“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself”. – Søren Kierkegaard
The final year of university is filled with uncertainties and countless questions for students as they are finding themselves at the edge of their future. In Bangladesh this situation is magnified because thousands of graduates step into the job market every year where there is no visible improvement in the market itselt.
The pressure to get a good job immediately after graduation feels like an endless race. However, its crucial to focus on the mental aspect as well by acknowledging that not landing a conventional job right away isn’t the end of your life.
The final year of university is not just about completing coursework and attending classes. It is a critical time filled with academic and career related expectations. The thought of “What’s next?” hovers over every decision, every study session, and every exam. Parents, relatives, and even friends constantly ask about plans after graduation which unknowingly intensifies the fear of not having it all figured out. Everybody talks about the struggles constantly but you won’t hear anybody say anything about the feeling of the impending doom of this situation.
In addition to this pressure Bangladesh is a country with a rapidly growing population which makes the job market very competitive. It’s very common for final year students to look around and see friends excelling, working on startups, scoring high on exams, or securing internships at prestigious companies. Meanwhile, their self-doubts creeps in and makes students question their abilities, decisions, and even their worth.
But if you look around far enough you will find graduates who did embark on a road that is less traveled by. One such individual is a recent graduate from the Department of English at UAP, who started his own cafe instead of going for a conventional job. Reflecting on managing self-doubt while making this bold choice, he said, “Money was the factor that diverted me from the conventional way of earning—’get a degree, get a CGPA, get a job, and save money.’ If you remember Emerson’s ‘American Scholar,’ you already know that being wise doesn’t give you much money. So I emphasized making money instead of gaining designation or tags. Café business is probably the easiest business idea on my bucket list.”
Despite moments of uncertainty, he learned to manage those fears by treating his cafe as a “business institution” where he gained hands-on experience. “Yes, there were and still are uncertainties. I planned for a gourmet restaurant, but my dad didn’t allow it since I didn’t have prior business experience. My current café is my business institution. Now I clearly know the dos and don’ts in the food business.”
When asked about societal pressure, he explained how he kept his focus on his own goals, undistracted by the opinions of others: “I am totally untouched by people’s opinions since my teenage years. For any suggestions, I take guidance from experiences or experts—this keeps me more focused. He who has never been in business never knows the a-z, or simply a BCS cadre can’t guide you through a smooth corporate career like a corporate man can, right? So, [paying heed to] opinions from the mass people will only make you whimsical.”
He emphasised the importance of continuous self-revision and analysis, suggesting that sticking to these principles will gradually erode self-doubt, he chimed, “Make a dream, then polish it again and again and analyze its flaws—that’s the realistic part of your dream. If it seems worth doing, JUST DO IT.”
Kierkegaard’s philosophy speaks directly about this struggle and reminds us that daring to take action despite the risk of failure is the key to finding oneself. Many students know they have the potential to succeed but feel trapped by the fear of making the wrong choice or not being “good enough”. This is when you have to dare to take the leap of faith despite the doubts and embrace the possibility of losing your footing momentarily. It is about accepting that there will never be complete certainty in life, that self-doubt is a natural part of the human experience. Instead of letting the fear hold you back, dare to act. Whether it’s applying for that job you think you’re not qualified in or starting a project that feels intimidating or simply acknowledging that it’s okay not to have everything figured out.
Every step forward is a step toward finding yourself.
For those who are inspired to make a difference but feel paralysed with doubts, another graduate of Khulna University, Md Abdul Khaleq Sarker, who co-founded EcoWetland Revival shared his journey. Reflecting on the doubts he faced while turning his environmental vision into reality, he said, “The inspiration behind EcoWetland Revival came from a deep concern for climate change and its impact on our environment, particularly do to something about improper waste disposal. Naturally, we experienced doubts about our ability to bring this vision to life, especially during our undergraduate years. However, despite those fears, we persevered and ultimately succeeded in our mission.”
He advised students to take the first step and remain adaptive, saying, “My primary piece of advice is to take the initiative, start where you are. From there, continuously assess and adjust your plan as needed. This approach not only helps clarify your vision but will also build the confidence as you see progress.”
In the context of Bangladesh, where competition is very hard, it’s crucial to focus on what you can control: your actions, your attitude, and your willingness to learn.
The job market may be tought, but your journey is unique. Dare to explore new paths, to fail and try again, and to redefine what success looks like for you. Moreover, remember that self doubt is not your enemy but it is a part of the process.
Kierkegaard’s words remind us that the act of daring despite fear is what allows us to truly discover ourselves. The job market can be challenging, and the path will seem unclear, but every decision you make, every risk you take will bring you closer to your dream.
So, dare to make mistakes, and dare to keep going. In the end it’s not about having all the answers but about having the courage to face the unknown with a focused heart. You may not know what lies ahead, but by daring to take that leap, you’re already on the right path.