I am a recent *graduate* of Software Engineering and a self-acclaimed *memoirist*. Life has seemed to grow gradually worse since I started this program until its end. And now, after graduating, I am hit with the *"****what next?****"* question and realization.

It wasn't this bad when I was in my home country (a country in West Africa), but as the academic system wasn't so good, I sought a better education. Hence, I applied to a university in Cyprus (North) because of its high chance of full-tuition scholarships.

I got a full-tuition scholarship for the undergraduate program, but due to the inflation and dwindling economy of my country, it became difficult for my family to support me. I sought out jobs, but since this is an unrecognized country and they mostly speak Turkish, I couldn't find anything tangible to support myself. I got stuck doing menial and low-paying jobs just to survive as much as I could, cutting out all unnecessary or extravagant spending.

I struggled this way and was able to complete the program. Now, due to financial constraints, I am stuck on what my next move should be. I spent years trying to reach graduation because I thought graduation would open the next door. Now I'm standing in front of it, and I don't have a *key*. I would have continued with my master's degree at my school, but I can't because I wasn't offered the TA role that comes with some quality funding.

I have been researching master's degrees for over a year, even during the last few semesters of my undergraduate program, but I couldn't find any I could apply to because my family kind of restricted me to seeking fully funded scholarship programs or opportunities. They suggested this because they wouldn't be able to actively support me financially.

I applied to a few, but I didn't get any scholarships or funding. I am still researching and applying to more.

Then, from the job angle, due to the rise of AI, the bar for software engineering roles has risen really high, and a school education system doesn't prepare you directly for these roles. To keep up with recent technological advancements, I *vibe-code* most of the time, as I don't have much time to learn using the traditional style we were all previously used to.

I tried using some AI training or microtask earning platforms, but it is difficult to get jobs or any offers once you verify with an ID from my country, and that's even if my country is listed among the eligible countries. And to make it worse, as a student in North Cyprus, we only have student permits, which I can't use to verify on these platforms.

I can't go back to my country, and my family doesn't want me back either, but not because they don't love me. Rather, it's because the country is drowning, with the economy crashing and high unemployment rates, with so many students graduating every year. So, it is kind of going backwards if I go back.

Making matters worse, I have a few months, and then I have to renew my student permit here to remain a legal resident. To do so, I have to find a program to enroll in.

Now, the real question is: *"****What do I do next?****"*

I am stuck, and the world is crashing before my eyes, with my family hoping for a good turning point for me. Any advice, suggestions, recommendations, or anything at all will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading. I finally found a way to write another little memoir.

**PS:** The plate was bought for me by my lovely girlfriend. She's been there for me and has been incredibly supportive. And yes, the meal is simply *rice* and *lentils*.

**TLDR:** Just a fresh Software Engineering graduate and self-acclaimed memoirist ranting about life recently, seeking advice and eager to hear people's opinions.

I spent years chasing graduation. Now I don't have a key to the next door...