28, turning 29, SG-16 with a Master’s Degree. Should I go abroad, stay in government, or try business/side income?
I’m 28, turning 29, currently working in the Philippine government at SG-16. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Technology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
I graduated in 2017 and my first job was already in government as a Job Order. I became a regular employee in 2019 at SG-13, then got promoted to SG-16 in 2023. So basically, almost my entire professional experience has been in government.
I’m grateful for the stability and benefits, but lately I’ve been feeling stagnant. Promotions seem to take a long time, and I’m starting to feel that my income isn’t enough anymore, especially as I’m getting older and thinking more seriously about our future.
The other problem is that although I graduated with an Accounting Technology degree, I never actually worked in accounting. My career has been almost entirely government-related, and I took a Master’s in Public Administration along the way.
Right now, I’m considering several options:
1. Stay in government and wait for another promotion.
2. Look for opportunities abroad, although I’m not sure what jobs I can realistically qualify for given that my work experience is mostly government.
3. Stay in the Philippines but start a small business or find a side hustle/part-time work to increase my income.
4. Leave government and try the private sector, even if it means starting over or taking a step back initially.
For those who have been in a similar situation, what would you do if you were me?
If you stayed in the Philippines, what kind of business or part-time work would you recommend for someone with my background?
And for those who went abroad after having mostly Philippine government experience, was it difficult to transition?
I’m not necessarily unhappy with government. I just feel like I need to make a decision soon because I don’t want to wake up five or ten years from now still feeling like I’m waiting for the next promotion.
Would appreciate honest advice from people who have actually gone through this. What would you do in my position?