How many of you relate to the phrase “The One That Got Away” and think not of a person but of a strand, course, and career? How many dreams are sacrificed at the altar of survival? Introducing “Passion vs. Practicality,” a debate most of us have heard of and one of the reasons why so many people have “careers that got away.” It refers to the dilemma faced by young people when choosing careers or college courses. Where passion represents personal interest, talent, and their dream career. On the contrary, practicality represents financial stability, job availability, and economic survival. But what if we dive deeper into this debate, beyond just a personal choice, but as a structural issue shaped by economics, inequality, and limited representation?

“Passion vs. Practicality” isn’t merely a dilemma of preference; it is largely dictated by economic realities and societal expectations that limit the freedom of young people to pursue the careers they truly want.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the average monthly wage in the Philippines remains relatively low, with many workers earning around ₱18,000–₱25,000, while minimum wage earners receive roughly ₱610–₱645 per day in Metro Manila, often less in other regions (PSA, 2023). These figures barely cover the rising cost of living, including transportation, food, and education. Furthermore, according to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), young workers are more likely to experience underemployment and unstable job conditions, leading them to prioritize job security over personal fulfillment (ILO, 2022). Studies also show that job satisfaction is strongly linked to financial stability, as individuals in low-paying or unstable jobs report significantly lower satisfaction levels compared to those in secure, well-paying professions.

These realities reveal that choosing a “practical” career is often not a matter of logic, but of necessity. The question is presented as, “Is pursuing passion-based careers really worth the risk of struggling your whole adult life?” With that, passion becomes a privilege; it turns into something only those with financial safety nets can afford to chase. As a result, young people are not truly choosing between passion and practicality; they are choosing survival.

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), career aspirations among Filipino youth are heavily influenced by family expectations, economic background, and exposure to role models (EDCOM II, 2024). Professions such as medicine, engineering, and law continue to be perceived as the most “respectable” and financially secure paths. Meanwhile, careers in the arts, culture, and public service often lack visibility and institutional support. According to UNESCO, workers in creative industries frequently face irregular income, lack of job security, and limited government protection, despite contributing significantly to cultural and economic development (UNESCO, 2022). This imbalance reinforces the idea that only certain careers are “worthy,” while others are dismissed as impractical or unstable.

This creates a cycle where young people are discouraged from pursuing creative, expressive, or advocacy-driven careers, not because they lack talent, but because society fails to support them. When representation is limited, so are aspirations. If students only see success in a narrow set of professions, they are more likely to follow those paths, even if it means abandoning their true interests. In this way, the system does not just influence choices; it also restricts them.

Some may argue that practicality is simply responsible decision-making. After all, financial stability is essential for survival, and choosing a secure career ensures a stable future. While this is true, it overlooks a deeper issue: not everyone has equal access to opportunities that allow them to balance both passion and stability. The problem is not practicality itself, but the lack of systems that make passion sustainable.

To address this issue, structural changes are necessary. First, there must be greater investment in diverse industries, particularly in the arts and cultural sectors, to provide stable opportunities and fair compensation. Second, schools should promote career awareness that goes beyond traditional professions, exposing students to a wider range of possibilities. Third, policies that support youth employment, fair wages, and financial assistance can reduce the pressure to choose survival over passion. Finally, representation matters; highlighting successful individuals from diverse fields can reshape societal perceptions of what constitutes a “respectable” career.

The debate between passion and practicality is often framed as a personal dilemma, but in reality, it reflects deeper inequalities within society. When economic conditions dictate career choices and representation limits aspirations, freedom of choice becomes a mere illusion. Let’s cultivate a society where the chef, the artist, the writer, and the diplomat will never be dismissed with, “Eh ano naman mapapala mo diyan?” Instead, they should be respected, not doubted. The question, then, is not whether young people should be practical or passionate—but whether society can create a system where they no longer have to choose between the two.

The Frontman