Some of them are becoming entangled in creating sensational content on social media platforms in the hope of making quick money, while many are now opting to become motorbike drivers for ride-hailing transport companies so as to avoid the pressures of daily office life. Behind all these decisions lies a number of challenges for individuals as well as society as a whole which need to be addressed.
Social media content
In recent years there have been innumerable stories of people making hundreds of dollars on social media platforms like YouTube and Tik Tok that have been widely shared among the youth. This has influenced many young people to divert from their chosen career paths to building their own YouTube channels and creating sensational content in the hope of attracting a large number of followers and becoming rich quickly.
However, among the hundreds of channels that have been created, there is a significant number that contains controversial, nonsensical, and downright sensational content, with the sole purpose of increasing viewership, adding more likes, and more subscriptions for monetary gain.
In March this year, social media was abuzz with a video posted on YouTube by a girl named ‘K’, who shared how to make money on Tinder, which is a dating app. On that particular YouTube channel one can see numerous videos with titles such as "How I lied on my resume to get a job", or "I wasn't born to work, and neither were you". It is surprising to see that such videos are attracting thousands of views.
Another example is that of ‘T’, who started as a street food vendor and gradually transitioned to creating YouTube videos featuring scantily clad women fishing, which then attracted thousands of followers. If you search for the term "fishing while revealing" on YouTube you will find countless inappropriate videos on YouTube. Moreover, many YouTubers have also created eerie and sensuous content in the hope of attracting more viewers and generating quick cash income.
Apart from YouTube, in the last two years, Tik Tok has also lured many young individuals to post highly sensational text and videos. Many Tik Tokers are obsessed with the need to constantly produce content, as failing to do so leads to a decline in viewership. When producing an excessive amount of content, creators may easily fall into sensationalism and lack fact-checking.
Furthermore, many Tik Tokers have proclaimed themselves as experts in health, feng shui, and in teaching others how to get rich through affiliate marketing on the Tik Tok platform. Simply searching for the phrase "make money through affiliate marketing on Tik Tok" will yield hundreds of Tik Tokers providing their expert opinions and giving a series of instructions.
A Tik Tok account named ‘TH’ has attracted over 1.5 million likes and hundreds of thousands of followers by teaching young people various ways to make money. Each short video receives tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of likes and followers. Not only are many Tik Tokers becoming online experts, but they are also attracting followers through videos that involve provocative dancing, vulgar trends such as smoking, and foul-mouthed swearing.
Future implications
While some young people choose to become YouTubers or Tik Tokers by any means necessary in their pursuit of quick wealth, others, despite having diplomas and university degrees, choose to work as ride-hailing drivers for technology companies.
Take the story of ‘H.H’ in Ho Chi Minh City who graduated in the middle of 2022 and after being unable to find a job, became a ride-hailing driver to cover living expenses. ‘H.H’. earns a few hundred thousand dongs per day, with a monthly income below VND 10 million. After more than a year in this job, ‘H.H’. has no intention of seeking other employment opportunities at the moment, as job hunting is challenging in the current difficult economic scenario, and starting salaries are usually too low. ‘H.H’. plans to continue driving customers on motorbikes for some time before considering returning to job hunting.
Many young people who have been working as ride-hailing drivers for several years have drawn from their experience. While the job can be physically demanding, the income can be relatively good if one works diligently and has longer hours. More importantly, it offers freedom as drivers can turn on the app and start working whenever they want, giving them flexibility as per their schedule.
However, it is crucial to note that both content creation and gig economy jobs have their own set of challenges and uncertainties. Pursuing a career solely based on the desire for quick wealth or avoiding the pressures of steady office employment may not necessarily lead to long-term satisfaction or stability.
For young individuals who are undecided about their career path, it is important to consider key factors of self-esteem and understanding the job. They need to take the time to self-reflect on their interests, skills, and values and what they are most passionate about. They need to understand their strengths and their aspirations to guide them toward a fulfilling career. They also need to explore various career options and industries and understand the job market better in relation to future growth prospects and the skills required for different professions. Speaking to professionals working in fields that interest you to gain insights and gather information is useful.
Education and skill development is also a requirement to enhance existing education and qualifications for their chosen fields. This could be through traditional academic centers, vocational programs, online courses, or apprenticeships. Networking and mentorship will help them in the desired field through networking events, online communities, or mentorship programs. Building relationships with experienced individuals can provide valuable guidance and insight into the industry and help make informed decisions.
Long-term goals and stability are essential when they seek financial success and flexibility. It is also essential to consider long-term growth potential in the chosen career. This can be achieved by assessing the jobs market and identifying fields that offer stability, and growth opportunities, and align with the person’s goals and values. Adaptability and continuous learning are important in today's rapidly changing world. It is crucial to embrace adaptability and commitment to lifelong learning. Many industries are evolving, and new skills and knowledge may be required to stay relevant.
Being open to learning new things and adapting to changing trends and technologies will prove beneficial. Seeking guidance and support is vital in supporting a person to make a decision and not feel overwhelmed. It is best to consider seeking guidance from career counselors, mentors, or professionals who specialize in career development. They can give objective advice and help one navigate through the decision-making process.
Choosing a life career is a personal journey, and it is okay to take time to explore different options and make informed decisions. But it is important to focus on a path that aligns with your interests, values, and long-term aspirations, rather than solely chasing quick money options or running away from the pressures needed to work hard in a disciplined workplace.
