2 days ago
10 Reasons Working Abroad Might Not Suit Everyone
10 Reasons Why Working Abroad May Not Be for Everyone
Every year, thousands of Filipinos leave their home country to work overseas. The reasons for this decision often include higher salaries, better job opportunities, and the hope of securing a better future. While these are valid motivations, not everyone is suited for the realities of being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Before you take the plunge, it's essential to evaluate whether living and working abroad aligns with your capabilities and outlook on life.
What Working Abroad Really Entails
Relocating to another country involves immersing yourself in a different way of life. From adjusting to a new culture and language to grappling with unfamiliar foods and traditions, the experience can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. However, as the novelty wears off, the challenges of adapting to a new environment and workplace begin to surface. For many, these struggles include the daily grind, feelings of isolation, and the pangs of homesickness.
Here are ten important reasons to consider why working abroad may not be the best choice for everyone:
#1: Lack of Clear Motivation
Just as you carefully deliberate when choosing a career or life partner, working abroad is a significant life decision that requires absolute clarity. If you're unsure of your reasons for wanting to live and work overseas, take the time to assess your goals. Without a strong sense of purpose, you may find yourself regretting the decision later.
#2: Doubts About Commitment
Heading overseas is not a decision you can make lightly. Success as an OFW requires unwavering commitment. If you are still harboring doubts or uncertainties, pause and reflect. The challenges you will face demand not just physical effort but also emotional readiness and determination.
#3: Unwillingness to Work Hard
Regardless of the country you choose, long hours and demanding work are often unavoidable. Many places have work schedules that exceed the usual 8-hour day or 5-day workweek. If you're not prepared to put in the effort, you may find it hard to sustain yourself abroad. Diligence, self-discipline, and resilience are non-negotiable traits for any aspiring OFW.
#4: Dependence on Others
Living abroad means managing everything by yourself, from cooking and cleaning to paying bills and solving day-to-day problems. Without the safety net of family and friends to rely on, you must embrace independence. If you are unable to handle living alone or taking full responsibility for your life, working abroad might not be suitable for you.
#5: Lack of Mental Toughness
Resilience is key to surviving and thriving abroad. Being far from your comfort zone, you're bound to encounter moments of self-doubt, loneliness, and hardship. A strong mindset, self-confidence, and inner strength are essential traits you must possess to weather the storms of living and working in a foreign land.
#6: Resistance to Change
Life abroad requires stepping out of your comfort zone every single day. From cultural adjustments to building new routines, everything will feel unfamiliar at first. If you find it difficult to adapt or resist change, you may struggle to succeed in a foreign environment.
#7: Propensity to Complain
Challenges are inevitable when working abroad, whether it's dealing with tough bosses, adapting to a new workplace culture, or handling conflicts with colleagues. Consistently complaining rather than finding proactive solutions will only make your experiences more difficult. An attitude of openness and problem-solving is crucial.
#8: Struggling to Let Go of Pride
Leaving home often means starting over, even if you held a prestigious position back in the Philippines. In many cases, OFWs work entry-level jobs or roles they wouldn't typically take at home. Humility, adaptability, and a willingness to build your path from scratch are essential to coexist with others and maintain workplace harmony.
#9: Difficulty Coping with Homesickness
Being away from your family for an extended period can be one of the hardest aspects of working abroad. Homesickness is an inevitable part of the experience, especially when you miss holidays, milestones, and everyday moments with loved ones. If you cannot find ways to cope with these feelings, the emotional toll can weigh heavily on you.
#10: Reluctance to Make Sacrifices
Working abroad involves countless sacrifices, starting with missing special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. It requires disciplined spending, accepting long-distance communication as the main connection with family, and prioritizing work over personal comforts. Unless you are truly ready for these compromises, you may find life overseas exceedingly difficult.
Stories of Resilience Among OFWs
Every OFW has their own story, filled with hurdles and triumphs. For instance, a Filipino in Dubai shared how their journey abroad has been nothing short of a roller coaster. They began with ambitious dreams of financial stability and a better life for their family, but the reality of long hours, modest earnings, and emotional struggles challenged those expectations.
This OFW narrates how they work long shifts as a sales assistant, striving to send remittances home while juggling personal bills and trying to save for the future. Loneliness and the pressure of being so far from loved ones take a toll, but small victories — a kind word, a productive day, or progress toward their goals — keep them going.
The struggles are real, but so is the hope and determination that many OFWs carry. For those considering this path, it's vital to understand the sacrifices involved while appreciating the growth, resilience, and lessons that come with the experience.
Final Thoughts to Ponder
