“My Family Said a Graduate Can’t Drive Uber” — University Graduate Shares Emotional Journey After Struggling to Find Work
A young Ghanaian university graduate, Kofi, has opened up about the emotional and financial struggles he has faced since completing his education. Appearing on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami, Kofi revealed the intense pressure he has endured from unemployment, family expectations, and personal battles that nearly pushed him to take his own life.
Kofi completed a degree in Journalism, a diploma from the University of Cape Coast, and an HND in Business Marketing. After finishing national service last year, he began searching aggressively for employment. Despite applying for more than 20 vacancies, he received little to no response.
In an attempt to survive, he ventured into selling phones online, but the business was not profitable. Earlier this year, he finally found an opportunity he was excited about—driving Uber. But instead of support, his family strongly rejected the idea.
According to Kofi, his parents and sister insisted that a university graduate should not become a ride-hailing driver. Their disapproval deeply affected him.
“I went to West Hills Mall to end my life. I wanted to throw myself in front of a moving car,” he confessed. “But I thought about the pain I would go through before dying.”
A close friend stepped in, encouraged him, and supported him financially. Kofi says that gesture helped pull him away from suicidal thoughts.
With no job and no support from home, he secretly left his family house. Today, he works as a live-in house help in Cape Coast. His duties include sweeping, weeding, washing cars, and feeding dogs. He earns a monthly salary of GH₵1,200. Although the salary is low, he says it is at least something—and far better than doing nothing.
Kofi’s family is unaware of his current job, as he fears they will disapprove again. He avoids their calls and communicates only with his senior brother.
Reflecting on his life, Kofi expressed regret about some choices he made:
Sometimes I regret going to the university. I had the chance to learn a mechanical skill after SHS, but I chose school. Now I love driving, I love cars, and I even have my driver’s license—but my family didn’t allow me to do the job I loved.”
He added that during school, he also had passion for fieldwork, construction, and mining-related jobs. He hopes to study project management one day and secure a career that involves travel and hands-on tasks.
Despite the hardships, Kofi says he’s grateful he did not take his life. He now believes there is still hope and that his struggles may lead to something meaningful in the future.
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