AT SOME point in our student years, we were made to believe that our good grades and performance in school will lead us to a good, stable job. That was supposed to be the goal. But, eventually, millennials, who are known to be innovative but have limited attention span, have great ideas but sometimes might have trouble working with older officemates, decided to create their own businesses and be their own bosses. Others found that to be their calling.
While they decided to ditch full-time jobs and go pursue their passion into a business, there seems to be a “discrimination” for people who still finds comfort in the stability of an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. There are several Facebook posts I encounter that says, “do you know that no one gets rich from an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job?” And it goes on encouraging the reader to pursue a business instead (specifically the one they’re offering) and “be your own boss.”
As you’re reading this, you may also be having a hard time deciding whether to continue being employed, to quit and start a business, or accept side hustles and extra sources of income while you’re also employed. We’ve interviewed a few fellow twenty somethings who might help you decide. They’ve shared with us the good things they’re experiencing choosing the path that they’re currently in. Maybe the bottomline of every life decision we do is: No shame in what you choose. You know yourself and the choices that can make you happy better than anybody.
Employed but happy
"Perhaps the primary reason why I chose to remain employed rather than run my own business is that I don’t see myself as a very enterprising person... Being employed gives me a sense of stability and purpose. In an employment setting, as long as you add value to your organization and do your job, you will get paid. I love getting paid. And although odd as it may sound, it is important to remember that no matter what your job is, what you do is necessary and can contribute to the public good, be it in a small or big way."
-Chris David Lao, 28
Concurrent Acting Social Security Officer III
SSS Davao Ilustre Branch
"Like any other young adult, I would love to start my own business venture. Being employed in my 20s gives me financial security to support myself and my family and possibly provide the needed capital for that business aspiration should I choose to pursue it. Noteworthy cons of being employed is the lack of flexibility in schedule and the constant desire to explore other endeavors. Nonetheless, I love my job as a civil servant and I would probably stay in public service in the foreseeable future."
-John Francis Gido, 27
Economic Development Specialist
Neda Davao Region
"I can say that working early has helped me harness my potential, thrive in spite of pressure, and adapt to the changing environment. With the pandemic when many were left unemployed or laid off, I can only feel grateful for being able to stay employed and that my superiors have seen the abilities I have acquired all through the years.
"My advice? If you want to start working early, then work with the goal of learning. Learn through experience, hardships, and little victories. When you look back, you'll know it's all worth it."
-James dela Cruz, 25
Development Management Officer
Tourism and Investment Promotion Division, PLGU Davao de Oro
Young entreps on the go
"The only risk I can think of is failure. Like most people, failure is our greatest fear. That’s why we are holding back in leaving our jobs to pursue a business. The 'What If’s' scare us. 'What if it doesn't work?' The pros? These are just some. No office politics. No inconvenience from daily commute. More time with loved ones. You will be the one to decide when to rest. Your efforts will also directly reflect your income. It is also very rewarding for me in helping in our business because our products are becoming instruments for FIlipinos here and abroad in pursuing online business."
-Marie Toni Subaldo, 26
handling Vin’s Coffee business with older sister
"Being young and starting a business, I'm able to take risks. This is already my second business at 27 years old. My first business was @halinaflowers, I was making handmade felt flowers last 2016-2017 and although I had sales, it wasn't able to sustain me for a full time business. I looked for a job and worked as an Account Manager for a Digital Marketing Agency after the first business. Then, I risked again by quitting the job and ventured to the handmade accessories, now Halina Jewelry. I dont have my own family to worry about and that gives me the freedom to make my own decisions. Sabi ko talaga sa sarili ko, I wanted to make a sustainable business before I get married and settle down. Iba pa rin kasi pag sarili mo lang ang iniisip mo."
-Giselle dela Cruz, 27
Halina Jewelry
Side hustlers
"Even before I started having this side hustle of selling skin care products, my experiences in my full time job already taught me the importance of commitment and discipline in managing my time. Not only to my clients but also to myself. No matter how organized your itinerary and workload are, if you can't practice those two, it can really affect your credibility and you may lose the trust of your clients. Whether I render my service as an accountant or I sell beauty products, commitment & discipline for me is really important."
-Camille Montefalcon, 29
Tax Accountant, Montefalcon Accounting Services
Lumiere Skin Vitals seller
"It’s been very challenging striving to balance the demands of both my full-time job and start-up business. The first phase which included the conceptualization and research and development had been the toughest yet most memorable by far. Thankfully, classes had not yet begun, though the preparation of remote learning materials, as well as research, took some time too. I tried to squeeze in some “milk tea business research” and R&D during my vacant time, especially since we started from scratch. I believe it is a matter of prioritization (i.e., identifying what is/are urgent and/or important). I have great plans in life and handling a business while working as a full-time professor has been teaching me a lot of valuable lessons."
Kriza Faye Calumba, 28
Assistant Professor, UP Mindanao
The Tea Culture PH, co-owner