Friday
November 29, 2024
Dear Tkey,
Today I read Kuensel, as I regularly do before starting work. I couldn’t wait to write this down because my thoughts are vividly clear. By the way, do you read before work or simply read at any time? Do you read intentionally or unintentionally?
I can’t say I read regularly, but whenever I do, it makes me think in ways I never imagined. Believe me, reading can make your thoughts run wild. I love how reading creates room for deep thinking and reflection.
This morning, the highlight of my reading was the editorial titled "Stop the Outflow of Young Talent." There were certain similarities in thought between myself and the author. Bhutan continues to face an attrition rate issue. The Prime Minister reported that 4.7 percent of civil servants left their jobs in recent years—8.62 percent in 2022 and 16.33 percent in 2023.
Meanwhile, BBS broadcasted a discussion between two MPs on the ongoing Thobwang quota issue. All of this made me reflect on my own future. Where is it heading? At the very least, shouldn’t I know where I will stand in the next few years? But then I thought—why look that far ahead? Maybe just tomorrow? Am I still going to be in the same chair, doing the same work?
In 2022, there was a mass exodus of young graduates and civil servants searching for greener pastures abroad. I remember many people rushing from one education consultancy to another—I was one of them. Friends hurried to get married to mature their MCs and meet visa criteria. I acted as a witness in court for several of them!
I recall how people had numerous choices of consultancies—there were over 30 to pick from. I know because I worked as a social media marketer and compiled a list of them. I could have done what my friends did. By now, I could have completed my master’s degree in Australia or the USA if I had proceeded with my plans back then.
But you know what? I chose to stay.
I stayed because I believed in my country, in the government, and most importantly, in myself. I didn’t want to leave this land of Gross National Happiness—a country full of peace and hope. I stayed for the beauty of our families, the free healthcare, and the free education we enjoy. At that time, I felt I owed my country.
Do you think people leave Bhutan happily, leaving all of this behind? Obviously not.
Now, I understand better. Everything seems to be leaving the country, even people like me, left in a kind of wonderland. Sounds amazing, right? But it’s really a wonderland of confusion. I feel people leave because there is no sense of security—economic, professional, or social.
This might be the reason so many people leave for a better future. Once upon a time, the government was full of enthusiasm to help its people and boost the country’s economy. Now, they seem more concerned about boosting their own shares. Youth were encouraged to start farming in villages, but many of them had already left. Talented young graduates are trying to go abroad, keeping the option of staying in Bhutan as a second choice.
This makes me wonder:
- What are we imparting to the next generation?
- Who is creating economic opportunities, professional security, and a sense of belonging in our society?
- Who will inspire our youth to believe in Bhutan’s future?
Where is my future? Of course, you can't see the future but there must be Trust!
Self Note:
Dear Success, I will make my own future!
