Every year, thousands of Filipinos leave the country to work overseas. The reasons for going abroad are obvious — a higher salary to support the family, more job opportunities, greener pastures, and the like. But have you ever thought about why one should NOT work abroad?
ALSO READ: How to Overcome Homesickness as an OFW
Going abroad is a huge step — perhaps one of the biggest that a person could ever make. But the thing is, not everyone is cut out to be an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). If you are considering going abroad, think again. Do you have what takes to live and work abroad?
Why Going Abroad May NOT be for You
When you go to another country, you are entering a different way of life — new places, new people, different language(s), local foods — a unique culture with its own beliefs and traditions.
While all these new experiences can be exciting at first, there will come a time when reality sets in…. The challenge of adjusting in the workplace, for example. Doing household chores on your own. The loneliness of being apart from your family. The nightly bouts of homesickness.
Before you decide to become an OFW, take time to ponder on the following reasons why going abroad may NOT be for you:
#1 – Don’t go abroad if you’re not sure why you want to go abroad.
Just like a choosing a career or spouse, going abroad is a major decision. If you’re not absolutely sure why you should pack your bags, hop on a plane, and spend a year (oftentimes longer) working in a different country, then think again.
#2 – Don’t go abroad if your mind (and heart) is not 100% certain.
In case there are still some lingering doubts in your mind, we simply have to stress this point: working abroad requires a hundred percent commitment, and nothing less.
#3 – Don’t go abroad if you are not willing to work hard.
Diligence, self-discipline, and hard work are essential to working abroad (or anywhere else, actually). So unless you are willing to put in the hours (note that some countries may have a more than 8-hour and 5-day working schedule), then you should reconsider.
#4 – Don’t go abroad if you are not “independent.”
In the Philippines, you’ve always had family and friends to depend on. Once you go abroad, however, you will have to do everything — cooking, household chores, paying bills, etc. — on your own. Are you ready?
#5 – Don’t go abroad if you are weak-minded.
Living and working abroad is not for the faint of heart. Apart from wholehearted commitment, you need courage, self-confidence, strength, and perseverance to be able to survive.
#6 – Don’t go abroad if you are afraid to go out of your comfort zone.
As mentioned earlier, you will be living in a different place — away from familiar people and things, away from your comfort zone. There will be lots of growing and adjusting to do!
#7 – Don’t go abroad if all you’re gonna do is complain.
From time to time, you will experience problems and challenges. That is a fact! When faced with a new job, a strict boss, or a “difficult” colleague, what would you do? Rather than whine and complain, you need to be proactive about your situation.
#8 – Don’t go abroad if you cannot swallow your pride.
You may have held a high position back in the Philippines, but when you go abroad — it’s a whole new ball game. You will need to start from the beginning and work your way up. You may have to perform tasks that you never thought you’d ever do when you were back home. Work is work, after all!
You will also need to get along with colleagues that come from different backgrounds. Cultures may clash, beliefs may go head-to-head. But the wisest thing to do is to swallow your pride. Be humble, and you’ll stay out of trouble!
#9 – Don’t go abroad if you cannot endure homesickness.
Can you imagine being away from your family for a long time? When it comes to living abroad, the struggle (homesickness) is real. Yes, you will be lonely sometimes, but eventually you should be able to get used to it (with a little help and the company of fellow kabayans, of course).
#10 – Don’t go abroad if you are not willing to make sacrifices.
The fact that you are leaving your home country is a huge sacrifice in itself. It involves missing special occasions (birthdays, graduations, Christmas, etc.). It requires self-discipline, spending wisely, and being satisfied with long-distance communication with your loved ones. Unless you are ready to make these sacrifices, then you may not be ready for living abroad.
ALSO READ: 5 Benefits of Homesickness
These are some of the things to consider before taking the plunge and working abroad. And if you do decide to become an OFW… whatever happens, don’t give up! Be strong, stay focused, and have faith. What’s more, check out these tips to becoming a successful OFW, wherever you may be!
On another note, here’s a story submitted by one of our readers talking about the hidden struggles that OFWs face.
Every OFW has a story to tell, and for many in Dubai, it’s a journey of challenges, resilience, and hope. Starting over in a new place is never easy, but it’s these shared struggles that bind us together as a community. This post dives into one such inspiring story, reminding us all of the strength it takes to chase dreams far from home.
Hi Admin, I hope you don’t mind me sharing my story here. I’ve been following this page for a while, and it’s become a safe haven for me to express myself and connect with fellow OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). Today, I felt the need to write because not all of us are living the celebrated success stories we often hear about.
I moved to Dubai three years ago with big dreams and a strong determination to uplift my family’s life. Like many others, I envisioned earning well, saving, and eventually building a future back home. But reality had its own plans, and my experience has been a mix of challenges, lessons, and small victories.
The job I landed as a sales assistant isn’t exactly what I imagined. The salary stretches thin to cover rent for a shared bedspace, daily expenses, and the remittances I send home to my family. Saving has been difficult, but I remind myself why I’m here and the purpose behind my sacrifices. The work itself has its ups and downs. Long shifts, demanding tasks, and meeting expectations aren’t easy, but they’ve made me stronger and more adaptable.
Living in a foreign country far from family brings its emotional challenges too. Weekends can feel a bit lonely, and while I have friends here, it’s not the same as being with loved ones. Sometimes, I scroll through social media and compare myself to others who seem to be thriving, but I’m learning to focus on my own progress rather than someone else’s highlight reel.
It’s even harder when family back home assumes life here is easy and glamorous. They don’t see the struggles, the tears, or the moments when I question why I’m here at all.
What keeps me going is the thought of my family’s future. They may not see the exhaustion or the quiet moments of doubt, but I know they appreciate what I do for them.
Despite everything, I hold on to hope. I celebrate small wins, like a productive day at work, a friendly conversation, or completing another month with my goals in mind. These little victories remind me that every step forward, no matter how small, brings me closer to what I’m working for.
To my fellow OFWs in Dubai, I want you to know you’re not alone. Many of us are navigating this challenging path together. And to those considering working abroad, I hope this story gives you a more realistic but hopeful perspective. Life here requires resilience and sacrifices, but it also teaches us to endure, to persevere, and to hold on to the promise of brighter days ahead.
Thank you for letting me share, Admin. Writing this has lightened my heart a little. To anyone reading who resonates with my story, may we continue finding strength and inspiration in each other.
Sincerely,
An OFW in Dubai
https://www.facebook.com/thedubaiOFW/posts/pfbid02H5Zvp7GU7RAurBdeM3QFnndyXH8JTgm53vp2LsunhZdWnFehLsZh58jygsugzEwol
These are real scenarios that one can face and it’s good to learn about them for awareness sake. After all, despite the glitz and glamor of Dubai, it’s NOT all glitz and glamor. Like many, we all start somewhere.