Working Hard for Years but No Promotion? The Dilemma Facing Workers is Finally Being Addressed

Hard work is often considered the path to a better career. However, for many workers in Indonesia, the reality on the ground is not always so. Despite working for years, holding great responsencies, and being trusted with important tasks, opportunities for promotion are often hindered by a single requirement: formal educational qualifications.

This phenomenon occurs across various sectors. While experience and loyalty are still valued, companies now require measurable competence, adaptability, and educational backgrounds relevant to industry needs. Dwi (28), an administrative staff member in Jakarta, experienced this firsthand. After several years of work, she felt her abilities had developed, yet she realised that work experience alone was insufficient for the next career level.

“I have wanted to go to university for a long time, but I was always constrained by time. With regular classes, it felt like I had to choose between work or education,” she said. Dwi represents many Indonesian workers facing similar dilemmas, where the desire to improve oneself clashes with heavy workloads, long operational hours, and economic needs.

Data from the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics (BWS) shows that the average working hours for Indonesian workers reach approximately 41 hours per week, with some exceeding 49 hours. In urban areas like Jabodetabek, commuting times also present additional challenges that drain energy and time daily. These conditions highlight the need for access to education that is flexible, high-quality, and aligned with the realities of active workers.

Answering this need, Universitas Esa Unggul, powered by Arizona State University, has introduced an Employee Class Programme specifically designed for professionals wishing to continue their education. Through a flexible learning system with evening and weekend class options, students can continue working while pursuing higher education.

In addition to time flexibility, the collaboration between Universitas Esa Unggul and Arizona State University strengthens the curriculum with international standards focused on future industry needs. Students study not only theory but are also equipped with competencies in strategic fields such as innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, with opportunities to obtain integrated global certifications.

“We understand that workers do not only need access to education, but also high-quality education that is relevant to their careers. Therefore, the Employee Class is designed to be flexible with strong academic quality so that students are ready to level up,” said the Rector of Universitas Esa Unggul, Dr. Ir. Arief Kusuma Among Praja.

For Dwi, the decision to start university has become a new turning point. “Previously, I only focused on work and routine. Now, I have a direction. I am confident that in the future, I can move up,” she said. Her story reflects the reality of modern workers: hard work should not result in remaining in the same position. With the support of the right education, hard work can become a pathway to a better career leap.