Many Filipinos have decided to work overseas. There is nothing wrong with wanting to work in another country. However, leaving the country means parting ways with loved ones and settling for SMS, instant messaging, or long-distance calls as the main forms of communication. It also entails sacrificing the opportunity to raise children and watch them mature. A lot of other things are given up in return for living overseas and being OFW, like watching favorite TV shows and attending family gatherings on the weekends. Here are the top five reasons why Filipinos choose to become OFW:
Higher salary and better benefits
Employers in the Philippines typically offer poor salaries to employees, which is the primary factor in why Filipinos choose to become OFWs. Even professions like nursing, engineering, and teaching are underpaid in some regions. Also, the age restriction and discrimination depending on where you attended school. It makes sense that many people would choose to leave their professional occupations in the Philippines and work as domestic servants or office clerks overseas, where they would typically be paid twice or three times as much. Along with the numerous perks provided by the POEA/OWWA and other agencies of the Philippine government, OFWs are also eligible for numerous benefits from their employers.
Escape from family problems
The second reason why Filipinos choose to work overseas is to get away from problems at home, such as multiple loans that needed to be paid back right away, irresponsible spouses who neglected household responsibilities, a lack of funds for their children’s or siblings’ education, a need to reclaim their land from the bank, and many other issues. The majority of Filipinos believe that this is the best way to avoid and resolve their issues, which is somewhat accurate given that working as an OFW overseas will provide you with the income to do so.
Faster income and savings
The third reason why Filipinos choose to become OFW is that other countries offer faster and higher salaries as well as countless allowances that can help OFWs save money so that, after working overseas for a while, they can return home and start their own business, purchase a home or a car, or take other similar action to keep a stable standard of living in the Philippines.
Explore new opportunities
Filipinos’ desire to explore new opportunities is the fourth reason they decide to become OFWs. There are more job openings overseas than in the Philippines, which indicates that if you travel outside of the country, you will probably discover more possibilities and vacancies. In the Philippines, there are few occupations with numerous requirements and qualifications. Many other countries also permit OFWs to live permanently there.
No strict qualifications for some jobs
The last but certainly not least reason why Filipinos choose to become OFWs is that other countries don’t have strict qualifications for some jobs, unlike the Philippines where you need to have working experience of less than a year, have extensive training, and many more even if you just graduated. Depending on the employment, other countries may sometimes require proof of your degree as well as a certificate for the position you intend to apply for.
Conclusion
The most common reason why Filipinos decide to leave the country and work overseas is that they need the funds to provide for both their families back home and themselves overseas.
Indeed, there are several benefits as OFW. But always keep in mind that working overseas carries some risk. It won’t always be calm and peaceful because they have different cultural norms. Manage your expectations and be aware of the risks involved with working overseas.
