A social media post by a mechanical engineering graduate working as a security guard abroad has ignited conversation online about the realities facing many educated young people in today’s job market.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Oloo Vicent revealed that despite holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, he currently works as a security guard in Qatar.
“I have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am 28. I currently work as a security guard in Qatar,” he wrote.
The 28-year-old explained that every day he reflects on how different his life turned out from what he expected after graduating.
“Every morning I put on my uniform and think about the version of me that graduated thinking the world was waiting,” he said.
A Reality Many Graduates Face
Oloo’s post struck a chord with many social media users, particularly young graduates who say they face similar challenges in finding jobs that match their qualifications.
He added a sobering reflection that resonated with thousands online:
“Nobody tells you that sometimes the world is not waiting. You just have to keep showing up anyway.”
The post quickly gained attention, drawing thousands of views and sparking discussion about graduate unemployment, underemployment, and the tough job market faced by many young professionals.
Choosing to Keep Going
Despite the disappointment, Oloo said he has learned to accept where life has taken him for now.
Responding to one user who encouraged him to save and return to his profession, he admitted that life forced him to rethink his starting point.
“Starting from anywhere is something I had to make peace with. I used to think my starting point was the degree. Turns out it was this uniform,” he wrote.
He added that life sometimes forces people to begin from a more humble place than they had planned.
Conversation on Graduate Opportunities
The story has reignited broader conversations about the gap between university education and employment opportunities, especially in developing countries where many graduates end up seeking work abroad.
For many readers online, Oloo’s message carried both a warning and a lesson in resilience — that success may not come immediately after graduation, but persistence remains key.
As one commenter put it: “Life is a cycle… the beauty of it is you can start from anywhere.”
