From young newly graduated to professionals with decades of experience, they attended on Saturday, May 17 to an employment fair organized by the Ministry of Labor and companies of the private sector, in search of one of the five thousand places available. Despite their generational differences, they all share the same concern: the shortage of job opportunities in Guatemala.
Young people face the challenge of getting their first job due to lack of experience, while those over 45 claim that their age and preference for younger talent have become an obstacle. Even so, many arrived with the hope of finding a position, even if they only offer the minimum wage.
Seeks to grow
Ever Miguel Gómez, 25, has been unemployed for three months and participates in the Employment Fair in the hope of finding an opportunity that allows him to get ahead. He currently studies systems engineering at the Mariano Gálvez University, and although he worked before in a private company, he left his job to focus on his studies and grow both academically and labor.
In a certain part it has been difficult to pay for my expenses, but it was a decision that I risked to take to look for what I really want, he said.
Many times what companies ask for most is experience and I don’t have much because I have had administrative issue. I consider that there is a lot of competition, in a matter of experience and in a matter of studies. An adequate salary for me could be Q4 thousand onwards, or something close to the minimum wage, he pointed out.
Determining age
Luis Fernando Diemec, 48, has a semester in Business Administration and arrived at the Organized Employment Fair in the capital in the hope of finding a job opportunity that fits his profile and experience. Although it still had no clarity about the available squares, he decided to attend after learning that some vacancies included an age range compatible with his.
They told me that there were some places and that the age range involved my age too, he said.
For years I worked in call centers, specifically in customer service. My last job was in that sector and I am currently unemployed. I have been searching for approximately two years. They have not told me directly, but I consider that my age has been a determining factor that has limited my opportunities, he said.
No benefits
I have no benefits, but there I am seeing how I do, Rumilda Ixim, 52, domestic worker who seeks an opportunity abroad.
I have experience in domestic jobs, kitchen, cleaning and packed, because it is what I have worked on all my life, because I only have a basic third, he says.
I currently work, but not stable. My salary hangs from several houses where they hire me for days, and income vary depending on the family, he added.
There are houses where Q150 or Q200 per day pay me, but in others they pay little. There we see how we do it. I have no benefits like Aguinaldo, Bono 14 or vacations. The patterns tell me that in the Q200 they pay me, all that is included, he lamented.
Wants to change your life
I do not come to cry to them, but I intend to do something for my old age, says Aldo Morataya, 48, who also seeks work abroad after decades of experience in mechanics and electromechanical work.
In Guatemala I defend what I do, but the wages are so low that they do not reach the basic basket. That is why I look for legal employment outside the country that allows me to generate more stable income and plan my retirement, emphasizes.
In six months in the United States you can win what one does not win in two years. That’s why I came, to see if possible. I do not come to cry them either, but I intend to do something for my old age, he says frankly. Consider that a fair salary for your skills should be around Q8 thousand per month.
Six months unemployed
Werner Cuc, 26, seeks a job change after being unemployed six months ago. He has closed pensum in business administration and has four years of experience in wineries and training in business administration. Aspires to grow professionally.
I am looking for a change, a more personal growth. Since November of last year I am unemployed and it has been difficult, he said.
The offers in my area are around Q4 thousand 500, but I consider just a minimum wage of Q5 thousand 500 for someone with a university degree. The competition in the labor market is high. There is always competition in any field; It depends on one how it develops, he says.
The problem is that sometimes in companies they investigate tattoos, and that should not be an impediment to finding opportunities, he considers.
Without opportunity
Mario Morán, 57, expresses his concern about the lack of job opportunities for the elderly.
In society already for the elderly there is no job opportunity. After 25 or 35 years it is very difficult to get formal employment. That is why I decided to participate in this fair to explore options, aware that many older adults also look for an opportunity, he said.
I have experienced experience for more than 15 years and I have managed to get ahead when I work on my own, but the technological advance and preference for young people in the labor market have left many older adults lagging behind, he says.
He added: Young people are more advanced in technology, and many adults do not want to learn, so they are left behind. I am urgent to find work because I am in charge of my two children, a niece and my wife.
God will know where everyone will place us. Sometimes one wants a good job and a good salary, but I think fate plays a role in these decisions.
First job
Mónica González, 18, seeks her first job in an administrative square. Despite not having previous experience, she is interested in starting working and has tried to find a job in several places, but has not been successful until now. He comments that the lack of experience is the main reason they have given him not to hire it.
Audit study at the university, but competition for a workplace is high. I have the support of my parents to cover my studies, but I need to help them in expenses. I keep the hope of finding a job that allows me to continue studying, he said.
The truth is that this type of event helps and I hope that, as well as me, other young people in need can find an opportunity in a place where they allow us to grab that experience that they demand in other companies, he stressed.
Positive attitude
Milton Ramírez, 51, seeks job opportunities mainly in the areas of public relations, sales or international relations. He has approximately 22 years of experience and has not worked for six months. He has previously provided advice in the Congress of the Republic and in other private institutions.
After 50 it is difficult to find a chance, but the key is to strive and present stationery on several occasions to increase the possibilities of being hired. The struggle for employment requires constant persistence and action, he says.
They should open more spaces for those who have extensive work experience. I think that accumulated experience is an important value that should be taken into account in selection processes. I hope that my potential and the skills of other older adults are recognized so that they can access appropriate jobs to their professional profile, he added.