Financial Strain: How MA Graduates In Punjab Cope With Unemployment ? - Workoja- Find Job | Build Career

A Master of Arts (MA) degree is often seen as a mark of academic accomplishment. But for many young people in Punjab, it has become a source of financial strain rather than career success. With limited job opportunities and growing economic pressures, MA graduates are caught in a tough cycle—high education costs, no steady income, and rising daily expenses.

In this article, we explore the real-life challenges MA graduates face and practical solutions that can help them regain control of their future.

The Growing Problem of Unemployment

Contents Overview

Every year, thousands of students in Punjab complete their postgraduate studies, hoping for a stable and respectable job. Unfortunately, the job market is not keeping pace with the number of graduates. Public sector jobs are limited, highly competitive, and slow-moving, while private companies often prefer skill-based degrees or professional courses.

Key Financial Challenges MA Graduates Face

1. Student Loans Becoming a Burden

Many students finance their education through loans, expecting to repay them once employed. But prolonged joblessness leads to delayed EMIs, increasing interest, and mounting stress. Even small monthly payments feel impossible without income.

2. Daily Living Costs Without Income

Rent, food, phone bills, travel, and basic healthcare become unaffordable for unemployed youth. Those living away from home in cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, or Chandigarh often struggle the most.

3. Pressure from Family and Society

Graduates face emotional stress from parents and relatives who expect financial returns after years of investment in education. Constant comparisons with employed peers affect mental health and confidence.

4. Degrees Not Aligned with Job Market Needs

While MA programs offer in-depth knowledge, they rarely match the practical skills required in the current job market. Many graduates find themselves overqualified for clerical jobs but underqualified for industry-specific roles.

5. Lack of Career Counseling

Students are often unaware of alternate career options or certifications that could make them job-ready. Most colleges lack proper placement cells or advisors to guide them after graduation.

How MA Graduates Are Coping: Real Solutions

Despite the challenges, many graduates are taking proactive steps to improve their career prospects and reduce financial strain.

1. Upskilling with Short-Term Courses

Free or affordable online courses in digital marketing, data entry, content writing, and computer basics are helping many become more employable. Websites like Coursera, Skill India, and Udemy offer practical certifications.

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2. Freelancing and Remote Work

Freelance platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork allow MA graduates to earn through writing, editing, translating, or tutoring. Even basic tasks like data entry and resume writing can generate side income.

3. Teaching and Private Tuition

Many are starting their own home tuition services or teaching online through apps and platforms. Subjects like English, History, and Political Science remain in high demand among school students and competitive exam aspirants.

4. Exploring Government Skill Schemes

Programs like the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) and PMKVY offer training in vocational trades and soft skills. These can help graduates find opportunities in both private and public sectors.

5. Joining Job Networks and Local Platforms

Job boards like Workoja are helping bridge the gap between job seekers and schools looking to hire. Community groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook also share local job leads and internships.

6. Managing Mental Health

Mental health is often overlooked during job searches. Talking to a counselor, joining peer support groups, or even staying physically active can improve emotional wellbeing during uncertain times.

The Way Forward: What Needs to Change

The issue isn’t just individual—it’s systemic. To reduce unemployment among MA graduates, multiple changes are needed:

Colleges should update curricula to include job-oriented skills, internships, and career readiness programs.
Government policies should focus on startup grants, online job platforms, and rural employment schemes.
Society needs to support, not judge—parents, relatives, and peers should encourage open dialogue and be patient with career journeys.

Conclusion

MA graduates in Punjab are educated, ambitious, and capable. But without proper guidance and employment support, many face serious financial and emotional struggles. Through a mix of self-learning, local networking, and support systems, there is hope. Workoja aims to be part of that solution—connecting educators and institutions, and providing tools for every graduate to thrive.

If you’re a job seeker, build your resume and submit it on our website today. If you’re a school looking to hire, post your vacancy and discover talented candidates ready to make a difference.

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