DECISION DILEMMAS: HIGHER EDUCATION PURSUITS OR WORKFORCE ENTRY AMONG SPM GRADUATES

Abstract

Education holds a paramount and prioritized status within any nation, notably in Malaysia, where it is viewed as the key to progress and national prosperity. However, in contemporary times, education has become a secondary choice for the younger generation, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Therefore, the decision to continue education or enter the workforce has become a heatedly debated issue in the current era of globalization, presenting challenges and dilemmas, particularly for those who have recently completed their studies at the Sijil Peperiksaan Malaysia (SPM) level. This paper delves into four issues contributing to the dilemma and challenges, namely (i) the diminishing relevance of the concept of continuing education; (ii) uncertainties in the economic sector often acting as barriers for the youth to pursue further studies; (iii) an individual's interest in academic pursuits—an issue not to be underestimated; and (iv) graduate unemployment within the country causing distress among graduates due to a lack of job guarantees after studying, leading the youth to fear pursuing higher education. This literature-oriented research applies a comprehensive reading technique, systematically analyzing relevant articles on graduate careers to address the four highlighted issues. The findings indicate (a) a phenomenon referring to the notably low starting salaries for fresh graduates, serving as a measure of a graduate's potential based on the study period; it becomes irrelevant as a student's interest in working independently, such as venturing into small-scale business, surpasses the desire to pursue higher education; (b) Financial issues within families prevent them from covering their children's educational expenses, exacerbated by workforce reductions involving family breadwinners covering school-related expenses; (c) Lack of interest in academics leads individuals to immerse themselves in the workforce. Therefore, education or learning is crucial in our lives; and (d) Work experience is emphasized by employers when seeking employment. These findings prove that the given issues pose dilemmas and challenges, causing the youth to opt for work over further education. The direction concerning the issue of continuing education or entering the workforce for high school graduates is related to education, serving as a benchmark for a rapidly developing nation. However, from the perspective of the younger generation, education should be understood as an important bridge of knowledge to ensure a bright life based on intellectual, emotional, and physical skills.