‘I am a journalist by profession’ might sound an impressive introduction of oneself to some, or a low-rent pursuit to several. It might appear like a sham to someone who thinks that journalism is only a deliberate act trying to disguise as the more sophisticated, proudly-termed profession; while another is certain that there is professionalism in this line of work, evenly weighed-up with the competence of lawyers, doctors and engineers.
While there is flexibility of employment in America, where professionals can work as part-time waiters or ‘gasoline boys’ and consider themselves well compensated for the job, the idea of this practice in the Philippines, however, disappointingly becomes something that someone will not take pride for. Filipino scholars (or even some who are not) crave for executive positions, not only because it is everyone else’s dream, but also because it is more difficult for a blue-collar worker to survive an overly growing family. Hence, education becomes one of the criteria for demanding a high-paid job in the country.
