Balancing career life and financial stability for Saudi youth

Saudi youth today face increasing challenges in achieving an effective balance between their professional lives and financial stability, especially amid the rapid economic and social transformations in society. Rising ambitions, growing job opportunities in emerging sectors, and changing daily lifestyles have made it essential to promote awareness of the importance of both career and financial planning to build a stable and productive life.

Career challenges facing youth

1. Saudi youth are no longer content with holding a single job for life
 Many now transition between different roles, engage in freelance work, or start entrepreneurial ventures. While this dynamic offers flexibility and opportunity, it also brings temporary instability that demands a high level of adaptability and resilience.

2. Workplace pressure
 The job market has become more competitive, and success requires continuous skills development and knowledge updates. A study by King Saud University found that 67% of young employees experience psychological stress due to high expectations from employers.
 

Financial challenges

1. Consumer culture
 A significant portion of young people are influenced by excessive consumerism and spending habits. Reports from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) indicate that the average personal savings rate is just 3% of monthly income—well below the global average of 10–20%.

2. Weak financial planning
 Many young people lack a clear financial plan. Salaries are often spent without purposeful direction, leading to reliance on debt and loans, which undermines long-term financial stability.

Financial stability as a cornerstone of life

1. The importance of financial awareness
Experience has shown that raising financial awareness contributes to personal and professional stability. SAMA has launched several initiatives to promote financial literacy, such as the “My Finance” program targeting students in early academic stages.

2. Smart saving strategies
Simple steps can lead to major changes, such as:

• Allocating a fixed percentage of income for savings (10–15%)
• Using budgeting apps to track expenses
• Investing in low-risk funds

Balancing work and life

1. The concept of balance
Work-life balance means not neglecting one’s health, social life, or spirituality in the pursuit of career or financial goals. Constant burnout can backfire, lowering both productivity and personal well-being.

2. Supportive workplace policies
Some companies have started adopting progressive work policies, including:

• Flexible working hours
• Remote work options
• Mental health days

These measures have proven effective in improving employees' quality of life.

National supportive initiatives

1. Saudi vision 2030
Vision 2030 focuses on youth empowerment, increasing their participation in the workforce, and encouraging financial independence through entrepreneurship, innovation, and a wide range of financing tools.

2. Programs like "Entrepreneurs" and "Kafala"
These programs provide support for launching small and medium-sized businesses, enhancing opportunities for independent income and reducing reliance on traditional employment.
 

The role of technology in supporting career and financial balance

Technology has become a strategic ally for youth striving for better balance. Smart apps and digital services have streamlined many daily tasks and improved quality of life.

1. Smart financial tools
A range of Saudi and international applications now assist in budgeting, tracking income and expenses, and alerting users when they exceed limits—such as "Mahfazati" or "Sulfa"—which have helped improve daily financial awareness.

2. Freelance platforms
Platforms like “Mostaql,” “Khamsat,” and “Marn” enable youth to diversify their income sources by taking on flexible freelance projects they can complete from home, giving them more control over their time and reducing dependency on a single job.

3. Continuous digital learning
It has become easier to develop skills through online platforms like Coursera and Edraak, as well as local initiatives like "Doroob," giving young people competitive tools in the job market without needing high tuition costs or full-time study.

Real-Life stories and inspiring saudi examples

Sara – employee and small business owner

Sara, a business graduate from King Abdulaziz University, began her career in an office job but found herself spending her entire salary each month. She decided to allocate 20% of her income to savings and 10% to invest in a home-based scented candle business. After two years, her business income matched her salary, granting her greater financial freedom.

Abdulaziz – from unemployed graduate to entrepreneur

After two years of unemployment post-graduation, Abdulaziz joined the "Tamheer" program and trained at a tech firm. He gained experience and went on to launch a family budgeting app with a friend, eventually signing a deal with a local bank. He is now the founder of a promising startup.

Reem – freelance content writer

After experiencing burnout from traditional work, Reem opted to work remotely. Through freelance platforms, she secured a steady monthly income and launched a blog to help youth manage their time and build side income. She has since become a recognized financial awareness influencer on Instagram.

Practical recommendations for saudi youth:

• Start small, don’t delay saving even 200 SAR a month is better than waiting for a high salary to start saving.
• Balance ambition with capability pursuing ambitious career goals shouldn’t come at the expense of mental health or social life.

• Learn from others’ experiences attending workshops and networking with successful entrepreneurs helps build a clear future vision.

• Don’t rely solely on salary explore other income sources (business, investment, freelance work).

• Consult a financial advisor if possible even an informal financial mentor can help avoid costly mistakes.

Balancing career life and financial stability is not a luxury — it’s a necessity driven by the demands of modern life. Through awareness, planning, and leveraging available tools, Saudi youth can confidently and sustainably shape their futures. It’s a shared responsibility between individuals, institutions, and the government to create a balanced environment that encourages professional growth without sacrificing financial security or quality of life.

References:

• Saudi Central Bank – Financial Stability Report 2024
• General Authority for Statistics – Labor Market Survey 2025
• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development – Qara Program
• Riyadah Program – https://www.riyadah.com.sa/