I already have two titles I can be proud of. I passed two licensure exams, so I’m both a registered medical technologist and a physician.
On paper, that looks great, right? Two professional licenses. What could possibly go wrong?

In my aunties’ and uncles’ eyes, I’m basically swimming in cash. No debts, no worries, future secured. They imagine I can go wherever I want, buy whatever I want, own cars like Hot Wheels, and acquire properties as easily as buying candies and pancakes.

Well… maybe we can’t really blame them. In the boomer era, things did seem simpler. Put up a small clinic, sit by your desk, tap someone’s chest with a stethoscope, and collect ₱300. By their math, 10 patients a day = ₱3,000. Multiply that for a month = ₱90,000. Wow. Wow talaga—in my dreams! Imagine earning easy money by just tapping 10 human chests with a stethoscope. 😂

But that’s only what people see.

The Reality of Being a Doctor

Being a doctor in the Philippines is hard—especially if you’re “just” a general practitioner. My wife is also a GP, so when we got married, we became DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids). Together, we juggled hospital duties and clinic schedules just to earn a decent living.

In the beginning, we were naïve but practical. Our agreement: every big purchase, we split 50:50. Buy a ₱10,000 washing machine? We each shell out ₱5,000. Honestly, I liked it—it’s like getting a 50% discount on everything at home. 😂

We also kept some financial boundaries: separate accounts for personal wants, a joint account for savings and emergencies. I don’t know how much she has in hers, and she doesn’t know mine. That little privacy gives us freedom to occasionally splurge without guilt.

On paper, it sounds comfortable. But the truth? We still have debts—our car, our house, the usual bills. We survive through clockwork shifts and, honestly, by the grace of the Lord. Whenever money runs low, something always comes up, and we make it through. For that, I’m always thankful.

As DINKs, it worked. We were somewhat comfortable.

The Turning Point

Then came the news: my wife is pregnant.
Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of life! We are overjoyed with this milestone.

But after the initial excitement came the afterthought—the one I think every future parent has:
“Can I really sustain this kid?”

Here’s the truth: I’m scared.

• Financially – Will we have enough? What if the debts pile higher than my confidence?
• Emotionally – Will I be a good dad, the kind my child will look up to?
• Time & energy – After 24-hour duties, will I still have the strength to be present for my kid?
• Comparison – Can I give my child the same, or even better, than what my parents gave me?

I see now how my parents struggled silently behind the scenes, making sure I had food, tuition, and the freedom to just focus on being a student. And now it’s my turn. That realization both humbles me and terrifies me.

Yes, I’m scared. But I know I will find a way. Because while the fear is real, the love is stronger.

Parenthood is coming fast, and while I do not have all the answers, the real test begins the moment I first hold my child.

If you’re a parent, what was your first fear?
If you’re expecting, what keeps you up at night?
Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear your story.