You must have been reading a lot of articles and posts on social media encouraging OFWs to come home for good. Most of these come from Philippine-based finance coaches who must have seen the struggles and sacrifices of Filipinos working abroad.
I know, I even wrote an article about being ready to come home for good. It’s understandable that many of these finance coaches back home want OFWs to quit their jobs abroad and maybe become entrepreneurs back home. Besides, it’s all about the economy.
But not everyone has the knack and luck to become entrepreneurs back in the Philippines in a snap of a finger. It takes a lot of learning, experiments, trials, mistakes, errors, and minor successes before you finally hit the nail. And we’re not yet even talking about how to sustain a business for the long term.
But if you are wondering whether working abroad might be the right move for you NOW, you may reflect on so many other things to consider aside from earning a living away from home.
Here are 7 worthy reasons why you should continue working and living abroad.
1. You are learning new skills
Regardless of the country you are working in, the experience will undoubtedly lead you to learn new skills.
Aside from the new skills you will learn from your new job abroad, you will also learn new soft skills such communication skills and networking. Working in an international environment will definitely help to improve your communication skills.
2. Professional and personal development
Living or working in a new country will definitely push you out of your comfort zone. Nothing helps you grow as a person like interrupting your safe and comfortable routine.
Whether you’re a domestic helper, a construction worker, a nurse, or an office clerk, you’ll surely gain new perspectives and learn things about yourself and your home country that you never knew before. This new outlook will help you develop personally in the same way that you are growing professionally.
3. You master a second language.
It’s understandable that you may not speak the language of the country you are moving in. But you can consider this a reward as it gives you the unique opportunity to learn a language abroad and practice your new skills with locals. For free.
Speaking a new foreign language will not only help you better integrate into your new role, but this will also help you stand out from the rest should you decide to come home for good or visit another country in the future.
4. You get to further diversify and expand your network
My experience from working in Saudi Arabia gave me the chance to expand my personal and professional network. While it’s true that you can actually network with people from different parts of the world through social media, such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram, it’s a completely different experience to meeting different peoples in real life.
Through my five years of working abroad, I was able to collaborate with locals and even expats from other countries. Until today, I still get to do some online projects with my former workmates and has even given us new business opportunities. The experience has also solidified my friendship with them despite the distance today.
You can slowly establish good working relationships and friendships with your expat workmates and bosses why you still have the chance. This global circle of people who have your back can help you get the leg up in future job hunts or business ventures.
5. You continue boosting your resumé
Having an international job experience on your resume or CV could boost your future employability. Some international companies back in the Philippines are increasingly requiring that some positions have international experience.
Your experience of working abroad will prove to these future employers that you are flexible and independent, and can help your resumé stand out from the rest. Again, additional skills you gain while working abroad such as language skills, will further boost your CV or resumé.
6. Your work abroad could be your dream career
Many Filipinos choose to work abroad not only because of necessity, but also to have higher pays, try out different jobs, and get new opportunities.
It’s not impossible that by working or living abroad you will find new interests and passions that can lead you on a path to a new career that you wouldn’t have realized and discovered in the past.
Why go home soon if this is your dream job or business venture? Many Filipinos in the Americas, Europe, and Asia have become successful executives and entrepreneurs in the respective countries that they have adopted.
7. You are earning good money!
Again, why give up a job abroad that’s giving you a pay that is way better in miles than the jobs back home? Plus the many benefits you could be getting in the next few months such as insurance, free education, free housing, business loans, and other allowances.
Depending on the country you are in and the type of job you accepted, it’s very possible to earn a decent living abroad. It’s a chance for you to save money and use this savings to invest in good businesses back home to help you achieve your personal financial goals.
That’s why working and living abroad may not be bad after all. In fact, it can be a great way for you to widen your perspective about global cultures and seek countless opportunities to grow. Aside from building your career you also get to enjoy an adventure that most people back home may never get to experience in their lifetime.
Not All Overseas Jobs Are Created Equal
We have heard many success stories of Filipinos working or living abroad. But there are also many OFWs who were not as fortunate.
Many have been employed by physically-abusive employers. A lot are underpaid. And some have lost their lives for crimes they may or may have not committed at all. And the list of OFWs losing their contracts and sent home for good because of unrest, war, or financial depression is getting longer.
If you are in any of these situations, then there are no other valid reasons for you not to go home. There will be better opportunities. Your family and loved ones are your main reasons for working abroad. Don’t waste effort and time in jobs that are not meant for you.
The next time you start applying for jobs abroad and before you sign that contract, sit down with trustworthy people and do the necessary research first. If your life will be at stake, no “good money” is worth taking the risk.
Pray over your dream job and you will find the right answers.
Rock your way to abundance!
#moneyliferocknroll
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