When Republic Act 8042 was enacted in 1995, the term “overseas Filipino worker” (OFW) came into existence. It refers to Filipino migrant workers, or Filipinos who reside in another country for a limited period of employment.
Known as “modern-day heroes,” they are all over the world. While traveling abroad, I have the opportunity of meeting them at the airports, in hotels, malls, and restaurants. There are those who are engaged in the entertainment industry, particularly those in Japan.
I have encountered some of these OFWs. Some of them have some good stories to tell. But there are those who have bad tales to share, too.
So, what’s it really like working in another country? In my social media account, I posted a question on what some of the good and bad things are working in another country. Several people responded.
A friend, who worked in the Middle East, replied: “Working far away from my home, earning less than what my family is expecting and missing special occasions. Most of us will be remembered only if our family from the Philippines needs something from us. In most instances, we are the one who asked if they have received the remittance we sent even if just making a message through the internet these days is free.”
A photographer who once worked in the Middle East but is now back in Davao said that it depends on one’s status as an OFW: single, breadwinner or married with children.
In general, among the good things he cited were the following: 1) you get to be independent whether you like it or not; 2) you become a better person by dealing with other people, culture and even foods; 3) you will have better opportunities, especially if you are a professional; 4) easier to travel to another country; 5) can save more; and 6) become more responsible (this includes sending money to your family in the Philippines that helps them).
He didn’t enumerate the bad things though. “Again, it all depends,” he said. “For example, your boss may not be as good as what you expected him to be or in some instances your salary is delayed. Another is getting sick, and you are alone. There are times when your family messages you, especially if you are about to receive your salary. Even during Christmas time, you don’t feel it because you still have to work.
“You know, bad things really happen in another country. My advice to those who are planning to work abroad: think twice; it’s really a gamble if you go abroad,” he pointed out.
Rhodora (not real name), who now lives in California and used to work as OFW in Singapore, believes that working abroad is better if you are single. “Singles who work abroad are better than married with children,” she explained.
“Homelessness, overworked, emotionally stressed, financially drained due to obligations,” Rhodora further said. “It has more harm than benefits. The only thing I found positive was to learn a lot about other cultures, languages, taste different cuisines and be able to travel and also, learn a lot of patience in life. Life is indeed a learning process!
“If you are married and with children, I would really discourage you from working abroad,” she continued. “Time lost isn’t worth it when it comes to children and family. Sooner, you’ll have a broken family. I seldom knew married couples who stayed together after all those years of loss and being apart and the worst part is you’re not there to nurture your children, to give hugs and kisses, to celebrate special occasions, to guide, discipline and teach them every day.
Rhodora ended her story with these words: “All the material things are just temporary, but your love, affections and presence is really what makes life go ‘round. Life is short and time and attention is the most valuable we can give to our loved ones.”
Jessica (not her real name either), who left the country as a single mother to support his son, answered: “But sometimes you have no choice. The most difficult thing in my life was to board that plane to the unknown world of Kuwait, seeing my infant son crying in the arms of my mother. No, I didn’t get to hear his first words; no, I didn’t get to see his first steps; no, I didn’t get to walk him to his first day of school. But he was always fed, he was always clothed, he always had medicine when he was sick, he always had books at school, and he always knew that I loved him.”
To which Rhodora answered: “That’s the reason why I have to discourage any mother who wants to work abroad, it’s a tough choice to make but if you can find ways to earn a living while being with your children, it’s the best way to live a family life. I’m sorry to hear your situation: yours was quite tough; you’ve missed a lot of bonding with your baby. It’s not too late, you can do something about it. Life is too short not to be able to be with your loved ones while they’re growing up.”
In another message, Jessica shared her positive story: “Being an OFW has allowed me to lift my family out of poverty, build solid homes for all of my brothers to raise my nieces and nephews in, rather than the bahay kubo that I grew up in, I have sent (or still sending) seven to college or university to become nurses, engineers, graphic designers, and teachers.
“They all have electricity and running water in their homes (a novelty in that part of our barangay), and most of the newest generation are tall and strong since they have had proper nutrition since they were young, mostly on what I earned overseas. Yes, there are many negatives, but there are also some positives.”
Another positive thing about being an OFW. “(It) is an investment for the future,” says Joe, who now works in the United States but was working before in the Middle East. “In all aspects, it opens many doors for learning opportunities. The bad thing is that the OFW gets homesick. It creates many problems when the family back home is not supportive. Another problem is if the employer is abusive or if the working environment is worse resulting in the OFW having a messy, troubled life.”
