Saudi youth happy to run their own businesses
July 5, 2017 | 12:00 AM
July 5, 2017 | 12:00 AM
Last Updated: July 5, 2017 | 12:00 AM
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By Hanan Alnufaie
Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — Saudi youth prefer to have their own businesses rather than having what they euphemistically call “punch in and out” jobs.
“Throughout my college years, my professors talked about entrepreneurship. I was first inspired by their lessons and advice,” said Bader Alharthi, a graduate from the College of Business Administration at King Saud University in Riyadh.
Bader join hands with his cousin Abdullah to have a food truck. “We went to the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI). They guided us on everything,” he told Saudi Gazette.
A few months later, they started their business.
“It has been a year now and thanks to Allah Almighty, I am applying what I have been taught in my college. I also constantly educate myself and I follow experienced entrepreneurs on social media,” he said.
“Starting your own business is very hard. No guarantee of success. It requires education, patience, hard work and determination,” Bader stressed.
“There are ups and downs, but at least I feel that I work for my own benefit. The more effort, hard work, and improvements I put in my own business, the more money I make. It is not like punching in and out in a routine job and working for someone else,” he emphasized.
Lamia Alqatani, a fresh graduate from the College of Education at King Saud University in Riyadh, started her own business with the support of her mother.
“I finished my university 17 months ago. I applied for different teaching positions in private schools and institutions. I was not really convinced that this could be the best option for me,” she said.
However, during that period, Lamia’s mother retired from teaching job.
“We both like designing abayas. So we went for it. Almost a year after marketing, designing and selling our designs through Instagram, we recently opened a very small factory which the basic equipment and two tailors,” she said.
“We are dreaming of opening a huge abaya boutique. InshAllah we will make it,” she said.
Lamia shares Bader’s viewpoint.
“I cannot even compare between routine jobs in which you work for others and having your own business. Alhamdulilah, I did not take a teaching position in a private school on a meager salary. I cannot say having business is easier than having a routine job. It is not easy at all. Everyday there are ups and downs. Some customers complain while others appreciate; some customers return while others don’t.” she said.
Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — Saudi youth prefer to have their own businesses rather than having what they euphemistically call “punch in and out” jobs.
“Throughout my college years, my professors talked about entrepreneurship. I was first inspired by their lessons and advice,” said Bader Alharthi, a graduate from the College of Business Administration at King Saud University in Riyadh.
Bader join hands with his cousin Abdullah to have a food truck. “We went to the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI). They guided us on everything,” he told Saudi Gazette.
A few months later, they started their business.
“It has been a year now and thanks to Allah Almighty, I am applying what I have been taught in my college. I also constantly educate myself and I follow experienced entrepreneurs on social media,” he said.
“Starting your own business is very hard. No guarantee of success. It requires education, patience, hard work and determination,” Bader stressed.
“There are ups and downs, but at least I feel that I work for my own benefit. The more effort, hard work, and improvements I put in my own business, the more money I make. It is not like punching in and out in a routine job and working for someone else,” he emphasized.
Lamia Alqatani, a fresh graduate from the College of Education at King Saud University in Riyadh, started her own business with the support of her mother.
“I finished my university 17 months ago. I applied for different teaching positions in private schools and institutions. I was not really convinced that this could be the best option for me,” she said.
However, during that period, Lamia’s mother retired from teaching job.
“We both like designing abayas. So we went for it. Almost a year after marketing, designing and selling our designs through Instagram, we recently opened a very small factory which the basic equipment and two tailors,” she said.
“We are dreaming of opening a huge abaya boutique. InshAllah we will make it,” she said.
Lamia shares Bader’s viewpoint.
“I cannot even compare between routine jobs in which you work for others and having your own business. Alhamdulilah, I did not take a teaching position in a private school on a meager salary. I cannot say having business is easier than having a routine job. It is not easy at all. Everyday there are ups and downs. Some customers complain while others appreciate; some customers return while others don’t.” she said.
