Yesterday, my friends and I were invited by an elder to advise students preparing to join university. Our group was diverse; no two people pursued the same course. We represented Education, Psychology, Law, Medicine, Business Administration, and Engineering. I had never thought much about our differences until the elder’s introduction caught my attention. "Today I have brought to you Daktari, Wakili, Engineer, and others…" he announced, emphasizing the first three. That moment lingered. Why stop there? Why not mention Teacher, Psychologist, or Entrepreneur? Are they less important ?Or simply less valued? This reflects a broader issue: career classism. Society often ranks professions by prestige. Medicine, Law, and Engineering are placed at the top, while arts, social sciences, and vocational careers are seen as inferior. Many assume certain careers guarantee success, while others do not. This mindset is reinforced by institutions that prioritize specific programs, shaping public perception. As a result, families pressure students to pursue “high-status” careers, often at the expense of personal passion. Many young people choose paths not because they love them, but because they fear judgment. This leads to dissatisfaction and underperformance, while those in undervalued fields may struggle with low self-esteem. Career classism also creates imbalance. Essential professions like teaching and social work are overlooked, leading to shortages in fields society depends on. A system that undervalues such roles ultimately weakens itself. In truth, no career stands alone. A teacher shapes the doctor. A businessperson creates opportunities for the engineer. A psychologist deepens the lawyer’s understanding of people. Each profession plays a vital role in sustaining society. We must reject the idea that some careers are inherently superior. Instead, individuals should be encouraged to pursue paths aligned with their abilities and interests. True success lies not in prestige, but in purpose and excellence. Looking back, the elder’s words reflected a deeply rooted mindset, but one we have the power to change. Perhaps the problem was never the careers we choose but the hierarchy we never question. Society is like a machine: it cannot function if only a few parts are valued while others are ignored.

Yesterday, my friends and I were invited by an elder to advise students preparing to join university. Our group was diverse; no two people pursued the same course. We represented Education, Psychology, Law, Medicine, Business Administration, and Engineering. I had never thought much about our differences until the elder’s introduction caught my attention. "Today I have brought to you Daktari, Wakili, Engineer, and others…" he announced, emphasizing the first three. That moment lingered. Why stop there? Why not mention Teacher, Psychologist, or Entrepreneur? Are they less important ?Or simply less valued? This reflects a broader issue: career classism. Society often ranks professions by prestige. Medicine, Law, and Engineering are placed at the top, while arts, social sciences, and vocational careers are seen as inferior. Many assume certain careers guarantee success, while others do not. This mindset is reinforced by institutions that prioritize specific programs, shaping public perception. As a result, families pressure students to pursue “high-status” careers, often at the expense of personal passion. Many young people choose paths not because they love them, but because they fear judgment. This leads to dissatisfaction and underperformance, while those in undervalued fields may struggle with low self-esteem. Career classism also creates imbalance. Essential professions like teaching and social work are overlooked, leading to shortages in fields society depends on. A system that undervalues such roles ultimately weakens itself. In truth, no career stands alone. A teacher shapes the doctor. A businessperson creates opportunities for the engineer. A psychologist deepens the lawyer’s understanding of people. Each profession plays a vital role in sustaining society. We must reject the idea that some careers are inherently superior. Instead, individuals should be encouraged to pursue paths aligned with their abilities and interests. True success lies not in prestige, but in purpose and excellence. Looking back, the elder’s words reflected a deeply rooted mindset, but one we have the power to change. Perhaps the problem was never the careers we choose but the hierarchy we never question. Society is like a machine: it cannot function if only a few parts are valued while others are ignored.