Nzanti N Ngullie
In this age there is no place for people who are lazy and always look for the easy way. Nothing comes without a cost. If we want to see our goals achieved, there is no option but to work hard. One problem we find in our society in relation to the youths/graduates per say who are now in the phase of looking out for work consider government job to be the only work or the ultimate of all the jobs. Jobs in the unrecognised sector are hardly given any consideration and hold in shallow regard and those who are self employed are not as respected as one holding Government posts/jobs. Of course, no one is against those who are aspiring to get in the Government sector but we should also not forget that there is no harm in doing other job and not necessarily Government. It is out of question for someone who has no motivation to venture out or desire to carry out unconventional job to appreciate the opportunity that we see around us. Opportunity is everywhere; we just have to focus on which one to pursue. We aren't any less from the rest of the country when it comes to opportunities. But the mindset of Government jobs being of ultimate value and regard deters us from equipping ourselves with the skills needed for other opportunities outside the government ambit. When we look at people outside the state, they do well because they know the value and ethics of work and respect all work.
Job is a Job, be it government, private and self-employed, we need to come out from the narrow understanding of it (which for many is only government job) and be able to take up any job without feeling embarrassed. One of the worrying trend seen in our society today is young people being appalled to take up jobs which are considered to be for the uneducated and dropouts by the society. For example, for a graduate to do manual work, be a farmer, delivery person, sales person etc. is considered foolish but for those who are not formally educated, taking up such job is acceptable. The danger of this misconception is when a person's unproductiveness become a liability to the family and society. If only our young people see the importance of developing and equipping oneself through the different avenues which are available to us and not just sit idle and wait for a white collared job.
We all can be productive and contribute towards the growth of the society. We need to learn from those who are carrying out their lives by doing work apart from government jobs, some even to the extent of leaving their government jobs to pursue their dreams. Not everyone of us may have the privilege to start a business or become an entrepreneur but that does not limit us to work, become independent and play contributing role in the society. We are lucky to be in the age where we can get the best education from the internet if we make use of it wisely. We need to appreciate those young people who are not affected by the negativities of the society but rather step out and face the challenges, equip themselves and grow with time and stand by themselves. They inspire us that if only we are focused, determined and work hard, nothing and no one can stop us.
The problem of educated unemployment is on the rise and is a matter of serious and urgent concern. If government sector is the only option, we will be facing huge setbacks as a society years down the line (sooner than latter). One way we can move forward as a society is remove the ignorance and set mindset of government job being the ultimate. We need to educate one another to learn to respect whatever job (s) others are doing and encourage our own people to take up work in any sector.
Let’s do away with laziness, criticism and negativism and replace these with integrity and dignity of work, cultivate work culture and by achieving that we will be able to live with a sense of satisfaction knowing that we are using the gifts and abilities that God has given to each one of us.
The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, SJC (A) Jakhama
