Khrieletuonuo Merekesiyie
In our society today, an alarming percentage of bright, capable young people find themselves trapped in an endless loop of waiting. We pour our heart and soul into preparing for examinations, competing fiercely for a handful of government vacancies. We are taught growing up that "hard work always pays off," but what about the thousands of aspirants who tirelessly sacrifice their entire youth for a single post, only to end up empty-handed?
In places like Nagaland, a dangerous mentality has taken root among the youth : "I will attempt the exams and try for three to five years. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll look for a private job."
But what about those lost five years?
Those were not just years on a calendar , they were prime years of energy, creativity, and potential wasted doing nothing but waiting. Imagine if that same time, focus, and dedication were directed toward building something of your own. Had you taken a modest loan, started a small business, or pursued an alternative career path five years ago, you could have paid off your debt by now, gained invaluable practical experience, and built a stable, fulfilling life today.
Instead, the relentless pressure to secure a government job just to "fit in" and gain societal approval has fueled a silent epidemic of mental health crises. Career-related depression has quietly taken deep root in our society, destroying young lives and fracturing families. Year after year of rejections and uncertainty strip away a person's self-esteem, replacing hope with overwhelming anxiety, guilt, and isolation. Parents watch helplessly as their vibrant children lose their confidence, while families bear the emotional and financial strain of supporting years of endless preparation. This artificial obsession is taking a devastating toll, turning what should be the best years of a person's life into a quiet battle against mental exhaustion.
While it is true that a government job offers stability, it is far from the only path to a successful life. Look at the global reality: the vast majority of the world’s most prosperous individuals are not civil servants , they are entrepreneurs, business leaders, creators, innovators, and visionaries. They chose to build value rather than wait for a position to open up.
We are capable of achieving extraordinary things, yet so many of us sit idle, waiting for the next Grade-IV post or clerical vacancy to be advertised. It is time to change our perspective. Start now, while time is still on your side.
Do not sit on your dreams while waiting for permission to live them.
