In a time when many young people feel disillusioned by the job market, 24-year-old Dorji Lhamo of Zhemgang is redefining the meaning of perseverance and commitment. Despite the hurdles she faces, Dorji’s journey through various jobs to becoming a bookseller with a unique twist exemplifies a refreshing approach to finding fulfillment and success.
Raised in a remote part of Zhemgang by her grandmother and father after her mother’s early passing, Dorji’s path to where she stands today has been anything but conventional. The eldest of three siblings, she has always exhibited resilience and determination. Her professional journey began with a series of diverse roles, from restaurant server to salesgirl and housemaid, before she discovered her passion for bookselling.
Two years ago, Dorji embarked on a new chapter by selling books part-time. She carries Bhutanese-authored books on her back, traveling door to door and navigating streets to reach her customers. Her effort is rewarded with a percentage of sales from the authors she represents.
Dorji’s foray into this line of work started rather serendipitously. While working in a restaurant, a friend introduced her to a commission-based job available on her day off. The first book she marketed was “Define Yourself” by Dechen Wangchuk, marking the beginning of her unique venture.
Today, Dorji balances her bookselling with her studies at the Royal Thimphu College, where she is a second-year student in the Continuing Education program, sponsored to support her educational aspirations. With her academic commitments growing, Dorji has transitioned from door-to-door selling to leveraging her Facebook page, “Dorji and Her Walking Library,” which has garnered over 6,000 followers.
When faced with orders from customers outside her district, Dorji meticulously packages the books and dispatches them via Bhutan Post. Despite the positive feedback from her clients and the support she receives, Dorji grapples with the challenge of limited readership due to a general lack of reading habits.
“One of the biggest hurdles is that while people appreciate what I’m doing, there aren’t many readers,” Dorji explains. “It’s a challenge to maintain a steady stream of sales.”
Namgay Wangchuk, an author who has collaborated with Dorji, praises her for her bravery and tenacity. “Dorji may be small in stature, but her ambitions and mindset are colossal. In an era where many young people feel stuck, she exemplifies the value of starting with small jobs and leveraging every opportunity. Her proactive approach, from selling books door to door to engaging with new people, opens doors to future possibilities. This experience will make her stand out in the job market after graduation.”
In her free time, Dorji continues to engage with potential readers in town, managing to sell around 25 books a day on average. Her unwavering passion for literature and life fuels her drive, even as she juggles her roles as a student, a bookseller, and a part-time employee at a private firm to meet her financial needs.
As evening draws near and Dorji heads to college, her enthusiasm remains undiminished. Her story is a testament to how hard work, creativity, and a positive attitude can turn challenges into opportunities, serving as an inspiring example for many.
