
The numbers are sobering. India’s Periodic Labour Force Survey found that 9.9% of people aged 15 to 29 were unemployed in 2025, rising to 13.6% in towns and cities (MoSPI).
A degree doesn’t always protect young people either. The ILO’s India Employment Report 2024 found that young people made up 82.9% of India’s unemployed in 2022, and that 29.1% of young graduates were out of work, far more than people with less education (Fortune). Here in Kerala, where so many young people are well educated, youth unemployment has been among the highest of any state (Deccan Herald). Plenty of capable, qualified people are still waiting for their start.
Why it hurts so much
Being out of work, or stuck in a job that doesn’t fit, affects much more than your income. Without a routine, the days start to blur and it gets harder to begin anything. Scrolling past friends’ job offers, weddings and trips abroad doesn’t help, because you rarely see their doubts. Parents’ worry can come across as criticism, even when it comes from love. And each rejection can start to feel like proof that you’re not good enough.
It’s common to sleep badly, feel irritable or want to avoid people altogether. These are understandable reactions to a hard situation, but they are worth taking seriously, because they can make the next step harder to take.
Small things that help
A simple daily structure makes a surprising difference: getting up at the same time, a short walk, a set hour for applications. It also helps to separate effort from outcome. You can decide how many applications you send and how well you prepare. You can’t decide every result.
Try talking to your family about how you feel, not only about your plans. Many parents are worried too and simply don’t know how to help. Notice when social media leaves you feeling worse, and step away from it for a while. Learning something small and useful, like a short course or a project of your own, can bring back some momentum. And when worry starts to spiral, a few minutes of slow breathing or mindfulness can help you pause.
Talking to someone
Sometimes it helps to talk to someone outside the family who isn’t hoping for a particular answer. Career counselling gives you a confidential space to understand your strengths and values, sort through your options and plan realistic next steps. It can also help with the anxiety and self-doubt that so often come with feeling stuck.
I offer career counselling for students and graduates aged 18 and over, online anywhere in India or in person in Palakkad, in English, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi or Telugu. It won’t find you a job, but it can help you think more clearly and move forward in a way that feels right for you. If you’d like to talk, you can book an appointment.
