When you are a Filipino, you have top two career options: lawyer and doctor. Whatever profession that comes after those two are not as relevant as being a lawyer or doctor. Earning a bachelor degree and being successful in becoming an accountant, engineer, therapist, banker or other professions will never be at par with earning additional titles of "Atty." and "MD". Well, that's for them and I am not one of them.
Recently, during a small group informal discussion, a person encouraged me, as well as the others, to study law since we are relatively young. I responded that I was not keen on becoming a lawyer. The remark of that person was, "Wala ba kayong pangarap?" I knew that person only meant well. However, I was puzzled by that remark.
Dapat ba ang pangarap ay maging manggagamot or abogado lamang? Is becoming a lawyer or doctor the ultimate dream? Are these two professions pre-requisite for a person to be considered successful?
We have different definitions of success. As for me, success is not a one-way street and that goes the same with choosing a profession. If becoming a lawyer or doctor is your cup of tea, I am happy to support you. In fact, you have my respect. However, it is time that people respect the career choices of others even if it doesn't include being a lawyer or a doctor. We are all earning money by the sweat of our own brows because nothing is given for free. There is dignity in labor. Therefore, the same respect must be given to accountants, engineers, psychologists, bankers, architects, nurses, chefs, laborers, cooks, housewives, receptionists, farmers, call center agents, and among others.
On a more personal note, I celebrate the person I am today. I give myself a pat on the back for my accomplishments. I have braved many storms to be where I am today. I am CPA and working as a state auditor. I won't discredit myself for the mere reason that I am neither a lawyer nor a doctor.
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