well, i always stress on the need to know where you are heading, what's your career goal, where you want to see yourself in 3-5 years .. and chose target industries/organizations or business where your personal/career/financial goals can be fulfilled.

instead of running like headless chickens, proper career planning is a must. never let anyone say you can't do this or that. Nothing is Impossible in this world. absolutely nothing ..

its just us, who fall prey to our own needs and compromise for worthless things .. anyway, if you are caught up in the Food Chain, please atleast do not pass to your legacy .. I hate seeing cab drivers bringing their cousins, brothers, nephews as CAB DRIVERS to gulf, instead of bringig them up in a great manner, so as to bring reall professionals in local/international markets.

anyway, enough schooling .. I personally believe when hiring you are more comfortable with the one having one or more professional references. (or PERSONAL references). you'd probably agree, in gulf almost anyone can do anything. a programmer can do accounting, an MBA can do civil works, a scientist can be a teacher and a PhD can be found teaching kindergarten. I've personally seen/met zillions of eneterprenuers in gulf, with quite basic education and people with responsible designations with not so impressive educational records.

so, here's the bottom line.
I discourage and negative this approach of young/ambitious but jobless guys/gals that everything works through Wastah- Reference. You must be Your Own reference (rather than your father-in-law, cousin, brother etc's).
ofcourse the begining is always tough, but once you determine your real passion and never giveup trying .. you'll soon get yourself something you deserve.

never go after the glitter and glamour of paychecks, there are always hardwork, sweat and frustations too.

for pro's i always believe professional references makes a difference. your repute brings a deciding factor in your job prospects. I have seen so many hiring/refusals because of professional references.

whereever you are, in whatever capacity, try to make a difference in this 9-5 matrix .. take pride in doing whatever smallings/biggest job you are doing on earth.

god bless you all

cheers