By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
The talk of the town up to now is the impending closure of Midland Courier. Like most people, it hit me in the gut. Then the more important question. When our time comes to close down, what will I do for a living?
But long before that unfortunate news came out, I had been writing about our just having one and one-half years lead time to reinvent ourselves if we are to ride the dizzying changes due to technological advances. About two years ago, I already initiated a change in this paper in anticipation. It would have been the warming up for a quantum leap of changes. Then I suffered a kidney and heart failure Everything was put on hold That was exactly 1.5 years ago.
Considering I was, and still is, a masamang damo, I survived. The pieces now have to be picked up, including those of my law practice.
Now the question is back. In case we fail to effectively ride the tide of change, what will I do for a living?
I could go back to commercial printing but the demand for such service is almost at rock bottom. Not much future there. Unless I would like to venture into packaging. But it does not appeal to me. It will just be about making money. And it is not an easy industry. Every job would be custom made with peculiar specifications. You cannot standardize things and just relax once the process is perfected.
Then there are numerous food products to produce and market. During my student days, we had been into peanut butter production. Also granola production Granola is a ready to eat item made of nuts and cereals. Long ago in the mid 70s (everything is actually “long ago” for me) we also marketed bottled soya milk.
But as far as food items are concerned, I don’t have enough Cancer (the astrological sign) energy to love them with all my heart. I love food but to be dealing with it as a business? I certainly don’t have the enthusiasm for it as a culinary artist might have.
What could be nearer to my heart would be running a bookstore. I once ran a small book shop on a second floor along Session Road and at General Luna Rd. It led me into putting up and running a small printing press down in Quezon City while going to law school full time. That was a tough time for me. Yet grateful was I for it in turn led me into publishing this paper.
But I think the bookstore business was also decimated by the internet. Who will by books? Not so, many. Kids can just download anything. Piracy or not, it is the reality.
Surprisingly, I found out the other day, there are still bookstores operating at SM City Baguio. Am referring to National, Fully Booked and, was I happy when I saw Booksale was still open. The last one is godsent for people like me who are always on a very tight budget.
How about teaching? I can also teach but am not wired for that to be able to enjoy it.
But back to the question, what will I do?
Oh, I almost forgot I am also a lawyer. Another good choice, or perhaps the best one. There might not be a better racket than being a lawyer. So, I can just continue being a lawyer.
The moral is, for younger people to learn as much as they can and be able to apply such in practical life, like to earn a living. With a number of choices, you can opt for the one closest to your heart.
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