My friend can’t decide whether to invest $146,000 in career or homebuying

I have a friend who is working on a tech startup and is highly skilled. Despite being only 29 years old, he has saved up more than VND3.7 billion (US$145,700). Recently, we had a chance to sit down and talk, and he confided that if he wanted to buy a VND5.5 billion two-bedroom house in Ho Chi Minh City, he would have to take out a loan. But doing so would mean giving up all opportunities to further his education and develop his career.

However, if he used that money to invest in himself and strengthen his startup, its profits may not grow as quickly as house prices, not to mention the risk of failure. Thinking about this, he has gradually become discouraged about investing in career development.

I have been pondering what he said for a long time. I think about how a home serves basic living needs, yet it is indirectly stifling the development and career aspirations of so many talented young people. Production businesses only expect profits to grow by at most 10-30% per year. Meanwhile, land and house prices can increase at the same rate or even faster.

I live in HCMC and work in the rental real estate industry. I often tell my employees: "There is no need to rush into buying a house or taking on huge loans. Focus on working, learning, and investing in yourself. Save gradually from a young age. A house that cost VND600 million ten years ago may have appreciated to VND6 billion, but it is unlikely to reach VND60 billion in the next decade."

I believe it is time for young people to realize that knowledge is their greatest asset. Renting a house does not mean you lead an unstable life. It is only when you lack knowledge or are lazy that your life will be unstable.

Should one prioritize investing in their career or saving for a home?

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI.Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.