Monologue of a father

While I keep ranting about my son's pathetic situation after education in Australia, my rational mind pings me, "So, who is to blame?" It is but natural in such traumatic situation to find someone to blame. But this is in a much bigger context than a road accident or losing some money. It is about the entire education and social system in a foreign country vis-a-vis students. Yet, unlike stock market crash wherein thousands of investors suffer not just one, in this situation a single person suffers, my son. You would ask, aren't there other students who are suffering? Yes, but what bites me bitterly is the fate conferred upon my son. So, who to blame? First of all, it is the social system here that leaves the young graduates vulnerable to poor conditions of casual jobs. If the system knows that thousands of graduates, especially from foreign countries, are left to exploitation by the unorganised, small businesses for years, then it should fix the rot. There should ...

In my young age, as a fresh graduate I had landed a job in related industry. Although not a top tier company and at the entry level as a trainee with no benefits only wages, it was a formal job. I went up the career ladder from there all the time, so I have been thinking of that entry level job as the worst experience for me. Time in, Time out punching, late marks, limited leaves, meagre trainee allowance and wild boss. When compared with other friends who were placed in big, famous companies providing continental breakfast and pampering benefits along with good salary, my job was a joke on my brilliant academic career. So I thought that was the worst and that worst was gone. Until I saw the pathetic situation here in Australia faced by my son. Same background, good academic career, no blot on character. But no formal job in any industry. So he struggled for a casual job to keep going. That's OK, acceptable. But does it mean surrendering even minimum human dignity? No employment...

Since this is a monologue, the debate can be between two halves only. One half: Why should my son be in such a pathetic situation? He completed masters in computer science without any handicap throughout his course. All he is expecting is an entry level formal job in IT. Nope, he is denied that even though there are tons of such jobs. What's the point in studying in such renowned university and earning masters? Other half: True. He should have got a simple, entry level job. He qualifies academically for one. He is not exceptional but good for any average IT job. He was already selected for such a job in India after finishing his graduation. But isn't it common for foreign students in Australia to be without a job after education? See what is the case with his colleagues in course. Are all employed? Didn't you know that the companies here prefer experienced candidates over fresh graduates? If that is the way businesses think, the outcome is not surprising right? One H...

I am an introvert. Have been brought up like that - there is no one to share your emotions, because it looks like a weak heart. That makes me put up a brave face in grim situations and a grave face in celebratory occasions. So be it. But that needs me to talk to someone, share with someone who will keep it locked under a seal. Who else other than self? That's why this monologue. At this age of 53, what is pinching my senses? What is biting my ego? What is hurting my 'I-am-always-right' pride? By the way, I am also painfully surprised that I still keep my ego and caress pride. I wanted to change after I left my career, let go my ego and forget pride. I tried my best. But it seems not enough. It's the situation my kids are in. You might wonder what's wrong! One kid has completed education in Australia and the other has just embarked upon her higher education in US. It's a moment of pride, satisfaction, jubilation. And so it was for me too, a couple months ago...