We live in a world where the chances of a person success are base on the number of degrees and certificates he or she has. Getting job for instance is mostly predicated on having at least one tertiary institution degree. In some cases, the clause the possession of a Masters degree will be an added advantage is slotted into job advertisements. As a passport to a better life and also as a sign of accomplishment, the average young person aspires to gain admission into one of the various tertiary institutions after completion of the secondary education. These days, the number of those who go a step further to obtain at least one Postgraduate degree is on the increase.
The same is the case for the seekers of the Doctorate degree. The membership of professional bodies and examinations is also on the increase. The above is just a confirmation of the fact that more and more, people is not a guarantee that a job will come running along. The wise ones are now looking into other means of being financially self-reliant just in case a job fails to surface. In the past, people looked with disdain at those who went to learn trades like Tailoring, Hairdressing and so on. They were seen as the unserious and less fortunate ones.
Today, the stigma has been lifted. The dignity of the Tailor, Hairdresser and others has been restored. Young people now go into all these trades even with all their qualifications because they are not just trendy but profitable. I can now look around and see friends who have read all the books who can also wield a pair of scissors nicely, cut a good design and give you value for your money!
Isee those who are graduates who are what you can call shoe-makers even though that name brings to fore the thoughts of the average wooden box banging shoe-repairer moving about your neighbourhood to eke a living! I am even glad that I have a friend, who was one of the best brains in her time, who is into catering and sells the most delicious plantain chips have tasted! Funny isn’t it? But these days, the graduates are everywhere; jewellery making, hat making, buying and selling, souvenir making, baking, catering, some have even upped the ante by delving into venue decoration and events planning! This is not to say that the tertiary Institution degrees have become irrelevant! We are simply acknowledging the fact that times have changed and the possession of at least one skill in your kitty always comes in handy.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited