http://www.parakhi.com/blogs/2011/12/30/moving-on-and-moving-out

Moving on and moving out

 

In recent conversation with a friend, I was informed that Malvika Subba (oh yeah… her again) has made a comment on her national level success compared to the international success to the likes of Prabal Gurung.

This post is not about Malvika, she’s not really worth me writing about – it was her comment (which I am writing the gist of because I wasn’t exactly paying complete attention) but she said something about how good ole PG is more famous because working in the international market …and I was left under the impression that she had stated that as if it was easier to become more famous on a global scale because if you ask me, it’s almost too easy to make a name for yourself here in Nepal.

Let me rephrase, gaining successful stature isn’t really “easy” anywhere, but I’ve come to believe that there’s a niche of people in the capital who are disposed to being “successful”, at the end of the day – it almost all comes down to connections.

Nepal is small and Kathmandu is smaller, if you’re in the crowd that frequents Factory on Friday nights or if you’re at all the hip and happening events – chances are, you’re the group I’m talking about. Those outside this circle probably have to try twice as hard to make connections and to get on the ‘in’ but for those who are able to slide in - be it through family ties, friends (possibly schooling), or even the media, it’s almost too easy.

For a country that runs more on networking or word-of-mouth messages than most Western countries, in my opinion being in that small crowd leaves little room for growth. For instance, if you originate from outside the Valley and don’t know anyone here, getting a job, finding a place to stay, affording a reasonable lifestyle, and getting the “big shot” jobs will be a lifelong goal.

But for those who know the Editors of the top publications or have families with old names that come from money, they get a mega head start. And once you’re already starting at an established place (where for some people entering the premises itself would be a lifetime achievement) there’s little room to move up.

In my opinion, those who tire of this pointless race up are now choosing to move outward into their own ventures. I am a huge advocate of entrepreneurship as I do believe this is something Nepal really needs – more jobs, more opportunities. But again, those who have the means to fund their own start-up will probably do well enough because they already have the support of the crème of Kathmandu who can afford all the “nice” places and things as a daily part of their lifestyle.

So… all this rambling (apologies I am so incredibly exhausted as I write this) and what’s my point? All that to say – for some, success will remain a dream. For others, it’s almost like a free hand out, and overall, I think what should happen is this:

People should stop trying to bring ‘new’ things in Nepal because we don’t have an economy that can sustain it, I’d rather people collaborated and maybe worked on upgrading the quality of everything – because let’s admit it, hot new places are not hot because they’re OMG SO FREAKING AMAZING, a part of their success had to do with how the previous hot-spot has started lagging.

Or, if you really want to challenge yourself in your career, go ahead and jump into the international realm, it’ll probably kick your butt but there’ll be more to your credit if you can make a name for yourself there (and I don’t think we’ll be seeing a certain former Miss Nepal’s name on the list).

As for me, I’m actually moving in another direction altogether so I guess this is a good time as any to tell you this will be my last post for Parakhi – life awaits me! Hope you’ve enjoyed reading, I’ve enjoyed writing.

 

Saani has no real goals and aspirations but she sees opportunity in everything and goes with the flow. This is probably because she loves exploring and discovering. She writes for fun but for the same reason she also cooks, reads, and spends a lot of time on random websites that offer a chance to learn all sorts of tid-bits on life

image source: flickr.com

 

The last post? Thankfully. I don't quite strike a chord with people that see negativity in everything and everyone around them for the sake of blogging. Phew!

Going by your same measure in this post, you'll probably have to do better than Malvika "in your so called easy to be famous place"to criticize her for her criticizing PG. My sincere wishes, nevertheless!