What is the true path for the post-00 generation?

Let me start with someone I know, born in 2001, an ordinary second-tier university graduate. Last year, when he graduated, he was anxious every day, sent out hundreds of resumes, and either worked for 3000 yuan doing odd jobs or worked unpaid overtime dreaming big.
Eventually, he gave up competing for big companies and civil service exams. Using the skills he learned in college—video editing and AI tools—for local short video management for restaurants, nail salons, and gyms. At first, he charged only 200 yuan per video, but now he has stable collaborations with over a dozen clients, earning more per month than white-collar office workers, with flexible hours and no need to watch his face.
He told me: "I used to think the way out was 'getting into a good company,' but now I understand, the way out is 'having a skill to support yourself.'"
Honestly, the post-00s generation is quite tough.
After expanding enrollment, degrees are less valuable, big companies are downsizing, civil service exams are highly competitive, and the old logic of "stability equals everything" no longer works well today. But difficulty doesn’t mean no way out—just that the paths have changed.
Most of the solidly progressing post-00s around me are following these three routes:
1. Master a small skill that can be monetized
Editing, AI graphic design, live streaming management, auto repair, baking, pet care… No need to be fancy; as long as it makes money. Don’t look down on "small businesses"; they’re more reliable than superficial clerical jobs.
2. Accept a "less glamorous" form of stability
Not only state-owned enterprises and civil servants are stable. Technical roles, blue-collar jobs, community services, new energy after-sales—many positions lack workers, aren’t overly competitive, and become more valuable with age. Letting go of pride can actually make life easier.
3. Survive first, then pursue dreams
Get a job first, choose a career later; earn money first, talk about dreams later. Working while exploring beats daydreaming and internal conflict at home a hundred times over.
In this era, there’s no such thing as a "one-time solution" for life.
Don’t compare your progress to others—if you can support yourself, avoid burnout, and gradually move upward, that’s the best path.