Practicality over Passion? What do u guys think?

School Dilemma - Help me decide!

Hello! I’m currently having a dilemma about what course and university to choose for college. I’m torn between being practical and pursuing something I’ve genuinely been passionate about. Thank you in advance po!!! (NOT AI)

Option 1: UP Diliman – BS Geology

Pros:

- I have loved Geology since junior high school, and it has always been one of the fields I could see myself pursuing long-term.

- I am gonna pursue a master’s degree in UPD as well.

- Okay lang ako mag-ibang bansa if better opportunities are available outside the Philippines.

Concerns:

- Im worried about the limited job opportunities for Geology graduates in the Philippines.

- As a DOST scholar, I need to complete my return service sa country, but idk if I would be able to do that considering na onti lang job opportunities

- I’m unsure whether the career growth and financial stability in this field are enough compared to more conventional engineering courses.

Option 2: PUP – BS Industrial Engineering

Pros:

- Mas practical IE since mas versatile siya at maraming job oppor.

- Mas safer option since maralita kami and it could offer a stable employment and higher sense of financial security

Concerns:

- I really dont see myself pursuing this career in the long-run, and baka sa pagiging praktikal ko maburnout lang ako and I don't want the feeling of regret na hindi ko pinursue dream course ko.

- I have also heard concerns regarding PUP’s system, like limited resources and admin problems which makes me uncertain about PUP.

So:

  1. Am I underestimating Geology as a career? Are there actually enough job opportunities for Geology graduates in the Philippines, especially for fresh graduates?
  2. Should I just shift on my second year in UPD to Industrial Engineering? How's the experience of people who shifted from their program?
  3. What are the possible career paths of a Geology graduate in the Philippines and abroad (e.g., mining, environmental work, research, government agencies, energy sector, disaster risk management)?
  4. For people who chose practicality over passion (or vice versa), what were their experiences and regrets?

Posted Jun 12, 2026, 12:49 PM UTC

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