I quit my job working as a manager at Togos because my grades suffered in college. Work took up most of my time and I had no time to do my homework or study for exams. I told myself that it was not worth it to make minimum wage and sacrifice my education. Therefore I made the decision to quit my job and focus on my studies. Even after graduating from college, the reason why I am still not working is because I am studying for the MCAT exam.
How has unemployment affected your life? .
Unemployment has made me rely on my family a lot more. I have to depend on them for financial support which has strained my family because my parents are separated. My father lives in England and I live here with my mom. My mom does not have a stable job. There are months when she does not work and we struggle for money. We worry about how we are going to pay for bills such as the mortgage. Without a steady income, life has gotten harder. There are times when I second guess spending and my hand is so much tighter around money. I do not go out and party with my friends. I do not go shopping. It has even started to affect my studies because I do not have the money to afford a MCAT preparatory class which affects my chances on doing well on the exam.
How did you feel being unemployed?.
I felt that my life was not going anywhere. All my friends at this age were already working and making money yet I am still here, studying for the MCAT and being broke. It brought me down and my self-esteem suffered. I started doubting myself and thought that I was not good enough. I entered a state of depression due to being unemployed. It has affected me negatively. Besides the lack of money, I had no motivation to go out for fun or .
What do you see yourself doing in the future? How will you improve your situation?.
In the future, I see myself following my dream and becoming a medical doctor. Once I start earning an income, I can aid my family especially my mom.