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#173: Degree Dilemma, Job Hugging, and Freelancing Tips!
Education Next- Hundred and seventy third Edition
Priyanka Modi
September 07, 2025
September 7, 2025.
Welcome to EducationNext #173, your weekly spark for creators, innovators, and AI enthusiasts.
Graduates Face Non-Graduate Unemployment Rates
Young male college graduates now face unemployment rates equal to non-graduates, the highest for first-time job seekers since 1988. Graduates call degrees “a waste” after months of rejections.
The reality: Degrees boost earnings, but rising tuition and a tough market shrink their value.
Job Hugging: A Frozen Job Market
Workers are “job hugging,” clinging to roles and avoiding promotions to dodge layoffs. Job hopping’s payoff—higher salaries—has faded as hiring stalls. Stable fields like arts and healthcare thrive.
The lesson: Expertise in secure roles beats chasing risky opportunities.
Freelancing Secrets from Hannah Dixon:
Hannah Dixon, founder of Digital Nomad Kit, has empowered thousands to build thriving freelance careers. Her top tips for young creators:
Build a Global Network: Connect with peers for referrals and support. “Your network is your life network—referrals are the backbone of success.”
Discover Your Strengths: Freelancing lets you pivot fast, like a student who switched from graphic design to project management.
Embrace AI: Use AI as an “unpaid intern” to boost efficiency. Over 60% of clients seek AI-skilled freelancers.
Land Clients: Showcase skills with a strong portfolio or creative tactics like YouTube tutorials. “Show you can do what you say.”
Niche Smartly: Specialize by skill, industry, or values, like working with eco-conscious clients.
Kickstart your career with Freelance Foundations or sponsor a student at MaNaBu Movement.
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Nikhil Kamath’s Podcasts: Insights for Creators
Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha’s co-founder and one of India’s youngest billionaires, hosts WTF is and People by WTF, diving into tech, entrepreneurship, and societal challenges with industry giants.
The spark: Actionable insights for young creators to build impactful careers. Explore episodes
Best of Nikhil Kamath’s Podcasts:
Kamath’s WTF is and People by WTF deliver raw, inspiring talks for innovators.
Top picks:
Finance with Ruchir Sharma: Sharma predicts factory-led growth for India, urging focus on manufacturing over AI hype.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Biocon’s founder shares lessons on resilience and social impact.
Venture Capitalists: Kamath discusses overhyped markets and AI trends with VCs.
Real Estate Titans: Kamath unpacks India’s $200B real estate market and AI’s role.
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88 Thought Leaders Feature
Andreas Wil Gerdes – mobile pioneer, digital nomad, visionary, mentor
Andreas Wil Gerdes is a German entrepreneur and digital nomad based in Malta. He spends a large part of his summers in Bansko.
He is world-renowned for popularizing digital nomadism and working diligently on family-oriented communities in developing destinations around the world.’
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EducationNext is a collaborative newsletter produced by thought leaders in education, worldschooling, digital nomadism, remote work, and AI.
EducationNext provides insights, updates, and thought-provoking content. The collaborators share their know-how/ do-how, experiences, and insights, making EducationNext the resource for the intersection of education, technology, and mobility - anytime, anywhere.
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