A quiet social media post has captured widespread attention by highlighting a simple yet profound choice made by a college student. Unlike many viral stories filled with drama, this one resonated because it felt deeply real. It has opened up a broader conversation about education, income, and the difficult decisions students often face today.
A Student Balancing Studies and Work
Swapnil Kommawar shared this story on X. He wrote about meeting his friend's younger brother, who is currently pursuing his degree. After attending college classes, this student works part-time as a delivery agent for Zepto.
"I met my friend's younger brother. He is doing his degree. After college, he works part-time at Zepto. Carrying bags. Delivering orders. Earning pocket money," Kommawar explained in his post. The narrative focused on how the student actively uses his time outside college to earn money and stay productive.
Why He Skipped an Internship
Kommawar mentioned that he asked the student why he wasn't pursuing an internship. The student's response pointed to a common challenge many young people encounter. "He smiled and said, Internships are easy to find. But paid internships? Very hard," the post added.
This line struck a chord with numerous readers and became a central point in the ensuing discussion. It highlighted the scarcity of paid opportunities for students seeking practical experience.
Prioritizing Flexibility and Family Needs
According to Kommawar, the student chose Zepto because the job offers flexible hours. This flexibility allows him to work around his college schedule seamlessly. The income he earns supports his daily expenses and also provides some assistance to his family.
"So he chose part-time work by understanding family conditions. At least money comes in. At least he is not sitting idle," Kommawar wrote. The post framed the decision as a practical and thoughtful response to real-life circumstances.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
As the post went viral and garnered thousands of views, social media users shared diverse opinions. Some emphasized the importance of internships for skill development, while others praised the student's mindset and practicality.
One user commented, "Interesting, but an internship is for skill development. A free internship in a high-skilled job would be ideal." Another user focused on attitude, stating, "This hits different. It's not about the job title, it's about the mindset."
A third user offered a broader perspective, writing, "This is actually a very good approach, which is practised in Western education systems. By doing jobs during studies, kids learn a lot about finances, communication and overall leadership."
Entrepreneur Shares His Perspective
Entrepreneur Capt. Venkat Reddy also joined the conversation in the comments section. "It is really a welcoming move to see the next generation understanding the value of productivity and earning money as a by-product," he wrote.
He also spoke about long-term growth and learning. "But I always suggest leveraging hard or smart work and converting it into knowledge or wisdom. Young kids must take a direction to gain knowledge in the early days of their life to leverage later."
Referring specifically to the student, he added, "For instance, your friend's brother, instead of putting a few hours into Zepto deliveries, he must use the same time and hard work to prepare for CAT, GMAT or any competitive exam where he seems best fit."
The discussion continues to evolve, reflecting the complex interplay between education, financial necessity, and career planning in today's world.