Recently, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, made a controversial statement blaming the rise in the number of graduates for the high unemployment rate. She argued that India produces 10 million graduates annually, many of whom are unemployable, a point that sparked widespread debate on social media.

Unemployment Among Graduates

• Shocking Reality: The International Labour Organization (ILO) Report of 2024 reveals unemployment among graduates in India is 10 times higher than that of uneducated individuals. 
  • This means that in India, the more educated you are, the less likely you are to find a job. This trend is compounded by a lack of new job creation.
• According to India Inc: India’s education system is producing millions of graduates every year. However, many of them, according to industry experts, are not equipped with the necessary skills required by the job market.
• Odisha Case Study: A report from Odisha highlights this issue: out of 263 applicants for the post of district judge, not one was able to pass the qualifying exam. This is a reflection of the growing gap between education and employability.

Dignity of “Skilled” vs. “Knowledge” Workers

• In India, there’s a societal preference for white-collar jobs, often in offices, while hands-on skills are considered undignified.
• Professions such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are undervalued, even though they are essential and often pay more than the salaries of many graduates.
• For instance, a mason in a rural area can earn ₹1,000 per day, while skilled workers in urban areas, such as cooks, are earning more than many IIT graduates. 
• This divide between white-collar and blue-collar work is growing, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that blue-collar jobs will survive even as technology advances.

Threat of AI to White-Collar Jobs

• The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to make things even worse for graduates and white-collar workers. 
• Arindam Paul, the founder of Atomberg, predicts that 50-60% of white-collar jobs in India could be lost to AI in the coming years, potentially wiping out the middle class altogether. 
• Industries such as IT and high-tech sectors have already laid off thousands of employees, with many more to follow as automation and AI continue to evolve. Knowledge workers—doctors, engineers, coders, and other professionals—are at risk of being replaced by machines.
• In contrast, skilled blue-collar workers, such as mechanics, electricians, and plumbers, remain irreplaceable. These jobs are essential for the functioning of society and cannot be automated in the same way that office jobs can. 

Emergence of Niche Jobs

• As traditional jobs become scarce, a new wave of niche-based jobs is emerging. Those who possess an entrepreneurial mindset and a willingness to explore unconventional career options are finding success in these new fields.
• Unlikely Occupations: In urban housing societies, new job roles such as dog walkers (₹4,000 per house), dog groomers (₹1,000-1,500 per dog), and pigeon net makers (₹12,000 for three balconies) have become common. These jobs, which were unheard of just a decade ago, are now providing well-paying opportunities.
• Case of Sumadi Ibrahim: A retired navy diver from Malaysia, Sumadi Ibrahim, has carved out a unique niche by retrieving lost golf balls from water hazards on golf courses. He works three days a week, collects around 500 balls, and sells them to the same golfers who lost them, earning ₹1.6 lakh per month—three times what a formal sector worker makes.
• Climbing Buddies in China: In China, a new breed of workers known as “pei pas” or climbing buddies has emerged. These athletic individuals assist tourists with mountain climbing and trekking, earning between $50 and $70 per trip. Some can make up to $3,000 per month, far surpassing the wages of office workers.
• Decluttering Professionals: In response to changing lifestyles, consulting declutterers are now in demand. These professionals help individuals and families navigate the process of letting go of possessions passed down through generations, advising on the emotional and physical needs of each item. At $125 per hour, this niche service is proving to be lucrative for those with the right skills.

Adaptation and Innovation Are Key

• As technology changes the way we live and work, new job opportunities are being created in unconventional fields. 
• Those willing to shed the traditional “white-collar” mentality and explore new avenues are more likely to prosper in the future job market.
• The key to thriving in this new employment landscape is innovation and entrepreneurship

Conclusion

“There’s a job somewhere for everyone,” provided they are willing to shed their white collars and embrace the future of work.

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