After living and working in Ho Chi Minh City for some time, To Van Loc (from Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province) unexpectedly changed course and returned to his hometown to build his career.
Finding opportunities in my hometown.
In 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Mr. Loc, who at the time owned two stalls selling souvenirs and fashion items in Ho Chi Minh City, was forced to close. Unlike many who waited for the pandemic to subside before resuming business, Mr. Loc decided to start a new path for himself.
Initially, he tried his hand at content creation, focusing primarily on rural life with its bright and peaceful themes. His videos on social media were well-received, with some attracting hundreds of thousands of views. However, this work still didn't satisfy his ambition to develop local resources. He then chose to venture into the production and sale of agricultural products.
"I clearly see the disconnect between delicious and high-quality agricultural products and consumers. In my hometown, we have delicious beans, clean rice, fresh fruit… but not many people know about them. I think that's a challenge but also an opportunity for me," Loc recounted.
Leveraging his technological expertise and knowledge of online shopping channels, Mr. Loc embarked on promoting his local produce. This process also presented numerous challenges. Most of the agricultural products Mr. Loc produces are seasonal. Therefore, there were times when customer demand was high, but he didn't have enough stock to sell, forcing him to wait until the next harvest season.
"Leaving the city to start a business in the countryside was more difficult than I expected. But my view is that difficulties exist everywhere and in everything you do. The important thing is to overcome them step by step. I have some business knowledge, so applying it to life in the countryside is still harmonious," he confided.
Entering his third year of establishing himself in his hometown, Mr. Loc now feels satisfied with his life. Every day, he consistently works as a content creator focusing on rural life, while also producing and trading agricultural products.
Mr. To Van Loc pays special attention to agricultural products from his hometown (Photo provided by the subject).
Learn, invest, and build a career seriously.
Sharing his experience in upgrading and positioning the quality of his products to reach more customers, Mr. Loc said that he needed to learn and practice a lot.
Product quality has always been a concern for him. He believes that with the majority of his customers being online and not directly experiencing the products at the production site, quality is what gives them peace of mind, trust, and encourages repeat business. He shared: "I have to control the quality of all agricultural raw materials. My criteria for products are wholesome and authentic. Wholesome means controlling the process from cultivation to processing. Authentic means preserving the raw material and natural flavor as much as possible."
Developing agriculture isn't the only path for young people returning to their hometowns. Nguyen Dang Thanh Hieu (27 years old, from Kon Tum) chose to return home after working in Ho Chi Minh City for 5 years with a stable income. Hieu wanted to be close to her family to take care of her mother, and the slower pace of life there also appealed to her.
Nguyen Dang Thanh Hieu is satisfied with his decision to work in his hometown (Photo provided by the subject).
Before deciding to return home, she took advantage of the opportunity to find work in her hometown and secured a suitable job at a company. In addition to her main job, Hieu also took on several part-time jobs and actively participated in local volunteer activities.
"Working anywhere has its advantages and disadvantages. Basically, we have to accept them and strive to improve, learn, and do our jobs well. Working in our hometown is also contributing to building a richer and more beautiful homeland," Thanh Hieu shared.
For Mr. To Van Loc, the journey of returning to his hometown to start a business is increasingly flourishing. Every day, he diligently learns more about agriculture and the trade of delicious and clean agricultural products. Loc proudly says: "I now have organic brown rice fields, intercropped bean plots, and fresh tropical fruits that have been processed to increase their value. Taking slow steps is incredibly worthwhile."
The concentration of young workers in urban areas has led to a shortage of rural labor and increased pressure on major cities. Over the past period, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union has implemented numerous competitions, training programs, and forums to equip and support rural youth in developing their economy and becoming wealthy in their homeland. Notable examples include the 2022 National Youth Entrepreneurship Forum and the 2022 Rural Youth Entrepreneurship Project Competition. These initiatives have contributed to encouraging, guiding, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and participation in the economic development of rural areas.
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