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Jeepney Drivers in the Philippines
I was wrong.
For a very very long time, I’ve always thought that the reason why Software Developers leave our country and work abroad is because of pure greed.
The realization came on the day of my job offer. Don’t get me wrong, their offer was good enough. In fact, it made me think of those developers who are receiving “average” or “below average” salary.
A lot of realization came to me that day… I realized why the people of this country is so angry with the government and corrupt government officials (READ: Taxes). I also realized that even if I graduated Cum Laude in a prestigious school and even if I am working for a Global 500 company earning above average salary, I will not be able to live on my own comfortably.
On that very moment, I am living in reality… the real world — Not in the fantasy world presented on those success stories in Time Magazine about how a geek changed the world and earned a few billion dollars in the process.
So let’s talk about reality…
In the Philippines, an average entry level software developer earns about 15,000 – 25,000 PHP a month (Gross). For the sake of our example, let’s say that Peter (an entry level software developer) earns about 20,000 PHP per month. If you factor-in all the deductables (30% tax, SSS, etc), Peter will have a take home pay of 15,308.34 PHP (Click here for the calculator).
On the other end of the spectrum, Pedro, a very humble Jeepney Driver touring the Guadalupe route in Makati who never need to pay his taxes earns about a reasonable 500 pesos per day. Since Pedro here is very hardworking, he works 7 days a week. So Pedro earns about 15,000 php per month!
So that leads us to my conclusion that a Software Developer who finished a college degree and working on a multinational company is equivalent to 2 Jeepney Drivers who just have a high school diploma and is working without a boss and without the need to kiss the boss’ ass on a daily basis!
With those things in mind, I think that in the near future, I will be included in the roster of Gen Y OFWs. Things really didn’t change that much since Rizal’s time, we are still under foreign rule… but that’s another blog post.
Here’s the recent Salary Report for IT Professionals here in the Philippines. Enjoy!
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: http://blog.ianuy.com/2009/04/12/1-software-developer-2-jeepney-drivers/trackback/ 
For some reason people have different views towards in life. Many believe money revolves everything. Well it makes the life easier and more enjoyable if you have money you can buy what you want but the things is, what is cost? Is it the time where your family are not together or the loves that you left behind. They thought its for the greater good but tell me who does really know whats for the greater good or not. However there are people believe that you can achieve both. The time with your love ones and the money. I can tell you there are people who does. It is the few who got lucky to have both.
I myseflt have a starting salary of 10k it was my first job. With a company owned by a Chinese Businessmen its a family owned business and I can tell you your future with this company is .01% well its base from my experience. How can you plan to start a family where you cannot live your life with such a pitiful salary.if a stay there for a couple of years my salary would be 12k base from my colleage that already have a 5 happy and satisfying years.
out of the topic.its just i want to share my thoughts and the feelings.
sorry I lied.. although what I say is TRUE the truth is a want to practice my english because my english SUCKS who i have blame my self who did not do his assignment or my family that did not also give me time to tutor if not who?
Sorry, I wasn't able to understand your point.
it's unfortunate, but, that's how capitalism+culture works in our country.
Yeah, interesting. But "Pedro" does not have sick leaves, company perks, medical benefits, home loans, credit card eligibility, etc. Even if "Peter" is payed even just the minimum of P10k a month, he will always have a better quality of life than Pedro who has to drive around the polluted streets of the city everyday. Peter is actually lucky, fortunate, and most of all blessed.
On the migration issue, its everyone's decision to go. But that is what's leading to the decline of the country. All talents are working for the profit of another nation. And hence the vicious cycle of -kawawa naman ang Pilpinas-.
Nice post. Interesting subject. i thought all software developers are paid much higher.