Edited by Rivermore Academy
Recently, there's been increasing news about university graduates in China and Singapore opting for blue-collar jobs. Stories like "graduates from a prestigious university choosing to drive buses" are not highlighting the devaluation of academic degrees or the struggle of graduates to find jobs. Instead, they reveal that university diplomas are no longer rare, and graduates are starting to enter the blue-collar workforce.
So, if you still don't have a university degree, can you remain calm?
Shedding the "Traditional Scholar's Gown"
In China, the number of university graduates taking up jobs as shop assistants, security guards, electricians, and pet groomers has increased by 165% recently. Not only bachelor's degree holders but also master's graduates are working as cleaners, food delivery riders, dishwashers, and even crematorium workers in the funeral industry.
This trend isn't confined to China; it's also emerging in Singapore.
Liao, who graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a degree in Aviation Management, joined the bus industry in February 2024. Liu, a graduate from a prestigious Chinese university, chose to enter the pet industry as a pet groomer. Feng, 25, opted to work as a security guard. According to her, many of her fellow "post-2000s" generation are eyeing security jobs, making it necessary to be "certified to work" in this field.
Even "Blue-Collar Workers" Need Scholar’s Gown
Have you considered: when university graduates flood the job market and every job requires certification, what will you do without a degree?
Slacking off is the worst option; getting a degree is a standard approach; choosing the most suitable educational path for you is the best strategy!
If you've already gained substantial work experience but are missing out on better opportunities due to a lack of formal education, now is the time to reassess your career development plan. Whether it's pursuing higher education, acquiring new skills, or obtaining professional certifications, these are avenues you can explore. Continuing education can not only help you keep up with the times but also make you stand out in a competitive job market.
Don't let a lack of formal education hold you back. Choose an educational path that suits your needs, tailor a learning plan to your career goals and interests, and you'll not only enhance your professional skills but also broaden your career prospects. Remember, it's never too late to learn. Only by choosing to keep progressing can you remain competitive in the job market.
Therefore, even "blue-collar workers" need to don "scholar’s gown" to adapt to market demands and enrich themselves. Don't be content with the status quo; continually enhance your knowledge and skills to tackle future challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, you'll find that the effort you put in will bring substantial rewards to your career, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
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