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Growing up in Chümoukedima, life had a predictable rhythm. The mantra echoed in every household, every classroom, and every conversation: “Study hard, get a government job, and settle down.” It was the dream– a secure, stable, and prestigious life. Private-sector jobs were rare, and the idea of venturing beyond our hometowns felt like stepping into the unknown. For many of us, the world beyond the hills of Nagaland seemed both exciting and intimidating. Nagaland tourism packages When I passed out of higher secondary school from Patkai Christian College nearly two decades ago, I stood at a crossroads. The world felt vast, but my options felt limited. There was no career guidance, no internet to explore opportunities, and no mentors to light the way. Like many others, I had to navigate the unknown alone. The path ahead was unclear, but I knew one thing: I didn’t want to settle for the ordinary. I wanted more. Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone One story that has always inspired me is that of Mesalhoulie Punyu (Babulie Da), a Multi-talented personality & a family friend from Sovima village (Beautiful village where i was Born). Babulie had what many would consider the “perfect” life – a stable government job in Nagaland. It was safe, secure, and respected. But deep down, he knew he wanted more – not just for himself, but for his family. So, he made a bold decision. He left his job, packed up his life, and moved to Bengaluru with his supportive wife (Nouneseno Punyu) and young child. The first few months were gruelling. Babulie struggled to find a job. The city was overwhelming, the competition fierce, and the cost of living high. There were days when he questioned his decision, but he never gave up. He spent hours networking, upskilling, and applying for jobs. His persistence paid off when he landed a role at HSBC, one of the world’s top multinational banks. Today, he is a Senior Manager, and his wife teaches at one of Bengaluru’s top schools. Their journey is a testament to the power of resilience, risk-taking, and the belief that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary opportunities. The South Indian Mindset: A Lesson in Practicality Before moving to London, I have spent nearly 15 years in Southern India, I began to notice a stark difference in how people approached their careers. In states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, AndraPradesh and Telangana, the focus wasn’t just on degrees – it was on skills, experience, and adaptability. Students here had a clear plan: 1. Minimum Required Education: Instead of chasing multiple degrees, they focused on completing the essential qualifications needed for their chosen field. 2. Skill Development: They invested in courses like programming, cybersecurity, AI, and finance, personality development – skills that were in high demand. 3. Practical Experience: Internships, freelance work, and entry-level roles were seen as stepping stones to build real-world experience. 4. Global Ambitions: Many aimed for onsite opportunities or roles in multinational companies to gain exposure and broaden their horizons. This pragmatic approach is why cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai have become hubs for global companies. The talent here isn’t just educated – it’s job- ready. What Should Young People Do? For students standing at the crossroads of life, wondering what to do after higher secondary or completing Graduation, here’s what I’ve learned: 1. Learn Job-Relevant Skills: Degrees are important, but they’re not enough. Whether it’s coding, AI, finance, marketing, design or communication, invest in skills that make you stand out. 2. Gain Practical Experience: Theory is good, but practice is better. Take up internships, work on projects, or even volunteer to gain hands-on experience. 3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Opportunities often lie beyond the familiar. Be ready to move to bigger cities, take risks, and embrace new challenges. 4. Stay Resilient: The beginning is always hard. There will be rejections, failures, and moments of doubt. But persistence always pays off. 5. Be Good Communicator: communication is your superpower, know how to pitch & sell your ideas. Final Thoughts: The World is yours to Explore I’m not against government jobs. They are respectable, important, and provide stability for many. But they are limited, and not everyone will get one. The world today is full of opportunities – if you’re willing to take the leap. Your career is in your hands. It’s not just about degrees or titles; it’s about skills, experiences, and the courage to chase your dreams. Be fearless. Be skilled. Be ready. And remember, the path to a modern career isn’t always straight – it’s the twists and turns that make the journey worthwhile. As I look back at my own journey, I realize that the best decisions I made were the ones that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Whether it was moving to a new city, learning a new skill, or taking on a challenging role, each step taught me something valuable. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: The world rewards those who dare to dream and are willing to work for it.So, to every young person reading this: Your future is not defined by where you come from, but by where you’re willing to go. Take the leap. The world is waiting for you. Beyond Degrees: The path to a modern career | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
