HARMONISING MEANINGFUL LIVING AND SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATION _ A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION

Abstract

This study explores the growing need for a balanced approach to education one that equally emphasizes both meaningful living and sustainable employment. In many educational systems, there has been a noticeable shift toward preparing learners primarily for the demands of the labour market, often at the expense of personal development, ethical awareness, and lifelong purpose. This study, guided by a qualitative approach, examines the philosophical underpinnings of education as a foundation for holistic development. By focusing on the lived experiences, views, and societal expectations surrounding education, the study highlights how learning can be structured to serve both the practical needs of modern economies and the human need for meaning, character, and moral awareness. Central to this discussion are the concepts of ethics in education, strategies for achieving balance, and the role of lifelong learning as a bridge between technical competence and self-actualization. The study argues that a well-balanced educational system must go beyond preparing individuals for employment; it must also empower them to live consciously, contribute ethically, and continue learning in an ever-changing world. By drawing from philosophical thought and practical realities, the study proposes a framework that reimagines education as both a means of survival and a path to a meaningful life.