Was taking accountancy the right decision?

MANY of us did not choose accountancy because it was our dream course. I was one of those people.

I came from a province where opportunities were not always readily available. When it was time to choose a college course, I honestly had no idea about what accountancy was. I did not know the meaning of debit and credit, and I had never imagined myself becoming an accountant someday.

Like many students, I listened to the advice of people around me. They said that if I wanted a practical course and a stable future, I should take accountancy. They told me that accountants would always be needed and that the profession could help improve my life and provide better opportunities for my family.

So, despite not fully understanding what I was getting into, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in accountancy. Looking back now, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.

My college years were far from easy. There were endless quizzes, major examinations, projects, reports and recitations. Every semester felt like a battle. I remember spending sleepless nights studying lessons that seemed impossible to understand. There were moments when I questioned myself and wondered if I was good enough to continue.

Many times, I felt overwhelmed. While some of my friends seemed to enjoy their courses, I was trying to survive one subject after another. There were days when I wanted to quit. There were days when I doubted whether all the sacrifices would be worth it.

But somehow, I kept going. I kept showing up to class. I kept reviewing my notes. I kept taking exams even when I was unsure of the results. I learned that success was not always about being the smartest person in the room. Sometimes, it is simply about refusing to give up.

When I finally entered the professional world, I realized that graduating was only the beginning.

The challenges became different but equally demanding. Instead of examinations, there were deadlines. Instead of recitations, there were meetings, reports and responsibilities. There were months when work seemed endless, especially during busy seasons. There were times when I had to sacrifice weekends, personal plans and even family time to meet important deadlines.

The accounting profession taught me discipline, resilience, and accountability. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure and how to continue performing even when things became difficult. Most importantly, it taught me that growth often happens outside of our comfort zone.

Now, after 13 long years in the profession, people sometimes ask me if taking accountancy was the right decision.

My answer is simple. Yes. Definitely yes. Not because it was easy. Not because I enjoyed every moment. And not because I never struggled. It was the right decision because it changed the course of my life.

Accountancy opened doors that I never thought possible. It provided me with opportunities to learn, grow and build a stable career. It allowed me to support myself and contribute to my family’s well-being. It introduced me to mentors, colleagues, and experiences that shaped the person I am today.

More importantly, it taught me lessons that go beyond numbers and financial statements. It taught me patience when things did not go according to plan. It taught me perseverance during difficult times. It taught me that success is built one small step at a time.

When I look back at that young student from the province, who did not even know the basics of accounting, I cannot help but smile. If I could talk to that younger version of myself, I would tell him not to be afraid. I would tell him that the road ahead would be difficult, but every challenge would have a purpose.

The journey was never perfect. There were failures, disappointments and moments of self-doubt. But there were also victories, opportunities and achievements that made every sacrifice worthwhile.

Today, I am grateful for every exam that tested me, every project that challenged me, every deadline that pushed me, and every obstacle that made me stronger. Because after 13 years, I can confidently say that accountancy did not just give me a profession. It gave me a future. And for that I will always be thankful.

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Kevin Daan is a certified public accountant and the junior partner and head of assurance at MN Business Solutions Co.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/01/business/top-business/was-taking-accountancy-the-right-decision/2376156

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