Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Experts Advise 10% Income for Upskilling as Lifelong Career Investment
Imagine your job skills are like toys.
Every few years, new toys become popular, and old ones aren't as fun.
Experts say you should set aside a little bit of your money, about one-tenth of what you earn each month, to learn about the new, popular toys.
This helps you stay good at your job and find new jobs.
Sometimes, you might need a loan to learn, but it's usually best to choose courses that help you get a better job.
Even small, regular learning, like spending time learning instead of watching TV, can make you much better over time.
It's like saving money for a rainy day, but for your career.
Learning helps you keep your job, earn more money, and get better at what you do, even when things change a lot.
Experts suggest dedicating up to 10% of monthly income to continuous upskilling.
Lifelong learning is crucial due to rapid skill evolution and changing job market demands.
Consistency in learning yields a higher return on investment than sporadic certifications.
Upskilling investments should align with tangible career outcomes, considering opportunity cost.
Continuous learning is framed as essential career insurance for long-term stability.
- Who
- Shantanu Rooj (Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech) and Arindam Mukherjee (Co-founder and CEO of NextLeap)
- What
- Experts recommend investing up to 10% of income in lifelong upskilling for career stability and growth.
- When
- Ongoing, with an emphasis on continuous learning
- Where
- Global professional landscape, impacted by rapid technological change
- Why
- To maintain employability and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market where skills change quickly, making learning a form of career insurance.
Structured Programs
Self-Driven Learning
Motivation and Discipline
Structured Programs
For those who lack self-discipline, investing in a structured program that offers guidance and accountability is a better option.
Self-Driven Learning
If one is self-driven, there is abundant free content available to facilitate learning.
- Recommended Investment
- Up to 10% of monthly income
- Reason for Upskilling
- 44% of current job skills expected to change within five years
- ROI Manifestation
- Job security, salary growth, adaptability
- Alternative Learning Methods
- Hybrid degrees, digital apprenticeships, modular certifications
- Key to Success
- Consistency and steady, incremental learning