By Marjaleen Ramos The Philippines ranked fifth globally in terms of career optimism, according to LinkedIn's 2020 Opportunity Index. The Makati skyline at night. (Wikimedia Commons | Manila Bulletin File Photo) "In developing economies like those of India and Indonesia, respondents are more optimistic than those in the mature economies of Japan and Australia," LinkedIn said in its report. The platform said it ranked each country in terms of outlook on the economy over next 12 months, on personal financial situation, availability of opportunities, and confidence in achieving success, and quality of life. Aside from the Philippines, also in the top five most optimistic countries are India, Indonesia, China, and the United Arab Emirates. The research surveyed over 30,000 respondents in 22 markets globally. LinkedIn also said the study was based on how confident the platform's users were about gaining access to and pursuing opportunities in their country. The data collection was conducted between September and October 2019. “Filipinos’ positive outlook on life and the economy is an affirmation of how resilient we are as a people. It is in our culture to consciously choose optimism to surpass adversities,” said Ireneo Jr. Demecais, Asean Youth Community Country Director and YGOAL President. “One concrete example is how we view effects of disasters - we see it as a “period of resilience” and less of a social accountability. The same mindset is manifested in our views on looking for a job, on ensuring our financial stability, and even on our quality of education,” she added. LinkedIn said the index seeks “to understand how people perceive opportunity and, more importantly, the gaps or barriers they believe are keeping them from reaching these opportunities.”