A day after my college graduation, my father exclaimed, “It’s a good time to start applying for a job, ha!” What followed was the existential clamp on my chest. There is a whiplash-inducing transition from being an undergraduate student to an unemployed adult in need of income.

The last four years of my life were spent studying, writing papers, and presenting. I was still grieving the loss of a familiar direction, provided by our semesters, which came with a set class schedule and an academic calendar.

As a graduate, I became an anxious job seeker in turn. My next path is up to me, yet the map remains unknown.

Job-seeking requires composing a resume, cover letter, and portfolio. To add, there are government IDs and clearances. This was my father's checklist for me: NBI Clearance, Police Clearance, PhilHealth ID, National ID, and so on. Beyond that, job-seekers need Pag-IBIG and SSS accounts.

I am blessed to have my father’s support. As eager as he was to push his scared daughter into adulthood, he was just as keen to help with the first step: gathering documents.

So, a month and a half after graduation, we ventured out to government offices. My father accompanied me throughout the long day of errands.

“Yung BIR at TIN mo, kahit sa first hire mo na lang,” my father instructed me.

“Sige, Pa. No pressure.”

“Do you have your documents na? Birth certificate, passport? Na-photocopy mo lahat?”

“Yes, Pa…” I said multiple times, but he would fuss over my brown envelope anyway. It was endearing. I felt like a kid again.

Our first stop was the barangay hall, which is usually the nearest venue. Here, I received my signed Barangay Certificate and Oath of Undertaking. These are integral documents for a first-time job seeker, who can apply for clearances free of charge. What you need here is an ID with an address; a PSA birth certificate also works. The process took less than an hour, as only a few people were lined up.

The key to document applications: attending early for a good slot. For me, 9:00–10:00 AM was best.

Next, my father and I went to a One Stop Shop at a Robinson’s mall, equipped with SSS and Police Clearance branches. After getting a number, expect plenty of waiting before you are called. Nowadays, you are required to register online accounts before acquiring the documents onsite.

The errands with my father took a total of seven hours. The final output: my Barangay ID and certificates, Police Clearance, SSS ID, and PhilHealth ID. I still had to wait several days for the rest of my documents.

Even after seven hours, more waiting was required. I didn’t understand the point of the online process or the supposed all-in-one convenience of the eGov app. You would still have to show up and wait in long lines. Where is the convenience in that?

In my experience, the longest lines were at SSS and PhilHealth. Both branches were packed with people, ranging from young adults like me to middle-aged adults and senior citizens. Everyone looked equally exhausted, including the employees behind the counters. I could not imagine what the next day would look like—and every day after that.

I turned to my father. I thanked him for spending his day helping me transition into adulthood. I am well aware that not everyone has the same luxury or the same support.

His reply: “It’s because I want you to feel prepared. I know you’ll do well in whatever your first job will be. Basta, try your best, ha?”

My day in receiving my job-seeking documents gave me a preview of adulthood: documentation, financial accounts, and a lot of waiting in line. It all comes with a slight dread and terror about making a living. Once I receive my first job offer, I hope the fear will fuel me instead.

I hope that someday, the incoming generations will be given better resources. May they pursue their dreams in easier, better times, within a society that paves the way for their success.

The Frontman