Government Jobs or Business? Kashmir's Youth Need to Think Beyond Government Employment
By: Rayees Jamil | Inside Kashmir
In Kashmir, getting a government job is considered one of the biggest achievements in life. Many parents want their children to become government employees because these jobs offer a regular salary and financial security.
There is nothing wrong with this dream. Every young person wants a good job and a better future. But the problem begins when we believe that a government job is the only way to become successful.
Every year, thousands of educated young people apply for a limited number of government posts. Many prepare for competitive examinations for years. Some get selected, while others continue to wait for an opportunity.
During this time, many young people become frustrated and lose hope. They have degrees but no jobs. Their families wait for them to start earning, but opportunities remain limited.
This raises an important question: Can the government provide a job to every educated young person?
The answer is no. Government jobs are important, but they cannot solve the entire problem of unemployment. We must also look at other opportunities.
Education Should Prepare Us for Life
Education is not only about passing examinations and getting degrees. It should also help us develop skills and become independent.
Unfortunately, many young people complete their education without learning skills that can help them earn a living.
A person may have a degree but still struggle to find work. On the other hand, someone with practical skills may find opportunities in teaching, computer work, digital marketing, tourism, agriculture or other fields.
Our schools and colleges should help students understand the value of skills and practical experience.
Small Businesses Can Make a Difference
Entrepreneurship does not always mean opening a large company or investing lakhs of rupees.
A young person can start small according to their skills and financial situation.
Someone with good English skills can start teaching students. A person interested in computers can offer basic computer services. Someone with knowledge of social media can help local shopkeepers promote their businesses online.
Young people can also explore farming, handicrafts, tourism and other local opportunities.
These businesses may not make someone rich overnight, but they can become a source of income with hard work, planning and patience.
However, starting a business is not easy. It requires knowledge, effort and sometimes financial support. Not every business succeeds, so young people must understand the risks before investing their money.
Our Thinking Must Change
One of the biggest problems in our society is that we often judge people by their jobs.
A government employee is respected, but a person running a small shop or working privately may not receive the same respect.
Why should this happen?
A person who earns an honest living deserves respect, whether they work in a government office, teach students, run a business or work as a skilled professional.
Parents should encourage their children to explore different careers instead of making government employment their only goal.
Young people must also stop believing that their lives have no value simply because they have not secured a government job.
Your worth is not decided by your job title. What matters is your hard work, honesty and willingness to learn.
What Should the Government Do?
Encouraging entrepreneurship does not mean that the government is free from its responsibilities.
The government must create more employment opportunities, conduct recruitment fairly and support young people who want to start small businesses.
Skill development programmes should teach practical skills that people can actually use to earn money.
Young entrepreneurs should also receive proper guidance about business planning, financial assistance and market opportunities.
At the same time, young people preparing for government examinations deserve fair recruitment processes and timely information about vacancies.
Both employment and entrepreneurship need attention.
We Need a Balanced Approach
Young people do not need to abandon their dreams of government jobs. Instead, they should avoid depending entirely on one option.
A student can prepare for competitive examinations while learning a useful skill. A graduate can search for a job while exploring a small business idea.
Having another skill or source of income can provide more options when government recruitment takes time.
The aim is not to discourage young people from seeking government jobs. The aim is to help them understand that other opportunities also exist.
Conclusion
Kashmir has many educated and talented young people. They have dreams, ideas and the ability to work hard. But they need proper guidance, practical skills and opportunities to move forward.
Education should not only teach us how to apply for jobs. It should also teach us how to use our knowledge, solve problems and earn an honest living.
The government must do its part, and society must change its attitude towards different professions. Young people must also be willing to explore new opportunities.
We should remember that success does not come through only one path. Some people succeed through government jobs, while others build their future through teaching, business, farming, technology and other professions.
A government job can change one person's life, but a business that grows and creates jobs can change the lives of many.
Kashmir needs government employees, skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Instead of waiting for only one kind of opportunity, our youth should be encouraged to explore every honest path towards a better future.
The real goal should not simply be to find a job, but to build a life of dignity, independence and responsibility.
