Watching the sunrise is a beautiful experience, and people often sacrifice their sleep to witness it — it’s that precious and incredibly valuable. Similarly, in today’s world, individuals who are like the rising sun are highly valued.

If you are in a high position and have achieved success, everyone will value you, feel honoured to associate with you and take pride in claiming you as a friend or relative. However, if you have no achievements, you will be ignored. It’s a bitter truth and a harsh reality of the world we live in, where people value you based on your accomplishments and social standing.

Financial independence is crucial for establishing a strong foothold in society, regardless of your gender, age or qualifications. The mindset that “I will start earning after completing my degree” can be a significant barrier to success, especially with many degree holders struggling to find suitable employment.

In the practical world, having just a degree is not enough. Education is definitely vital, but it’s equally important to acquire practical skills and gain work experience. Even in job interviews, it’s not just your degree that matters, but also your personality and experience.

Entering the professional world at a young age and starting to earn teach you essential skills that help you develop a stronger personality and boost your self-confidence. You realise your own worth and potential, and this motivates you even more to move forward. All it takes is one step to take the leap — and then you will keep progressing.

No work is small or big — it’s our mindset that makes it seem so. In most developed countries, every profession is given equal respect, from a taxi driver to a plumber, from a barber to a doctor. We can turn any small job into something big with our hard work, because no successful person became successful overnight; most of them started from humble beginnings and worked their way up. Expecting to start working as a CEO directly — that’s not how it works. If successful people had thought the same, they would not be where they are now.

A popular saying goes, “Something is better than nothing.” And believe me, when you earn through your own hard work — even if it’s a little — it brings a sense of pride and accomplishment. Struggles give way to ease, and as you grow with time, you become self-sufficient and a supporting hand for your parents, turn your dreams into reality and fulfil your desires on your own.

When you are financially independent, or are even earning as little as a fraction of your monthly expense, you will be somewhat self-reliant. If you like something, you won’t have to rely on others to get it for you; you will be able to buy it yourself. This way, you will learn to value things more, because you will know how much hard work went into getting them — as compared to things that are handed to you, which often aren’t valued as much.

Age is just an excuse, because those who are determined to achieve something start early, regardless of age. We often take inspiration from the West in terms of lifestyle, dressing, etc. But if we are to take inspiration, it should be from their financial independence, where both boys and girls start earning at a young age. I began earning at 14 through freelance writing, and there are many who began even earlier. Those who start earning at an early age gain valuable experience over time.

Working and studying simultaneously won’t affect your studies; instead, it will help you develop time management skills. In contrast, those who are overly pampered develop the habit of staying in their comfort zone, and when they grow up and face increased responsibilities, they often struggle to manage.

Learn to step out of your comfort zone, that’s how you will grow. Take small steps forward, because often people slip when taking big steps.

Nowadays it’s easy to earn an honest living with the resources available at our fingertips. Technology has opened the whole world to us — we can freelance, do remote work, get creative and sell our crafts online, teach online, and what not! Whatever field interests you, you can pursue it. Believe me, opportunities are plentiful; all you need to do is be serious and determined. When your intentions are good and pure, the path becomes easier.

So get serious to create your own legacy, success story and set an example for others.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 26th, 2025