You’re currently working at an immigration law firm, earning a decent salary compared to the minimum wage in your province. But your family is pressuring you to leave your corporate job, take out a loan for a master’s degree, and rank for a DepEd teaching position.
The big question: Are you making the right choice by staying in the corporate world, or will you regret not pursuing teaching in the future?
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both career paths, considering factors like salary, job stability, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment.
1. Corporate Job vs. DepEd Teaching: Salary and Financial Stability
Corporate Job: Higher Salary but Less Security?
Your current P20,000 starting salary is already more than double the P8,000–P9,000 minimum wage in your province. If you stay and work hard, you have the potential to earn more as you gain experience and promotions.
Most corporate jobs also offer HMO (health insurance), paid leaves, and bonuses—benefits that many government employees lack.
The only downside? Private companies operate on a “no work, no pay” basis. If the company shuts down or lays off employees, you could lose your job. However, this risk is minimal if you’re working in a well-established firm.
DepEd Teaching: “Stable” but Lower Pay
A Teacher I at DepEd earns around P27,000–P30,000 per month, depending on location. However, it takes years to get promoted to higher salary grades. You also need to invest in a master’s degree, ranking applications, and even teaching materials, which can be expensive.
The “job security” in DepEd comes with a price—many teachers end up taking loans to cover daily expenses, investments in education, and even classroom needs.
Reality Check: You are already earning a salary close to what a Teacher I makes. And in corporate, you can get raises faster without spending on a master’s degree just to rank up.
2. Work-Life Balance: Which Job Gives You More Free Time?
Corporate Job: Clear Work Hours
One of the biggest perks of corporate work is that once you clock out, your time is yours. Weekends and evenings are usually free, allowing you to rest, pursue hobbies, or start a side hustle.
DepEd Teaching: Work Never Ends
Many teachers complain about the overwhelming workload in DepEd. Aside from lesson planning, grading papers, and handling students, teachers also need to complete endless paperwork, reports, and school events—even on weekends.
Teachers often take work home, leading to burnout and exhaustion. Some even spend their own money for classroom decorations, student projects, and contest expenses.
Reality Check: If you enjoy having personal time after work, corporate is the better choice. Teaching, especially in DepEd, often extends beyond school hours.
3. Passion vs. Practicality: Will You Be Happy Teaching?
Do You Love Teaching?
Teaching is not just about job security—it’s a lifelong commitment. Many teachers enter the field thinking about stability but end up feeling trapped because of the stress, low salary, and lack of appreciation.
If you are passionate about education and can handle the workload, then teaching can be fulfilling. But if you’re only considering it because of family pressure, you might end up resenting your job.
What About Growth Opportunities?
In the corporate world, you can explore different career paths—move up in the company, shift to a new industry, or even start your own business. Your salary and skills can continuously improve.
In DepEd, promotion is slow and heavily based on ranking, further studies, and years of service. If you get stuck in the same position, your income might not grow as fast as in a corporate career.
Reality Check: Choose teaching only if it’s your passion. Otherwise, the stress and lack of career flexibility might lead to long-term dissatisfaction.
4. Family Expectations: Should You Feel Guilty?
Your family believes that being a DepEd teacher is “stable”, and they might be comparing it to their experiences.
But the reality is, stability today is different from before. Many government employees, including teachers, struggle financially.
If you’re happy and financially secure in your corporate job, there’s no reason to feel guilty. Your career is your choice, not theirs.
How to Handle Family Pressure:
- Show them your financial growth. Once you’re regularized, discuss your salary, benefits, and future promotions.
- Prove that corporate jobs can be stable. If you plan wisely, save money, and build skills, you won’t have to rely on DepEd for job security.
- Offer a compromise. If they insist on a master’s degree, consider taking one while working instead of quitting and taking out a loan.
- Set boundaries. Politely but firmly explain that you are making the best decision for your future.
Reality Check: You are the one working, not them. They won’t be the ones dealing with the stress of DepEd’s workload.
Final Verdict: Should You Quit Your Corporate Job?
Reasons to Stay in Corporate:
✔ Higher salary potential without the need for loans
✔ Better work-life balance (no unpaid overtime and excessive paperwork)
✔ More career growth opportunities in different industries
✔ No need to deal with DepEd’s bureaucracy and corruption
Reasons to Shift to DepEd:
✔ You are truly passionate about teaching and willing to accept the workload
✔ You prefer job stability over higher earnings
✔ You are prepared for years of ranking and further studies
If your heart is not in teaching, you don’t need to feel guilty about choosing corporate work. Your mental health, financial stability, and career growth matter more than meeting your family’s expectations.
Remember: It’s your life, your future, and your happiness. Make the choice that’s best for YOU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I regret not becoming a teacher in the future?
Not necessarily. If you’re happy with your current job and financial growth, you won’t miss the stress of DepEd. If you ever want to teach, you can explore private schools or part-time teaching later.
What if my family keeps pressuring me?
Stand your ground. Show them that you’re earning well and have long-term plans. If they still don’t support you, focus on proving them wrong through your success.
Can I work in corporate and teach later?
Yes! Many professionals teach part-time in colleges or training centers without leaving their main job. You can also take a master’s degree while working if you ever want to shift careers in the future.
Is taking out a loan for a master’s degree worth it?
Only if you genuinely want to study and can afford to pay it back. If you’re only doing it because of pressure, it’s a risky financial decision.
What’s the best way to secure my financial future?
Regardless of your job, the key is to save, invest, and continuously improve your skills. Stability comes from smart financial planning, not just having a government job.
Final Thoughts
If you’re happy in corporate, there’s no need to feel guilty. Teaching is a noble profession, but it’s not the only stable and fulfilling career path.
Your success isn’t determined by your family’s expectations—it’s based on the choices that make you financially secure and personally fulfilled.
💡 What’s your take? If you were in this situation, would you leave your corporate job for DepEd? Let’s discuss in the comments!
