Back in October I listened to Taoiseach Enda Kenny as he addressed the One Young World Summit, and told us how democracy can’t be allowed to fail young people.
His speech got me thinking. I have just turned 26, and for the past six years I’ve been desperately hunting for job opportunities. I’ve spent most of that time on Jobseekers Allowance, Back to Education Allowance, Part Time Allowance, and now JobBridge, all in the hope of being able to make a living and contribute to my country.
Unemployment is the most physically and mentally draining experience I’ve ever encountered. One that has left me exhausted, burnt out, anxious and with an overwhelming sense of guilt.
My days consist of my internship, multiple volunteering commitments with various youth organisations, studying online courses, attending networking events, looking for jobs, tailoring my CV, reading relevant blogs, meeting industry professionals, and organising events, workshops, and seminars.
The list goes on amid pressures to keep up a brave face. Everyone else looks like they are doing so well, at least on social media. I am dedicated, passionate and hard working. I feel I have so much to offer, but I just can’t get a break. The same is true for so many others.
Close friends of mine have emigrated because they couldn’t find work here. Others are suffering from depression, brought on by the pressures they are under.
The current political and economic system has failed to give my generation a reasonable chance in life, despite all our efforts, and I’ve had enough. I’m exhausted and I’m angry.
Like many young people, my relationship with Ireland seems doomed. We have suffered unemployment, exploitative and ill-planned labour activation schemes, cuts to social welfare, cuts to youth mental health services, widespread zero hour contracts, rising college fees, and exorbitant accommodation costs.
Despite all the suffering, all the cuts, all the rising costs, all the barriers to employment, we stay. We stay because we love Ireland. We hold on to a naïve belief that positive change is around the corner. I believed that for almost six years, but nothing has changed. It is demoralising.
I see the despair all around me. In the friends who are being bullied and exploited in their nine month JobBridge internships that they do for work experience and an extra €50 on top of their €100 social welfare. I see it among the friends who have left for Canada, Australia or London, and those who want to go but can't afford to.
I feel it when we’re asked why we don’t just get a job, or get more education, as if this was free, and as if it might make a difference. Despite all we now know about the economic collapse and the statistics around unemployment, it seems the onus is still on us. If we aren’t doing well, then it’s somehow our fault. Meanwhile, it's also “up to us” to save the country, because apparently, we’re the future.
Well I’ve had enough and I know others have too. I can’t keep waiting and believing change is going to come. It’s clear the leaders aren’t listening and it’s time to demand real change. That’s why I’ll be marching in Dublin this Wednesday, December 10th. I’ll be marching for my future, for the future of the generations to come, and for the future of my country.
Avril Clarke (26) is a youth activist and One Young World Ambassador. She tweets @AppleTartFace and blogs at avrilclarke.wordpress.com
