Overseas Filipino Workers- How Do They Do It?
I was dreaming to work out of the country. Ever, Since when I was in high school. Working in a country where there are 4 types of seasons, wherein you can enjoy the winter, spring and so on.
That is my mindset before then until I graduated from college, find a suitable job in my country.
When salary comes, I always give money to my auntie, pay for the accommodation, electricity and other miscellaneous kinds of stuff.
For 4 years that I've been working in my country. I didn't see any progress in myself. Career wise?
to put in a perspective. It's like a snail: very slowly yet late for something that is not worth to have for.
I have plans. Career-wise and for my future endeavors.
Then one thing happened.
My Uncle asks me if I am interested to work in the Middle East.
Of course. I want! but how? I don't have any resources at the moment. And I am financially unstable.
By all God Grace. I was able to work in the United Arab Emirates. My Uncle's Daughter aids me financially.
To make it short. I am working now in The UAE - I work in a retail company.
I was so overwhelmed, the first time I step to this country.
- From underpass to the stoplights- everything is being monitored by CCTV.
- They call the comfort room as "washroom"
- Your grammar shouldn't be perfect as long as the thought counts (or you can make body language so that you and the person can understand each other)
- Luxury cars such as Lamborghini, Ferrari and Mustang is just so normal here
- You will get easily intimidated by the locals here (If you are a first timer).
- Every washroom regardless if its public or private. The tissue is well refilled.
- Instead of the elevator, they called it to lift (because of the British language that they follow)
- You can boil an egg under the scorching sun particularly during summer
As a social media enthusiast, I'm always updating my statuses on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Why not? taking pictures of the scenic places that I'm visiting thru out the Emirates.
I was fascinated by there futuristic designs of the buildings. I fell in love with it.
I was so blessed that my relatives are here. So in case of any uncertain circumstances, I have someone to call for help. But how about the others? Those people who are looking for a job in this country without any relatives or connections? It is hard.
The first time I got separated from my cousin. It's hard for me to adjust to another environment. Culture shock indeed.
I'm not getting used to it. But I consider this as a challenge to myself.
It's my first time to stay in a flat wherein a lot of my kabayans and some other nationalities living in a single flat. Paying 650 Dirhams for a bed-space double decker in a room full of 8 people. I was like, "for real"?
"How can I survive?"
But guess? I did it! I survive from these circumstances. With the guidance of God and prayers.
My Aunt was asking if how am I doing. Of course, I will tell her that I am fine. Because I don't want to bother her. But in reality, Its the other way around
Imagine that? People in my country think that OFW is enjoying their life here. Going to these places, buying branded clothes, expensive pieces of jewelry and etcetera. For me, in my personal opinion. I think for some time, despite hard labor and earnings, you should treat yourself for somehow. Think it as a reward.
The fact that they don't know how its hard to work for a living in this country.
I'm not saying that all people will judge this person but somehow people will think of it. Make sense.
I cannot say all of Filipinos are having this situation in this country but of course, the majority of them happens like that. I personally experienced it.
For the first 3 months of working, I can say that I'm a little bit lazy to do these basic things that I never get used to it before. I need to get up early in the morning, cook my own food and packed lunch go to work and by the evening cook food for dinner.
People think that we are eating so fancy foods here.
Reality check: I prefer to eat sardines with malungay for lunch with rice.
Or will eat kubos (Arabic Bread) or Roti (Flat Bread from India) because it is much cheaper (around 1 Dirham ) and you will get full easily. It is very economical.
Time flies so fast and so does the salary.
In the Philippines, Normally people will receive their salary during 15th and 30th or 31st of the month.
But in UAE, It is different. Salary will be distributed after the end of the month or some companies will give it on the 28th.
So when salary comes, So does the expenses will arise.
But for me, I have my own technique.
It should be Savings-Expenses-Miscellaneous= Allowance.
It's effective! So every time my salary comes I deposit it in my bank immediately, pay the home rent and send money to my country. Sometimes if I have enough money apart from my allowance for the whole month, then I can eat at some restaurants that I never tried before or buy cheap kinds of stuff. Treating my self once in a while.
Work > Salary > Save > Send Money > Pay Miscellaneous Things > Allowance *Repeat 26 times in a month. (4 Days off *in retail)
Working Hours?
I'm getting used to it. I work for more than 8 hours if necessary and if manpower needed.
The only benefit from it is that for me, I can travel to these places that I've never been.
But how about the others?
The longest time that I render was 17 hours on a single night shift. Imagine traveling at night from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and do the night work and going home seeing the sunrise. (Instagramable..lol)
Here it's normal and I get used to it. I can't complain. It's paid overtime. hehe.
Benefits?
Most of the companies here are required to provide a necessary benefit for the employees.
As for my Company, They are providing these benefits:
- Every 2wo Years: Yearly Plane Ticket
- Annual Salary Equivalent to One Month
- Free Medical Insurance
- Paid Annual Leave
- Paid Sick Leave
So, therefore?
If you are confident and willing to accept challenges. Then try to work abroad.
Why not? For the sake of helping your Family? Getting a better career ? for greener pasture?
Go for it!
But if you are financially stable and have a good life. Then I think it is not necessary.
But as what I said, it depends on the people whether they like it or not. Make sense right?
As for me, I enjoy working in this country. Getting the benefits that I couldn't get before and at the same time-saving money for my future endeavors.
That's it for now. Hope you enjoy reading my article.
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Have a good one! :)
-ceddy
