The Illusion of Chasing Dreams in Nagaland

In Nagaland, dreaming beyond a government job can feel like searching for a ship in the desert- full of hope but lost in the wrong place. It feels like walking a path that doesn't exist. For many young people, turning aspirations into reality is not just difficult, it’s discouraged. In a society that values government jobs above all else and limited exposure to alternative careers, young people with passion and ambition find themselves trapped between tradition and possibility. Deep-rooted mindsets, lack of support for new ideas and fear of failure make chasing dreams a distant reality for many youths.

A key issue is the gap between education and employment. Most young people in Nagaland grow up hearing from parents and society that getting a government job is the only path to success. This mindset is deeply rooted in the culture. From childhood, we are told to follow a traditional path; study hard, pass exams and become a government officer. As a result, many aim only for civil services or other government positions, ignoring the potential in the private sector, entrepreneurship or creative fields. While government jobs do offer stability and respect, they are limited in number. Still, many graduates keep preparing for competitive exams for years, which not only wastes time but also lead to frustration and a sense of failure if not achieved. The culture of taking coaching should be eradicated unless it is a personal choice or interest. Will your ambition end at NL10 Bolero or Scorpio when your DNA was built for a Bugatti or Rolls-Royce? The answer lies in you!

On the contrary, many educated youths seem unwilling to take up jobs that require hard work or offer lower pay in the beginning. People often wait for the “perfect” job, while many less educated people start small businesses and work hard to support themselves. Those with degrees, who should be leading the way, often become inactive, while others move ahead through effort and determination. This shows that educated young people have the chance to be responsible and become employers rather than job seekers. Yet, one of the biggest missing elements is the support for self-employment. Entrepreneurship is not seen as a serious career choice in Nagaland. Society still gives more respect to government peon rather than the entrepreneur who earns more, and young people often don’t receive encouragement when they try to do something different. There are endless examples that go on and on!

Also, society needs to widen its definition of success. Parents and elders should support children who choose different career paths. A person’s worth should not be measured only by their job title or salary, but by their ability to grow, contribute and live with purpose. It is important to recognise that all kinds of work have value and young people should not feel ashamed to start at the bottom or take up small jobs in the beginning. These experiences build character, teach responsibility and lay the foundation for future success.

We need a mindset makeover from individual to society. Education should no longer be seen as just a ticket to a government job but a foundation for building skills, personal growth and making a real impact. It’s time to shift the focus from job-hunting to purpose-building. Schools and colleges must take the lead in sparking curiosity, uncovering hidden talents and nurturing passions from the very beginning. Unrealistic dreams need to be replaced with guided direction that aligns with each student’s strengths and interests. Career counselling and mentorship should serve as the compass to help young people aim not just high but smart. 

Youth unemployment in Nagaland is a serious but solvable problem. The solution lies in changing the mindset of individuals and society as a whole. Young people must learn to understand their strengths, set clear goals and be open to different opportunities. Education should empower to think independently and act confidently. At the same time, the government and community must support entrepreneurship and career development. By combining personal growth, skill development and social encouragement, Nagaland’s youth can move beyond dependency and take charge of own future. With the right choices and attitude, there is much work to be done in the society. Youth aren’t just the future, but a force that can turn challenges into chances, setbacks into doors of opportunities and lead the way towards progressive Nagaland.  

James Phanungkiu