KARMA CHOGYAL YOEZER | Thimphu
Some years ago, success for Bhutanese youth followed a familiar path: study hard, secure a government job, earn a stable income and gain respect in society.
On top of that, parents often encouraged their children to prepare for competitive examinations and aim for the civil service, like teaching, engineering, medicine or other formal professions. These careers were seen as safe, respected and reliable.
However, that understanding is slowly changing now.
A growing number of young Bhutanese are defining success in wider and more personal ways.
For some, it means studying abroad and gaining exposure. For others, it means starting a small business, joining the private sector, learning a practical skill, creating content online or choosing work that gives them freedom and personal satisfaction.
government job still carries value, but it is no longer the only dream.
This shift is taking place during a time when youth unemployment continues to remain a serious concern in Bhutan.
According to the National Statistics Bureau’s First Quarter Labour Force Survey 2026, Bhutan’s overall unemployment rate stood at 3.4 percent, while youth unemployment was significantly higher at 16.5 percent. For many young people entering the labour market, these figures reflect the growing difficulty of finding stable and meaningful employment after graduation.
Many youths now feel that relying entirely on the public sector is no longer realistic. Government jobs are limited, competition is high, and the number of graduates entering the market continues to increase each year. As a result, many young Bhutanese are beginning to rethink what success and security truly mean.
Karma Wangchuk, 24 years old tour guide, said that going abroad feels like a practical choice for both education and financial security. “For me, earning is easier in Australia because wages are paid on an hourly basis, and I feel I can earn enough to build a more comfortable future. Also, the master’s course I want to pursue is not available in Bhutan,” he said.
His experience reflects a wider trend among Bhutanese youth. Countries such as Australia are increasingly viewed as places where young people can study, work, gain independence and support their families financially.
However, many youths who go abroad still hope to return in the future if better opportunities become available within Bhutan. What they are looking for is not only higher income, but also career growth, stability and dignity in work. This reflects a deeper concern among Bhutanese youth that their education and ambitions are not always matched by the local job market.
At the same time, many young people are choosing to stay in Bhutan and build their own careers through non-traditional paths. In Thimphu and other urban areas, youths are increasingly entering fields such as photography, content creation, café businesses, online selling, barbering, tailoring, beauty services, fitness training, music, freelancing and event management.
These career choices show how the definition of success is changing among the younger generation. Success is no longer measured only through office jobs or formal titles. For many youths, success now means independence, flexibility, creativity and the ability to earn through their own skills.
Sonam Tandin Phurba, 30 residents of Paro, said that success should not be limited to a fixed job. “Many people still think success means having a government job or an office job, but for me, success is being able to use my skills and creativity to earn a living. I started by posting my work on social media, and slowly people began to recognize what I do. It is not always easy because income is not regular, and there is pressure from family and society. But I feel more independent and motivated when I can build something of my own,” he said.
Digital technology has also played a major role in shaping these new ambitions. Through social media, online learning platforms and digital marketplaces, Bhutanese youth are exposed to different lifestyles, careers and business opportunities from around the world. This exposure has encouraged many to think beyond traditional employment and explore alternative ways of building a future.
However, the shift towards entrepreneurship and creative work also comes with challenges. Many young entrepreneurs struggle with irregular income, limited business knowledge, lack of capital and difficulty finding stable markets. Unlike government jobs, self-employment does not guarantee monthly salaries or long-term security.
Parents are also gradually adjusting to these changing realities. In the past, many families strongly encouraged their children to become civil servants, teachers, doctors or engineers because these professions were associated with stability and social respect. While many parents still value such careers, others are becoming more open to different paths.
Rinzin Wangchuk, 43, said that parents also need to understand that times have changed.
“Earlier, we always felt that a government job was the safest and most respectable path for our children. But young people now have different interests and opportunities. As parents, we still worry about income and stability. But if our children can work hard, earn honestly, and build a secure future, we should support them even if their career choice is different from what we expected,” he said.
The private sector is often discussed as one of the main solutions to youth unemployment. However, many young people say private jobs must become more attractive. Low wages, long working hours and limited benefits continue to discourage some youths from entering the sector. Many feel that private employment must offer better working conditions, fair pay and professional growth opportunities if it is expected to absorb more young workers.
Skills training is another important area of discussion. Bhutan has invested in vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes and technical education. However, many youths argue that training should lead directly to real employment opportunities and sustainable income.
Tshering Choden Dorji, 26, said the pressure after graduation can be overwhelming. “After graduation, the pressure becomes very high because we are expected to earn, support our parents, repay loans, and plan our own future. But finding a stable job is not easy. Many private jobs are available, but the salary is often low and the working hours are long. Young people worry whether they can really build a secure future from such jobs,” she said.
The changing aspirations of Bhutanese youth also raise important questions for the country’s future. If more educated and skilled young people continue to leave Bhutan, sectors such as health, education, tourism, construction and technology may face shortages of skilled workers.
At the same time, youth migration should not only be viewed negatively. Young Bhutanese who go abroad often gain education, work experience, savings and wider exposure. Some may eventually return with new ideas, skills and investments that can contribute to Bhutan’s development.
For Bhutan, the challenge is to create conditions where young people feel confident building their future at home. This includes creating meaningful jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, improving private sector opportunities and investing in innovation and digital infrastructure.
The changing idea of success reflects a wider transformation in Bhutanese society. Young people today are growing up in a world shaped by economic pressure, global exposure, technology and changing social expectations. Their dreams may look different from those of earlier generations, but many are still guided by the same goal: to live with dignity, support their families and build a secure future through work that gives them purpose, income and independence.
