Many youngsters now believe that money, skills, and quick earning opportunities matter more than degrees. The dream of getting a good education and building a career slowly appears to be competing with the desire to earn fast.
Jawad Khan
In today’s fast-changing world, one question is becoming common among young people in Pakistan: “Is education really necessary for success?” Many youngsters now believe that money, skills, and quick earning opportunities matter more than degrees. The dream of getting a good education and building a career slowly appears to be competing with the desire to earn fast.
Social media has played a major role in shaping this mindset. Every day, young people see stories of influencers, entrepreneurs, and online workers who appear to become successful without traditional education. This creates the impression that a degree is no longer valuable and that money is the only measure of achievement.
However, the reality is more complicated.
Pakistan has a large young population, with around two-thirds of the country’s population below the age of 30. This youth power can become the country’s biggest strength if it is supported by quality education and practical skills. Education does not only provide a certificate; it develops thinking ability, problem-solving skills, confidence, and awareness.
The belief that “only money matters” often comes from real frustrations. Many graduates struggle to find jobs after completing their studies. According to various reports, Pakistan faces challenges with unemployment and a gap between academic learning and market requirements. When young people see educated individuals struggling financially while others earn through businesses or online platforms, they naturally start questioning the value of education.
But choosing between a degree and money is not always the right approach. In many cases, education becomes the foundation that helps people earn more in the long run. Doctors, engineers, researchers, teachers, and many successful business leaders rely on knowledge gained through education. Even many entrepreneurs who succeed without traditional degrees continue learning throughout their lives.
Money can provide comfort, but education provides direction. Wealth without knowledge can be difficult to manage, while knowledge can create opportunities to build wealth.
The real solution is not to reject education but to improve it. Young people need education that connects with real-life skills, technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship. A degree alone may not guarantee success, but a lack of knowledge can limit opportunities.
The future should not be a battle between degrees and dollars. The real goal should be creating a generation that values both: educated minds with the ability to earn, innovate, and contribute to society.
Because in the end, money may open some doors, but knowledge helps people build new ones.
Read: Pakistan’s 31% graduates unable to find employment according to their degrees
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Jawad Khan is student of BS English (7th semester) at International Islamic University Islamabad
