We are the generation raised to believe that hard work is all it takes to be successful. We were told by elders, “magsipag ka,” or “mag-aral kang mabuti,” so you can get out of the vicious cycle of poverty, or you can become the globe-trotting, multi-millionaire Tita you want to be. If we fail at some point, it was because we did not give our best shot, or we were too lazy to chase bigger dreams.
So when University of the Philippines graduate Leo Jaminola penned a lengthy caption on his Facebook profile photo, discussing how hard work is not all there is, many people found themselves agreeing, and unlearning their views of sheer determination as a path to success. The post has been shared nearly 9,000 times as of posting.
“Some people will say that poverty is a personal failure and that the members of my community should work harder but I know better. One of the things that I learned from my experience is that hard work as the primary factor in being successful is a myth. That’s not to say that it doesn’t play a role but privilege and access to resources have greater impacts on whether a person ends up successful or not.
Frankly, breadwinners are the biggest evidence to counter this prevailing myth. We try our best every day but constantly feel that it is not translating into the future we want to achieve. When we think of breadwinners, we usually envision a diligent person buried under a mountain of responsibilities but still barely making ends meet. This is because for many of us, hard work, especially in the short term, really only translates to mere survival.
If hard work is all it [takes], then the many young breadwinners I know who continue to support their families while chasing their own dreams would not be constantly organizing their budget trackers to find [ways to] stretch their salary until the next payday.
If hard work is all it [takes], then my neighbors who wake up at 4:00 AM to go out to sea and catch fish should not face financial issues.
If hard work is all it [takes], then the ‘nanays’ in my community who juggle multiple domestic responsibilities while still trying to contribute to household finances would be enjoying a comfortable life.”
We can’t help but nod in agreement.
Leo's hustle game was on point. Six jobs while seeking a bachelor’s degree, juggling work, competitions, and multiple engagements after graduation; that was next-level determination. While some of his peers were making investments, Leo was meticulously calculating the cost per milliliter of shampoo. It's not just about balancing the budget. It's about the unequal distribution of privilege and access to resources.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines, Leo said he’s proudest of what’s been achieved thus far—not a car, a mansion, or other things some highly accomplished people would cite.
“It’s very simple actually. I’m proud that I can support the everyday needs of my family. I’m proud that I can put food on the table. I’m proud that I can buy medicines for my parents. I’m proud that I can support my sister’s education. These are the things I’m most proud of right now. When thinking about achievements, other people would probably not say such mundane things. But I didn’t come from privilege, so I don’t take for granted anything,” Jaminola said.
Many others like Leo face an uphill battle. The pressure is relentless, but one could never give up, because the needs of loved ones are always present. This is a familiar story, one that every breadwinner could relate to.
Yes, hard work plays a role, but let's not downplay the significance of our starting points. The truth is, privilege and access matter, big time. Leo's experience and the stories of countless others point to systemic failures and the continued inaccessibility of education and opportunities – especially for many women in the Philippines.
It's not just about working harder; it's about dismantling these barriers and creating a level playing field for all.
Simply put, thousands are battling against a system that doesn't always play fair. Privilege and access to resources are real game-changers. It's not just about hard work; it's about the starting line we're handed. So if you feel you’ve done enough, but are still not reaching your goals—set by society, your parents, your peers, or the one you have personally crafted—-be kinder to yourself. While hard work is commendable, it is not the sole route to success.
And as Leo puts it, "we simply don’t know what the future holds. What we can control, however, are the actions that we take and the responses we give."
