Redefining the Future: Switching Careers or Following my Degree?

One of the crucial decisions in stepping into college is choosing the best academic program. This is not a game where, when we get bored, we can choose and try another one. 

With that, it’s not as easy as spitting out words. There are many factors in considering our academic program.

Is it what I am passionate about? 

Is it an in-demand career that will land me a better job? 

Does it have a high salary?

Is it easy to pursue or difficult to survive?

Entering college takes years of commitment and dedication—from the hustle and bustle of academic duties to finally earning our most-awaited degree. Therefore, an early and long period of decision-making is a must—not to put self-pressure but to lead us in the right career path. 

However, regardless of our choices and the program to pursue, change is inevitable, and realization begins as we explore the field of the chosen profession. 

As time goes by, we discover the current standing of our future job in society—the level of opportunities, salary range, and the company’s standards, such as years of work experience. Hence, many Filipinos tend to change interests and are eager to explore other opportunities for personal growth. 

This dilemma brings graduates to a major question: is our college degree worth it? What if I don’t want to use my college degree? 

Career change towards better opportunities

According to the labor force survey of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) this June 2025, Filipino unemployed graduates increased to 2.6% points from 35.6% in December 2024. 

Based on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), mismatches in jobs, skills, and qualifications from the available job opportunities are one of the main reasons for college graduates not securing their employment. 

This social phenomenon pushes college graduates to be “practical” and choose a job that will sustain their necessities despite its unrelatedness to their college degree. 

A career change is not a mistake, sin, or violation of our bachelor’s degree. In fact, it allows us to become open to other work or professions that will contribute to a better salary, benefits, work environment, and well-being. 

Other people may see it as a challenge since you need to start from scratch—navigating and training new skills that fit into a pursued job. However, everything can be learned, and just like how we studied in college for four or more years, we must be willing to educate and dedicate ourselves gradually until we catch up with our new industry or field.

Settling for passion, upholding a college degree

Changing career paths is not really an option for us. It becomes part of our choice when chosen professions in college are lacking opportunities and quality benefits in our country. 

No one wants to set aside their degree, neglect their skills and passion, and eventually, go abroad to fulfill their dreams. 

This is taking a risk because, as expected, failures and rejections are possible, especially nowadays, when most employers are highly looking for workers with college degrees and professional backgrounds. 

Definitely, a college degree is still essential regardless of our career path to pursue. But despite the plans on not using it, may we find the value of our passion and skills that have been molded for a long year in education—whether it’s your chosen or “no choice” program. 

Though a job can be learned and loved, the flame of passion cannot—it builds a solid foundation within our hearts. 

It also makes our profession purposeful and meaningful every day—not money nor promotion. 

You’re on your own now; know your worth and rights

Life after graduation is in our hands, and so is how we will make our own timeline towards a better future. Whatever our choices—shifting careers or following degrees—we’re on our own now, where no one can dictate how we should progress and what to pursue. 

As we’re aiming for a certain career, we should keep in mind that this is not a risk-taking or an option anymore—this is our decision that we’re ready and willing to face, no matter what it takes. 

Other people say college graduates should not be too demanding on salary at their first job. As a matter of fact, demand is not equivalent to being choosy or stagy. It’s about standing on our self-worth and rights—everyone deserves to earn fair compensation and living wages, not the bare minimum. 

How long must we keep demanding that employment growth be treated as one of the national priorities? This is an everyday plea of every single Filipino—more opportunities, better salary, and good benefits in the Philippines. 

And so, no one will set apart their college degree or dream profession for another line of work.

Article: Brian Rubenecia

Graphics: Aurelius Ceasar Gorgon