A TALK TO EX-SCHOLARS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1932, Page 6 (Supplement)

A TALK TO EX-SCHOLARS.

(By Suggestions.) How many of you young people are seeking work? Quite a number have told me that because of the present depression their parents are unable to let them follow up their studies at college, upon which they have been counting with such enthusiasm.

To these girls and boys I would like to say, “Cheer up! Things aren’t so black as they seem.” Nowadays a college education and degrees are not everything in the business world. Ability is the main thing. A year or so ago many girls and boys found it hard to see their schoolmates entering college while they had to find work. But they are the fortunate ones now, who, through pluck and perseverance, are in steady work while their matriculated friends can find nothing.

But it’s not that there’s no work to be had. There is! ’

It’s just that they don’t happen to think of exploring fields outside the already overcrowded ones. No good waiting for a "Situation Vacant” ad. in the paper. You might wait for months. Besides, so many others are also waiting. During these times work must be created by you young people yourselves. And that is just where your "originality boxes” are going to come in handy. What about all those bright ideas which are forever trying to pop out into a suitable outlet? Now is the time to let them “pop”—all fresh and crisp like candy-corn—right into tne hard-headed business world where competition is rife. The majority of business people welcome any good suggestions which will help to sell their goods. If you have ideas don’t be afraid to prove their worth!

Or why not launch out and commercialise your favourite hobby? With that you will have a thorough knowledge. Why not turn - it to profit? It may be gardening, poultry-raising, novelty cookery, home, or even toy design-ing—-in fact, almost anything which girls and boys are good at doing. Make a point of meeting some grown-up in the same business who will be willing to let you gain experience with them in return for your voluntary services. Make yourself indispensable and ten to one they won’t let you go but offer you a small remuneration —the first step on the ladder of work and wages! You’ve probably heard of many who have launched out in this way—beekeepers, potters, who specialise in New Zealand clays and designs, farmers, landscape gardeners, dress designers, children’s photographers and so on. One girl in Christchurch, who is passionately fond of animals, runs a home for pets whose owners, when leaving the city on holiday, place them in her charge with the greatest of confidence. Consequently, this enterprising girl is making good money with her hobby and absolutely revelling in her* work. To be happy in one’s work is the most desirable of all things, isn’t it? You only need to put on your thinking cap and study people’s needs. Ideas will soon come trooping along. Very little capital is needed, but you’ll certainly need plenty of grit and cheery optimism. Believe in yourselves. Know that you can do a thing; go the right way about it and you’ll do it all right. But above all things, girls and boys, each one of you, even though you may not feel like it, try and keep a smiling face. It spells success and draws it to you. People will put their confidence and money in someone who looks successful. Try it and-see!