Petrol Prices Are Going Up, But So Is the Cost of Looking for a Job in South Africa

Sometimes, Even Looking for a Job Costs Money

Let’s be honest. Being unemployed in South Africa is already hard enough.

You wake up in the morning, check your phone, open your emails and hope to see that message you’ve been waiting for.

“Dear Applicant, we are pleased to inform you…”

But instead, you find another rejection email, a message saying your application was unsuccessful, or nothing at all.

Still, you keep going. You update your CV, search for vacancies, apply on different websites and tell yourself that maybe next week will be different.

But there’s something people don’t always talk about when it comes to looking for work: you need money to look for money.

You need data to apply online. You might need money to print your CV. If an employer calls you for an interview, you need transport. And if you drive, you need petrol.

Now imagine getting that interview you’ve been praying for, only to realise that the company is on the other side of town and you don’t have enough money to get there.

That’s a reality many South African job seekers understand.

With fuel prices rising, getting to an interview can become another expense for someone who doesn’t even have a monthly salary coming in.

And if you’re using a taxi, a bus or a train, you know that transport money is something you have to plan for, especially when you’re travelling far.

The Pain of Getting an Interview When You’re Broke

Imagine you’ve been unemployed for six months.

You’ve sent out dozens of applications. You’ve asked people you know if their companies are hiring. You’ve even heard the familiar words, “We’ll let you know if something comes up.”

Then, finally, someone calls.

They want to see you for an interview on Thursday morning.

You’re excited. You start thinking about what you’ll wear, how you’ll answer the questions and what your life might look like if you get the job.

Then reality kicks in.

How are you getting there?

If you drive, how much petrol will you need? If you’re taking taxis, how many will you need to catch? Do you have enough money to get there and back? What if you need to print documents before the interview?

You might even find yourself calling a friend or family member to ask for transport money.

And that can be difficult, especially when you’ve already been depending on people for a while.

You don’t want to keep asking. You want to stand on your own feet. You want to contribute at home, help your parents, buy your own things and stop feeling like every small expense needs an explanation.

But here you are, asking for money just to get a chance to earn money.

That’s the part of unemployment people don’t always see.

Petrol Money Is Not the Only Problem

For someone who has a job, filling up the car is part of the monthly budget. For someone who is unemployed, even a small amount of petrol money can be a big decision.

Do you put fuel in the car and travel to an interview that might not lead anywhere? Or do you save that money for food, electricity or another important expense at home?

And it’s not just people who drive.

If you’re using public transport in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town or anywhere else in the country, travelling across town can take time and money.

You might need a taxi to the station, a train to another area and another taxi to the interview venue. By the time you get home, you’ve spent money you may not be able to replace.

Then there’s the possibility that the interview gets postponed, the company never calls back, or you discover that the salary isn’t enough to cover the cost of getting to work every day.

It’s frustrating because you’re doing what everyone tells you to do: look for a job, stay positive and keep trying.

But trying also comes with a cost.

So, How Do You Keep Looking for Work Without Breaking the Bank?

You can’t control petrol prices. You can’t control whether an employer shortlists you. And you certainly can’t control how long it takes to find a job.

But there are a few things you can do to make the process a little easier.

1. Don’t Travel Before You Have the Important Details

Before spending money on an interview, confirm the address, date and time.

Make sure you know the name of the company, the position you’re interviewing for and who you’ll be meeting.

If the details are unclear, ask the recruiter to confirm them. You don’t want to spend your last R100 travelling somewhere only to discover that the arrangements have changed.

And please, be careful of fake job adverts that promise employment in exchange for upfront payments.

Your desperation to find work should never become someone else’s opportunity to take advantage of you.

2. Ask If the First Interview Can Be Online

There’s nothing wrong with politely asking whether an initial interview can be conducted over the phone or through a video call.

Not every employer will agree, and some positions require an in-person assessment. But asking could save you a trip.

You could write:

“Thank you for the interview opportunity. I am very interested in the position. Would it be possible to conduct the initial interview virtually? I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application.”

Keep it professional. You are not begging for a favour; you’re asking a reasonable question.

3. Look at the Distance Before You Apply

Sometimes we see a vacancy and immediately apply because we desperately need work.

That’s understandable. When you need a job, you don’t want to miss an opportunity.

But also consider where the workplace is located.

If you get the job, will you be able to afford the daily transport? What time will you need to leave home? Will you be able to get back safely if your shift ends late?

You don’t have to reject opportunities simply because they’re far away. Just make sure you understand the costs before making a decision.

A salary is important, but so is what remains after transport and other expenses.

4. Make Your Applications Count

Instead of applying for every vacancy you come across, spend some time checking whether you meet the essential requirements.

Read the advert carefully. Update your CV to reflect the skills and experience the employer is looking for. Make sure your contact details are correct.

If an employer requests specific documents, prepare them before the interview.

The goal isn’t to guarantee that you’ll get the job. Nobody can promise that. The goal is to give yourself a stronger chance without wasting money on avoidable mistakes.

5. Use Your Phone to Your Advantage

Your phone can be more than a place to scroll through TikTok and WhatsApp while waiting for something to happen.

Use it to search for vacancies, prepare interview answers, research companies and improve your CV.

Follow legitimate employers and recruitment pages. Save vacancies that interest you, keep track of application deadlines and check your email regularly.

And if you come across an opportunity that looks promising, verify it before sending personal documents or spending money to attend an interview.

A smartphone won’t solve unemployment, but using it wisely can help you search more effectively.

What About the People at Home?

There’s another side to unemployment that doesn’t get talked about enough.

It’s the pressure of living in a household where everyone is trying to make ends meet.

Maybe your mother is still working and helping with groceries. Maybe your father is approaching retirement. Maybe your partner is covering most of the expenses. Maybe you’re a young person who wants to help at home but doesn’t have an income yet.

Every time someone asks, “Any luck with the job search?” you know they probably mean well.

But sometimes that question hurts.

Not because you don’t want to work, but because you are trying. You really are.

You’ve sent applications. You’ve waited for calls. You’ve attended interviews when you could afford to. You’ve tried to remain hopeful even when the responses don’t come.

And now, even the cost of getting to an interview can become something you have to worry about.

If this is your situation, remember that being unemployed doesn’t mean you’re lazy or that you’re not trying hard enough. The job search can be difficult, and circumstances aren’t the same for everyone.

Keep looking for opportunities, but don’t be ashamed to plan your spending carefully or ask for help when you genuinely need it.

You are trying to build a future, and that matters.

Don’t Forget to Think About the Job After You Get It

Getting the job is the goal, but it’s also important to think about what happens next.

Before accepting an offer, work out approximately how much you’ll spend travelling to work each month.

Consider your salary, transport, food during working hours and other necessary expenses.

For example, a job that pays more might require you to spend significantly more on transport. A closer job might pay less but leave you with more money after your expenses.

There isn’t one right answer for everyone. Your circumstances, career goals and opportunities will influence your decision.

The important thing is to understand the full picture before committing.

Keep Going, But Be Kind to Yourself

If you’re reading this while looking for work, perhaps you’ve been unemployed for weeks, months or even longer.

Maybe you’ve started to question yourself. Maybe you’ve watched friends get jobs while you’re still waiting for your opportunity. Maybe you’ve had to explain to your family why another interview didn’t work out.

And now, on top of everything else, you have to think about petrol money or taxi fare just to keep searching.

It’s a lot to carry.

But don’t measure your worth by how quickly you find a job. Your circumstances today don’t define everything you can become tomorrow.

Keep improving your CV. Keep learning where you can. Keep applying for suitable opportunities. Ask questions, prepare properly and look after the money you have.

And when an opportunity comes, give yourself the best chance you can.

You deserve that chance.

Find Your Next Opportunity With BEmployed

At BEmployed, we understand that finding work is about more than seeing a vacancy online. It’s about finding opportunities that could help you move forward.

Whether you’re looking for an entry-level position, a learnership, an internship or a new career direction, keep checking our website for opportunities and practical career advice.

Visit BEmployed.co.za and take your next step.

Because sometimes, all a person needs is one opportunity to get things moving in a different direction.

Share this article with someone who’s looking for work. You never know how much they might need the encouragement.

BEmployed — Helping South Africans find opportunities.