It’s often said that life is a journey, not a destination, but what happens when the journey feels like it’s veering off course? When people ask me about my diverse career path, I often smile, not out of indifference but because explaining my winding road can sometimes be a bit complicated.
I’m grateful that I completed my mass communication degree before my father passed away. Despite the advice that academic credentials might not matter much outside the country and that skills are what truly count, I remained committed to my goal. I focused on becoming a better photojournalist, with a clear vision: to pursue a Master’s in Photojournalism at the University of California after graduation. The program required two years of experience, so I took on various photojournalism gigs, earning just 75 to 100 pesos per photo. It was a modest start, but it was a goal I shared with my father.
However, after my father’s passing due to colon cancer, my future seemed to unravel. The plan to study in the US was thrown into uncertainty, especially when my aunt, who had promised to host me, fell into conflict with my mother. The future I had meticulously planned for suddenly felt like it was slipping away.
In the midst of these challenges, I made a promise to my father to take good care of my siblings, to maintain the traditions he had upheld—like attending Sunday church, dining out, and keeping our home stocked. Balancing these responsibilities while pursuing a career in photojournalism seemed daunting.
To make ends meet and support my family, I ventured into side hustles, photographing corporate events. One of my significant clients was Selrahco Management and Consultancy Services. I’m especially grateful to Sir Charles Lim for trusting me with assignments for Cebu Pacific Air and other events. Despite juggling preliminary exams for law school at the University of San Carlos and battling gallstone attacks, I remained committed to my work. I even shot events while seven months pregnant, driven by a deep commitment to my craft.
As my siblings began to earn decent incomes, I was able to invest in better equipment. However, as competition in corporate photography intensified, I decided it was time for a change. I took a break to explore new opportunities: becoming a sportswriter, a news writer for a national paper, an operations manager for a call center, an events organizer, a project manager for IT projects, a media coordinator, a college instructor in mass communication, a digital marketing company founder, and an SEO content writer. I embraced each role, believing that a diverse skill set would enhance my value in the market.
Some may view my career path as “out of focus,” jumping from one skill to another, but for me, it’s a testament to resilience and adaptability. What matters most is that I’ve been able to support my family, contribute to our well-being, and embrace my independence. Through every twist and turn, I’ve learned that it’s not about having a singular focus but about navigating the journey with purpose and passion.
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