Growing up, society taught us that the best career to pursue is the one with a prestigious name for society's approval. The reason why our parent's guardians and other people mentioned the names to us was simply that they wanted us to work hard and aspire to join universities. Some of the careers that most people aspired to pursue or were encouraged to go for are those in the formal sector—a doctor, lawyer, Pilot, Engineer, Architect, Banker, and other careers with big names, and they are still regarded as the best careers to pursue in college/university.
Every young person's dream thus became to join the most prestigious and the best university they could dream of. The truth is that we all need these professionals to serve us in the different capacities that they do. Society seems to regard highly people who wear suits and formal clothing for office every day and work in some tall building in the city. We assume that these people have achieved success; most people traditionally measure success with a job and money.
Our school systems and society don't inspire young people to be entrepreneurs or create jobs rather than seekers. The youth are not sensitized to other services and skills that we all need to survive and go about in our daily lives. We need a carpenter to make the office chair and desk you work in, a plumber to uphold sanitization whenever you visit the washroom, and a farmer for you to live in. As much as society will need to regard jobs in the informal sector highly, they are the most demanded skills in the community.
Top Most Demanded Skills and Experts in the Job Market
In today's rapidly evolving job market, the pursuit of expertise in specific skills has become pivotal for professionals aiming to thrive and excel. The demand for specialized competencies spans across diverse industries, necessitating a blend of technical prowess, adaptability, and a keen eye for emerging trends. Skills such as data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and sustainability planning have surged to the forefront, defining the sought-after experts in a landscape driven by innovation and technological advancement. This paradigm shift underscores the necessity for continuous learning and upskilling, positioning individuals to meet the dynamic demands of the modern workforce. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the top skills and expertise areas in the job market today:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Proficiency in Data Science involves understanding statistical methods, machine learning, and AI algorithms to extract insights from vast data sets, aiding strategic decision-making. Coupled with this, mastery in Data Visualization enables the effective communication of complex data through charts, graphs, and dashboards, facilitating clearer interpretations and actionable insights.
- Digital Marketing and E-commerce: Navigating the digital landscape demands expertise in SEO/SEM techniques, ensuring websites rank higher in search engines, and understanding paid advertising for optimized visibility. Complementing this, proficiency in Social Media Management involves leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to enhance brand presence, engage audiences, and drive conversions.
- Cybersecurity: In an era of increasing cyber threats, skills in Cyber Defense involve protecting networks, systems, and data from malicious attacks through robust security measures and protocols. Meanwhile, expertise in Ethical Hacking focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening security through penetration testing and ethical hacking practices.
- Software Development and Coding: Mastering Full-Stack Development entails proficiency in both front-end and back-end development, allowing for comprehensive web application creation. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript remains highly coveted due to their versatility and application across various software development projects.
- Project Management and Leadership: Competence in Agile Methodologies ensures efficient project management, emphasizing iterative development and adaptability. Moreover, effective Leadership Skills encompassing communication, team management, and strategic planning drive successful project execution and team collaboration.
- Healthcare and Wellness: Amid a digital healthcare shift, expertise in Telehealth involves leveraging technology for virtual patient care and remote consultations. Furthermore, skills in Mental Health Support are increasingly sought after, encompassing counseling, therapy, and mental health advocacy.
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability: Understanding Renewable Energy Technologies like solar, wind, or hydro-power remains pivotal in addressing global sustainability challenges. Additionally, proficiency in Sustainability Planning involves implementing eco-friendly practices and corporate responsibility initiatives.
- Remote Work and Collaboration: Adaptability in utilizing Remote Collaboration Tools such as Zoom, Slack, or Teams is crucial for seamless remote work. Skills in Adaptability and Flexibility are equally essential, enabling professionals to thrive in evolving work environments and effectively manage remote teams.
- UX/UI Design and User-Centricity: Expertise in User Experience Design encompasses creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for digital products, while proficiency in Usability Testing involves conducting user research and testing for optimal product usability and satisfaction.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Skills in Blockchain Development involve creating decentralized applications and smart contracts while understanding Cryptocurrency applications in finance, and technology remain highly relevant amidst the rise of digital currencies.
Proficiency in these areas reflects the evolving demands across industries, emphasizing a blend of technical acumen, adaptability, and a focus on innovation and sustainability. Continuous learning and upskilling in these domains are imperative for professionals to remain competitive and sought after in today's dynamic job market.
Assessing the Pay Scale: Highest Paying Jobs in the Informal Sector
Determining the highest-paying jobs within the informal sector can be challenging as this sector often lacks formal structures, standardized pay scales, or official records. The informal sector typically encompasses a wide range of economic activities that aren't regulated or monitored by the government. However, certain roles within this sector might yield higher incomes based on demand, specialized skills, or market dynamics.
Here are some roles that have the potential to be among the higher-paying jobs within the informal sector:
- Artisan Craftspeople: Skilled artisans who create handmade products like pottery, jewelry, or textiles can command higher prices for their unique and specialized work.
- Street Vendors in Lucrative Areas: Vendors selling goods in high-traffic tourist spots or affluent neighborhoods might earn more due to increased demand and the ability to sell premium or niche products.
- Skilled Services (e.g., Repair Technicians): Individuals with specialized skills in repairing electronics, vehicles, appliances, or offering technical services often find demand for their expertise and can charge higher rates.
- Entertainment Industry (Street Performers, Musicians): Talented performers in entertainment-rich areas might earn well through tips, event appearances, or selling their work.
- Informal Transport (e.g., Rideshare Drivers): In some regions, informal transport services can generate decent income, especially if the demand is high or if drivers serve niche routes.
- Artists and Creative Professionals: Painters, designers, photographers, and other creative professionals might find a niche market for their work, allowing them to command higher prices.
- Skilled Laborers (e.g., Construction Workers): Highly skilled construction workers or those with expertise in specialized areas might earn comparatively higher wages due to their expertise.
Remember, income in the informal sector can vary significantly due to factors like location, demand, individual skill levels, and networking. It's essential to note that this sector is often unregulated, lacking benefits, stability, or legal protections found in formal employment. If you're looking to enter the informal sector or assess its earning potential, researching local markets, understanding the demand for specific skills, and networking within the community could provide a better understanding of the highest paying opportunities within this dynamic and diverse sector.
Benefits of Choosing Informal Skills over the Formal skills/career
Choosing informal skills over formal ones can offer certain advantages depending on individual preferences, circumstances, and career goals. Here are some benefits:
- Shorter time and costs of gaining the skills and knowledge: Education is excellent and is a key to opening many doors in life. Every human being must go through at least the most basic form of education. However, not every money-paying career will require you to go through a rigorous academic qualification process. You do not need years of training to become a plumber or a carpenter. A few months or a year in technical institutions, accessing in-person training quality mentorship, and skill nurturing will give you the skills and knowledge to stand on your own.
- Technical Skills Offer the best self-employment Opportunities: Once you gain the skills and experience, you can quickly start as a carpenter or plumber or with any other artisan skills. Technical-based jobs do not require a lot of capital to start. Once you get the right tools of work, market your skills, and let people know what you do, you have what it takes to create self-employment opportunities. The formal job sector is competitive, with universities releasing thousands of graduates into the job market every year. Most graduates also seem to have a challenge in creating self-employment opportunities. Most are always asking for a “job near me” from the government and other hiring institutions, resulting in the youth, joblessness, and mentorship crisis.
- Flexibility: Informal skills often allow for greater flexibility in working hours, locations, and work arrangements. This can be beneficial for individuals who value independence and want to control their schedules.
- Rapid Entry and Learning: Informal skills sometimes require shorter learning curves compared to formal careers that may involve years of education. This allows individuals to enter the workforce more quickly and start earning sooner.
- Adaptability and Innovation: The informal sector is often more adaptive to market changes. It allows for quicker adaptation to emerging trends, technologies, and consumer demands, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Many informal skills lend themselves to entrepreneurial endeavors. Individuals can start small businesses, offer specialized services, or create unique products without the constraints of formal structures.
- Less Bureaucracy: Formal careers often involve bureaucratic processes, hierarchies, and rigid systems. In contrast, informal skills may offer more autonomy, allowing individuals to make decisions without navigating complex organizational frameworks.
- Potential for Higher Earnings: While not guaranteed, certain informal skills can provide the potential for higher earnings. Directly engaging with clients or customers might allow individuals to negotiate rates or prices based on the value of their services or products.
- Personal Satisfaction and Fulfillment: Pursuing informal skills can lead to a greater sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction, especially for those passionate about their craft or skill. This can contribute positively to mental well-being and overall happiness.
However, it's crucial to note that informal skills often lack stability, benefits, legal protections, and long-term prospects compared to formal careers. They might also require individuals to manage their finances, healthcare, and retirement planning independently.
Ultimately, the choice between informal and formal skills depends on individual preferences, risk tolerance, financial needs, and long-term career aspirations. Some individuals might opt for a blend of both formal education and informal skills to capitalize on the benefits of both worlds.
How Well Do Jobs in the Informal Sector Pay
Jobs in the informal sector vary significantly in terms of pay. Unlike formal jobs, which often have structured pay scales and benefits, the informal sector lacks standardized wages and can range from very low to relatively high pay depending on various factors:
- Skill Level: Some informal jobs require specialized skills or craftsmanship that can command higher pay. Skilled artisans, for instance, might earn more for their unique products.
- Demand and Supply: Jobs with high demand and limited supply can lead to higher pay. Street vendors in prime locations or specialized service providers might earn relatively better due to demand.
- Location: Pay in the informal sector can vary by geographic location. Urban areas or tourist hotspots might offer higher earning opportunities due to increased demand or affluent clientele.
- Negotiation and Networking: Many informal jobs involve direct interactions with customers. Individuals who are good at negotiation or have established networks may earn more through better deals or higher sales.
- Seasonal or Event-based Opportunities: Some informal jobs, like event-based work or seasonal activities, may offer opportunities for higher earnings during peak times.
However, it's important to note that jobs in the informal sector often lack stability, benefits, legal protections, and regulated pay scales. Many workers in this sector face challenges such as irregular income, lack of access to healthcare or retirement benefits, and minimal job security.
While some individuals in the informal sector can earn decent incomes, the lack of stability and protections makes it challenging to rely solely on informal jobs for sustainable long-term income. Formal sector jobs typically offer more stability, benefits, and potential for career growth, but they might require more extensive education or training.
As such, the pay in the informal sector can vary greatly based on multiple factors, and it's often more unpredictable compared to formal jobs.
Which Skills and Courses Take a Short Time to Complete?
- Electricians and Experts with Electricals Repair Knowledge
Most people and organizations depend on phones, laptops, and other electronic gadgets for communication and business operations. Given the complexity of the hardware and software of the electrical and digital gadgets, most holders of the devices do not know how to work on them in case they spoil or start to malfunction; thus, they have to look for an electrical technician for repair services. Without a doubt, electrical repair technicians are some of the most demanded skills in the job market, and here is how to be the best electrical gadget repair expert.
- Plumbing Experts with Knowledge on Different Types of Plumbing
Every new construction, whether a residential home or commercial building and any other place that holds people for different reasons for extended hours, must have a bathroom/washroom; they will require a sanitary plumber to connect the pipes and the water. Hospitality and home kitchens require sinks for utensils washing; there will be the need for a plumber for sink installation services. The same goes for public drainage and public water supply connections. It, therefore, goes without saying that a plumber is an expert that society will need at one point or another.
- Carpenter and Wood-Work Experts
Homes, offices, restaurants, and schools need a chair to sit on and a table/desk to operate on. A carpenter is in charge of making people rest whenever they need rest and be comfortable when working. There can never be enough carpenters to make all the seats and couches required by everyone who needs them. With the advancement in interior trends, there are new ways to make furniture items, and people are constantly changing to what is new. You can employ your carpentry skills, adopt the recent trends to create unique furniture, and treat your business with respect by satisfying the customers and emerge as the best carpenter for people to go for.
- Mechanic and Car Repair Skills
We depend on motor vehicles for movement over long distances. Young people will tend to ignore mechanical jobs and work in a garage because they are associated with dirt and hard labor of lifting spare parts, etc. However, a few years/months in mechanical training, working under an experienced expert for a few years, will give you a lucrative job and career in mechanics and car repair. If you are wondering whether mechanical jobs will earn you good enough money, here is a wonderful guideline to look at.
- Welding and Fabrication Experts
Windows, gates, and metal rails are some of the many products made from welding and metal fabrication. During building construction, people will need a welder for metal fabrication and other metal-related services. With the skills and tools, it is easy to secure a source of income in welding.
- Tailoring Skills and Fashion Designers
Clothes are one of the necessities of human needs, explaining the value of a tailor in society. We need tailors to repair our clothes when they get torn or when we need to make new ones. The fashion industry is also one of the most followed across the world. People want to dress well and dress in the latest style for status elevation in society. Fashion Designer is always sought after to make customized clothes according to the client's preference. You can start and run a successful career as a tailor or a fashion designer by learning the basic skills, either through a school setup or from an experienced tailor/fashion designer.
- Interior-Exterior House Painters & Painting Jobs
The construction industry holds a lot of jobs. Young people may disregard them if you are not the top engineer, the architect, or the quantity surveyor. However, these professionals' work is incomplete without a painter, who brings the building into life. A painter doesn't need four or five years on campus to qualify for the job; one can quickly learn from an experienced painter. Check out how to be the best interior-exterior painter in your area.
- Smart Farming and Agri-Business Skills
We all need food to live. While farming has been considered a non-appealing job by modern youth and society, it is one of the investments with high returns. People also believe that life in the city is better than in rural areas and that farming is reserved for the elderly and uneducated. Agriculture is one of the courses to pursue in the university, and people go for it. However, the schools will teach you the theoretical part and other technological developments in farming. Still, they will not teach you the practical aspect or how to hold a jembe, the part that will employ you and earn money.
When you are looking for the best skills to specialize in, don't focus so much on what the white-collar jobs have to offer. The skills mentioned above are areas one can focus on; people already make huge earnings from them. Mechanics and Electrical Skills are not the only courses among the best technical courses to pursue in college; there are other artisan courses that are less competitive in the job market.
At eWak, we help promote fundis and other technicians by offering a networking platform to meet with their employers and people in need of their services. We also support mentorship and skill nurturing programs, among other outreach programs.
