Is Poverty a Blessing in Disguise?

Before anything else I would like to say first that I obviously don't approve of poverty, hunger and the violence that goes along with it. However, it does provide certain conditions that push other people to start their own business. These conditions, no matter how harsh, sometimes still bring out the entrepreneure in an individual.

In countries like the Philippines, there is generally a poor quality of education. This translates to fewer opportunities in the competition for employment. A person cannot easily get a decent job that pay considerably well since it demands great skills and high levels of professionalism. With nowhere to turn to, the person relies on himself to alleviate his life from the hardships of reality. They are almost immediately ready to take the risks since they are faced with very few or no choices at all. This is where the spirit of entrepreneurship comes in. One is able to be his own boss and make money in the process. Ofcourse having an enterpreneural mindset is one thing. Being able to grow and succeed is another. Not everyone who starts their own business succeeds - that's a fact. I cannot deny that there is still the need for education (formal or not) to complement this enterprising spirit. They still need to learn the tricks of the trade and transform situations to their own advantage. They need to know how to direct their business well so it won't crash and burn.

That's what I see with entrepreneureship and poverty. Some people are fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to be their own boss even if they didn't intend to. The socioeconomical conditions brought by poverty can awaken the entrepreneure inside them. But to have this drive is not enough. Having both the passion and a proper direction means that half of the battle is already won.