06 Feb 2021  |   04:12am IST

Young Goans are getting to work, to balance life

Young Goans studying in college are now prepared to work part time to gain experience as well as earn money. Café spoke to students who were working and asked how it was turning out for them
Young Goans are getting to work, to balance life

Ajit John

The times are changing. Goan youth are stepping into or just about dipping their toes in the job market even if it's part time, in these uncertain times.

For students like Aryan Bhobe the new arrangements have given them the time to look at taking up an assignment on a part time basis to earn some pocket money. He said “I am looking for a part time job in any industry. It is better to use my free time better and earn around Rs 500-600 a day. I know many people who are applying for such jobs but there is so much competition. One needs the right contacts, if not it is difficult. The pandemic has resulted in a rise in the number of free lance jobs. Ideally I would like a job related to mass communication.  I would be able to understand the demands of the industry and it would help me when I graduate and go out into the job market.”                   

Dylan Coreya has been working part time and has been involved in outdoor catering and earn around Rs 700-800 per assignment. I have such assignments two to three times we week. I am open to working in any industry. I am open to earning and learning. This was not something young boys and girls did earlier in Goa. The virus has certainly changed life.  I would like to be financially independent in some sort of way and not depend on my parents for everything.  With this money I can buy fuel for the car and food on occasions. I want to position myself as a fresher and explore because this is the best time to do so and I will be able to understand the demands involved in different careers.”         

Shimron Nathan is a young athlete who also has a small business and is on contract with a modeling agency.   She is however also looking to work part time but she will have to plan it properly because she also intends to go further as a 100 meters hurdler nationally. She said” I would like to earn some money that is stable and help me learn and also help me after I complete my studies as a Mass Communications graduate.   Saujas Shetye however is focused on preparing for various entrance exams. He said “I have been thinking about working part time but I don’t know what to do. I am into video production and looking to specialize in an area like editing.  I would like some experience now because the field is changing so fast and it would be better to get some experience while I am studying.”    

Shreeya kudchadkar said she was freelancing as a content writer because she wanted to experience the pressures of a work place. She said “I am not travelling or attending classes in college and hence have a lot of time. I work from home for this content creation company and getting good experience writing articles. I also curate work on their Instagram page. This entire experience is great and is helping me understand the pressures and challenges in a work place.”         

Evane Picardo had free lance experience during Christmas but has nothing right now. She said “I am looking for content rewriting and would like a career as a radio jockey. I want the experience and want to learn how to do it”

Adriel Almeida is already in the thick of things as a content writer. He said” My lectures online end at 2.30 and then I start working in content creation. Waiting for the bytes and filing the copy and studying can get quite hectic. I need to find the work and study balance because it is very important I strongly believe there are more positives than negatives.”

However there are also students like Frederick Fernandes who are focused on his studies. He said “I have friends who are working and studying. I believe if I work, my focus will be diverted. It is of course dependent on each person.”    

These are certainly interesting times and everyone is making the most of it. This virus has certainly affected and changed everyone’s life one way or the other.   

 

IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar