Student sells feet pics to keep her head above water

A university student at De Montford turned to selling feet pictures online as a way to support herself, after facing difficulty in securing a traditional job. 

By Sandra Just

Photo taken by- Sandra Just

A 20-year-old student had been looking for a part time job since she started university, but was unable to get one in the current job market. 

She said: “It was really hard to even get interviews, and then as a joke one of my friends suggested I should sell my feet pics online, and at first I thought that was ridiculous I could never, but I was broke”. 

The ONS (Office for National Statistics) released data showing that from November 2024 to January 2025 the unemployment rate for people aged 16-24 was at 14.5%, up from 12.2% from the previous year.  

Unemployment can produce financial insecurity for young people, leading them to miss out on activities that in turn may cause them to stay indoors and not socialise.

“It's so tough because I want to be able to go out with my mates but there were times where I lied that I just didn't feel like it because I could not afford it whatsoever, and if I went, I would end up not having dinner the following days”. 

This student's story shines light on the broader challenges faced by many young people in today's labour market. 

The job pool for young people has become more competitive in recent years, with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still being felt in many sectors, it has caused young people to steer into the direction of more unconventional ways to earn.  

According to Youth Employment UK: “A rise in retirement age due to employment legislation, prevents the need to fill these roles with new employees,” suggesting that with changing laws and legislations on retirement, it causes young people to struggle. 

In the spring of 2024, the Education Policy Institute considered how to improve young people's skills to help them gain fulfilling careers and help increase productivity nationally. 

They brought together politicians, civil servants, school leaders, and employers. 

A key issue raised was the lack of access to work experience and career guidance, particularly for disadvantaged individuals. 

“I struggle with BPD (borderline personality disorder) which has disadvantaged me when trying to apply and get jobs, so selling my feet pics online felt like the only way to earn money and somehow survive university,” said the student from De Montford. 

A study from last year conducted by experian shows that one in seven (14%) students seriously consider dropping out of university as they cannot afford the life.