KARMA CHOGYAL YOEZER | Thimphu
For a long time, success for many Bhutanese youths was understood in a simple way: study hard, get a secure government job, earn a stable salary, and gain respect in society.
Parents often encouraged their children to prepare for competitive exams and enter the civil service, teaching, engineering, medicine, or other formal professions. These jobs were seen as safe and respectable.
Today, that idea is slowly changing.
Many young Bhutanese are beginning to define success in broader and more personal ways.
For some, success means studying abroad and gaining exposure. For others, it means starting a small business, joining the private sector, learning a skill, creating content online, or doing work that gives them freedom and satisfaction.
A government job is still valued, but it is no longer the only dream.
Karma Wangchuk, 24, 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.
Sonam Tandin, 30, said 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.”
He added he started by posting my work on social media, and slowly people began to recognize what he did.
“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.
Rinzin Wangchuk, 43, said 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.
Tshering Choden Dorji, 26, said the pressure after graduation can be difficult.
“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.
“Training programme are helpful, but they should lead to real jobs, business support, or opportunities to earn. Otherwise, after training, we are still left searching for the next step,” she said.
The changing aspirations of Bhutanese youth also raise important questions for national development. If many educated and skilled young people feel that their future is outside the country, Bhutan may face challenges in retaining talent.
Sectors such as education, health, construction, tourism, technology, and public administration may feel the impact if skilled workers continue to leave.
However, observers say youth mobility should not be seen only as a problem. Young people who go abroad may gain education, skills, savings, confidence, and wider exposure.
Some may return with new ideas and experience. The challenge for Bhutan is to create conditions that make young people want to return, invest, work, and contribute.
Others opine that Bhutan needs more meaningful opportunities within the country.
“Young people need jobs that match their education, businesses that can grow, skills that are valued, and systems that support innovation,” some argue.
Additionally, access to finance, mentorship, affordable workspace, digital infrastructure, fair wages, and market linkages can help youths build their future inside Bhutan.
Studies reveal that the changing idea of success also shows a deeper social transformation. Young Bhutanese are growing up in a world that is more connected and competitive than before.
They are shaped by Bhutanese values, family expectations, global exposure, economic pressure, and personal dreams at the same time.
Their choices may look different from those of earlier generations, but many are still driven by the same hope: to live with dignity, support their families, and build a secure future.
