Why Learning a Skill in Your 20s is More Important Than Getting a Degree (And How I Found That Out the Hard Way)

 

So yeah, let me just say this straight up… I was one of those people who thought getting a degree means everything will just fall into place. Like, graduate karlo, and jobs will be waiting. But life? Life doesn’t work like that. Not anymore.

I learned this lesson when I was 21, fresh out of university, holding my degree with pride… and also holding rejection emails in my inbox. Weeks passed, then months. The “job market” that everyone talked about felt like a locked room, and I had no key.

That’s when I had my little breakdown moment (not gonna lie). I started doubting everything — my efforts, my education, even my self-worth.

But things slowly started to shift. Not because of my degree — but because I picked up a real skill.

What changed everything for me?

It was Canva. Yes, a simple design app. My cousin randomly showed me how she made Instagram stories on it. I was bored one night and downloaded it just to try. Ended up spending 3 hours making a fake poster for a chai dhaba. And weirdly? I loved it.

Soon I was designing flyers for a friend’s home bakery. Then someone paid me Rs.500 for an Eid sale post. That one small gig gave me hope again.

That’s when it hit me: A skill can get you work even when your degree doesn’t.

Why Skills Matter More Today (At least in Pakistan)

Let’s be real. In Pakistan, degree lena is like a default setting. But not everyone knows how to use Canva, edit a video, or write an email in good English. That’s where you win.

I’m not saying don’t study. I’m saying learn something real along the way. Something that people will pay you for.

Because honestly, your skill pays rent, not your degree.

Skills That Changed My Life (And Can Change Yours Too)

Look, I’m not a genius. I just started with free stuff and my phone.

Canva: Helped me earn by doing small design gigs

ChatGPT: I used it to write captions, ideas, even help with grammar

CapCut: Edited reels for pages, got paid for a few viral videos

Fiverr: My first $10 ever made online was from there

It wasn’t overnight. It wasn’t fancy. But it worked.

What if You Have No Idea Where to Start?

Same. I was confused too. But here’s how I figured it out.

Ask yourself:

What do I already enjoy doing?

What do people ask me help with?

What’s something I can learn in one weekend?

Try everything. Tutorials, YouTube, free courses. I watched so many videos on 2x speed I started hearing voices in my sleep lol.

Real Life: My Friend Areeba's Story

Areeba is 23. Didn’t go to university, but learned video editing on her own.

Today she runs an Insta page where she edits wedding teasers for clients. Makes Rs.15,000–30,000 a month easy. She never needed a degree for that. She needed a laptop and consistency.

Stories like this are everywhere. But only if you notice them.

What I Wish I Knew Earlier

Honestly, I wish someone told me this earlier:

Your skill is your power

Nobody’s coming to save you — not your degree, not your uncle’s rishtay

The world pays for solutions, not certificates

You’re not too late, even if you feel lost right now

If you’re in your 20s and still figuring things out, you’re not behind. You’re just starting. Don’t wait for permission to learn something new.

My Advice from the Heart (Not from a Guru)

Start small. Fail fast. Try again.

Don’t wait for “January” or “next semester.” Start today. Watch a video. Try a free app. Offer something for free just to learn.

I did it. I still do. And no, I’m not “rich” — but I’m not helpless anymore.

And trust me, that’s a powerful feeling.

Thanks for reading. If this helped you even a little, share it with a friend who’s also stuck. Sometimes all we need is one push.

From someone who's been

 confused, broke, and figuring life out...

Stay real. Keep learning.

– SmartWealthly Team