Tekalemla Longchar
Assistant Professor, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama
Youth unemployment has become a global problem today. Out of the many factors, one of the factors is the preference for white collar jobs. There is no doubt that white collar jobs are a means of obtaining adequate economic resources, which are essential for material well being and central to an individual’s identity and social status. But having said that, one must also understand that white collar jobs are not the only means of fulfilling the needs of an individual, both socially and economically. It is the society that still upholds the notion that white collar jobs are better as compared to other jobs.
These days many alternative career options have come up for the youths. Instead of confining themselves to a couple of conventional careers, they now have the option to broaden their horizon and venture in some unconventional career. Young people must determine what career options are available and what skills they have or need to develop. They must find out where their interest lies and invest their talent and creativity in some innovative ideas which could possibly produce positive outcomes. Youths can look at careers that give them the freedom to work in their own way, at their own pace, according to their desires and earn well too.
Entrepreneurship is gaining grounds in our present society and many people are venturing into it, as it also gives them a bit of freedom as compared to other type of office jobs. Moreover entrepreneurship can also offer levels of fulfilment and achievement which cannot be matched by other type of job. Engaging oneself in the work one loves will definitely have a higher productivity rate and give one the extra motivation to meet one’s goals, and when one does that, the sense of accomplishment will be outstanding. But being an entrepreneur is a huge responsibility with many risk attached and also demand a lot of commitment and dedication. In order to be successful, one must have the zeal and be passionate about the work and most importantly have a positive attitude.
With the explosion of the communication network, the growth of advertising and media, there are also a number of avenues where the youths can explore their creativity and turn their passion into a profession. Photography is an area offering great scope for those who have an interest and attribute needed to be a professional. Earlier cooking was seen as a daily chore or activity, but now it is considered an art and young people who have an interest in mastering this art can opt for this career. Besides this there are also many other career options, the only thing needed is to search for something that one is passionate about. A great idea teamed with passion and commitment will ultimately bring fruitful results.
Its time young people look outside the white collar box when it comes to landing a steady and good paying job. Though it can be said that white collar jobs are preferable over other jobs, it is also true that other jobs are also at par with office jobs by nearly every measurable factor in terms of what makes a career a good one.
The number of unemployed youths in our society has already reached an alarming proportion and the number is increasing every year. It is a fact that no government can provide employment for all the unemployed youth. To solve this problem a change in outlook is also needed. We must develop the right mindset: positive in outlook and global in ambition. For optimism stems, not from denying change, but from recognising the possibilities it presents. Society must also understand that the youths of today have a very different environment to deal with. Against this backdrop, the need of the hour for the youths to venture into different avenues and explore the many options available to find the best career fit.
