But this also raises a question: is this phenomenon a waste of the country’s human resources?
Vietnamese youth attach more and more importance to studies and improving their qualifications. Many people, even at a very young age, have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree.
However, with the explosion of technology and increasing competition in the job market, many young people have chosen to join the delivery forces and drive a motorcycle taxi to earn a living.
There are many reasons why highly qualified young people choose to work as a delivery person or motorcycle taxi driver. One of the main reasons is flexibility and attractive income.
A third-year student at the University of Technology, one of the best in Vietnam, once told me: “I have been a delivery boy for six months now. Since my school schedule only takes half a day, I work the other half. to earn additional income. Sometimes I delivered goods during the day, then at night I worked as a tutor. My family is not well off, so I have to work to have money to take care of myself in Hanoi. Thanks to this job, I also save a small amount of money each month to send to my parents.
But most delivery service providers don’t sign employment contracts, putting their drivers at a disadvantage in the event of accidents, abuse, harassment or even theft.
A graduate student from Hanoi University of Civil Engineering told me that after five years of in-depth study with an engineering degree, he hoped to graduate and get a good job so he could take care of himself .
However, many places in the field offer a starting salary of only VND5 million for a new graduate, barely enough to live in Hanoi.
“I initially chose to become a delivery driver in the hope of having temporary income while I looked for a job. But over time, I realized that this job might be the best choice. I haven’t applied for a job in about three months. Instead, I work full-time as a delivery boy, earning between 10 and 15 million VND per month,” the student told me.
These young people working as delivery men and motorcycle taxi drivers can have negative consequences for society. First, it can waste the country’s potential human resources, when highly qualified youth do not use the knowledge and skills acquired in universities to serve national development.
Secondly, everything they learn at university will rust over time, they have no chance to increase their numbers and gain academic experience, so they only increase the workforce unqualified from the country.
It is necessary for educational organizations to intervene to redirect the professional paths of young people. At the same time, supportive policies must be put in place to help them make the most of their qualifications and skills, while providing them with appropriate career opportunities.
Only in this way can we avoid the waste of high-quality human resources and ensure the sustainable development of the country.
