Lived Experiences of Unemployed College Graduates

This qualitative study explored the meaning of unemployment as unemployed college graduates in the Philippines understand it. The meaning of unemployment as a lived experience was determined through thematic analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Olongapo City. After the thematic analyses of interview transcripts, experiences of unemployed college graduates were described into three central themes. These are: unemployment is emotionally taxing, unemployment is financially taxing, and job search is full of hindrances. Meanings ascribed to these experiences revolve around accepting unemployment and job search factors out of their control and improving on what they can regulate. The responses of unemployed college graduates proved to be a rich source of insight with the current state of Career Counseling in the Philippines. It calls for further enrichment of services offered specifically in information, career education, placement, individual inventory, and counseling.