Never be ashamed of your business. People will talk, but no one will pay your bills

Break Free!

 

“Never be ashamed of your business. People will talk, but no one will pay your bills.”

In Kerala, there’s a phrase that echoes in almost every household: “nattukaaru enthu vicharikkum?” – what will people think? This simple line has shaped generations of choices, careers, and lifestyles. Many among us—myself included—have felt the invisible weight of this question while making decisions.

For decades, this mindset dictated what was seen as “respectable” work. A government job, no matter how modest the pay, was considered the ultimate stamp of approval. It wasn’t about passion, creativity, or growth—it was about security and, more importantly, social acceptance. A young person might dream of starting a bakery, running a tailoring unit, or becoming a freelance artist, but family and neighbors would often whisper: “Better write the PSC exam and settle down.” 

Another noticeable trend among young Keralites is to join the banking sector, especially in clearing and officer-level roles. While the position may appear lucrative and secure at first glance, the reality is more complex. Today’s banking environment comes with high pressure, strict targets, and the added challenge of frequent transfers.

Unlike the old days when banking jobs meant stability and routine, the sector is now highly technology-driven, with automation, app-based services, and AI gradually reshaping the landscape. Many roles that seem stable today may even become obsolete in the coming years. Times are changing, and it’s important to have foresight—choosing a career in banking just for the money may not always be the wisest decision

Become a Job Giver, Not just a Job Seeker

I recall a young student who once attended my month-long baking class in Trivandrum. She came from the outskirts of the city and carried with her both enthusiasm and determination. Over casual conversation, she told me something that stayed with me: “I will prove to the people who think only about government jobs. I will earn from baking.”

Nattukaru Enthu Vicharikum: The Weight of Public Opinion in Kerala

Her words were more than defiance; they were a reflection of a generational shift. Today’s youth in Kerala are breaking free from the “safe path” mindset. Many, especially women in Kerala are exploring entrepreneurship, startups,  freelancing, content creation ( making bold Reels in Insta) , starting food-trucks, hand-made jewelry, boutique, and even small-scale businesses run from their homes.

Whether it’s running a café, setting up an online store, offering digital services, or pursuing a creative career, there’s a quiet rebellion happening against the old stereotype.

And this is where that WhatsApp forward strikes a chord:

“Never be ashamed of your business. People will talk, but no one will pay your bills.”

It reminds us that dignity is not attached to a job title but to the integrity with which we work. Whether you’re selling homemade snacks, freelancing as a designer, or running a small cleaning service, it’s your livelihood, and it deserves respect.

The truth is, people will always have opinions—whether you’re working a government job, running your own shop, or freelancing online. But when the month ends, it’s your effort and your income that sustain your family, not society’s approval.

Kerala, with its high literacy and exposure to the wider world, is now seeing more people embrace this truth. Another strength of our people is the natural beauty of our land. With our unique tropical climate and pristine forest cover, backwaters, beaches - we must be ready must  to tap the strength of our state ant its our natural resources. 

 Moreover, in the age of AI, many normal jobs are fast becoming redundant. The options which was available couple of years back is getting wiped out!

Time for you to Make a Shift!
Whether you like it not, things are not what it used to be. Many jobs which held life long security no longer offers similar comfort. I mean the typical govt jobs and it could also mean the typical coding task or creating content as a content writer. 

Start Something Novel!
Do something which interests you or you think you can make a change in the system! It's not just blind passion. It's something more beyond the cliched word "passion". Find out a niche, and see if there's a viable market for it. Also, if you have multiple interests or you feel you can do multiple projects for which there's a market demand, then you can go for it. (Basically, try and find multiple stream of income). 

All these trends are seen in the marketplace. The rise of small businesses, startups, online services, and home-based entrepreneurs is proof that “nattukaaru” no longer get the final say.

Perhaps the real progress lies in this shift: valuing self-reliance over social validation.

• What do you think? 
• Do you think you need someone to discuss a potential biz proposition? 
• Want to get a second-opinion for your plan? 

Connect!