For many Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, the decision to work abroad often meant putting personal academic ambitions on hold. Workers like Dyan Agonoy and Gelanie Aguilario represent a growing cohort of individuals who left university early to support their families through domestic employment. Agonoy, who left her children in the Philippines to work in Hong Kong, noted the emotional toll of missing family milestones, a common experience among those in the sector.

These workers are now leveraging distance learning and flexible education programs to complete the bachelor’s degrees they once left behind. The motivation for this pursuit is largely economic and professional; many domestic helpers find that without a formal degree, their career options remain limited both in Hong Kong and upon their eventual return to the Philippines. By pursuing education while working, these women aim to transition into different professional roles that offer better stability and higher wages.

While the SCMP report highlights the personal determination of these workers, it focuses primarily on the individual narratives of those who have successfully navigated the challenges of balancing labor and study. The report frames these efforts as a path toward self-actualization and long-term financial independence. However, the broader systemic issues—such as the high cost of education for overseas workers or the specific institutional barriers they face while employed as live-in help—remain largely unaddressed in the current coverage.