To leave your family for a job outside the country is not an overnight decision. This is a leap of faith that will surely create an impact on you and your loved one’s life, hence we encourages aspiring OFWs to research tediously before making that decision.
Don’t take it for granted because your decision working abroad will bring a 360 turn from your usual life especially when you are in your comfort zone.
To make it easier for you, we have listed the points you need to consider when looking for an overseas job.
Country of Destination
Consider the primary information about the country you are eyeing to work in such as the following:
- Geographic location and climate
- Tradition, customs and local culture
- Ideologies and existing political structure
- Diplomatic and trade relations with the Philippines and the rest of the global community
- Security situation
- State of development
- Track record as host to migrants
- Laws on immigration, labor, and justice
The Job
Probe how OFWs with the same specialization develop and earn abroad. Remember to ask for details about the following:
- Your job description, nature of your work, and the output that you need to deliver
- How is the physical mobility within the company’s facilities?
- Technical skills required. Are there any multi-skilling and soft skill requirements?
- Are there inherent risks to safety, health and/or life?
Terms and Conditions of Employment
With the help of the internet and friends, research about the following:
- Wage and non-wage benefits, medical and/or dental benefits, social security, vacation and sick leave credits
- Standard work hours, days of work and overtime pay provisions
The Employer
Before hitting the “submit application” button, it is important to know some facts about the company or employer you will be working for.
- Is the employer a juridical or a natural person?
- In which industry does it belong? What are the services, products?
- Is it a multi-national or national company?
- Will you be working at the home office, headquarters, branch, subsidiary, or sister company?
- Will you be working for the owner? Concessionaire? Lessee? Manager? Contractor? Sub-contractor?
- Will you be working for a specific project?
- Who will you be reporting to directly? What is his rank? Nationality?
- What is the corporate culture like? What is the prevailing work ethic? Management style?
- Is the employer legally registered and accredited by the POEA? Is it in the POEA watch list/blacklist? Does it have any derogatory record in the POEA or in the country of operations?
The Workplace
To avoid further jolts, manage your expectations by asking about the kind of workplace you will be working at for the next two years (or more).
- Consider where the workplace is located. Will you be working at an office, hospital, factory floor, passenger ship, fishing vessel? Or a dockyard, construction site, project camp, military installation, government facility, farm or a warehouse?
- Do not hesitate to ask about the location of a workplace. Is it accessible from where you will be residing and other basic service facilities?
- What is the state of technology in your soon-to-be workplace? Will you be working with automated machines? Will you be working with a multi-cultural work force?
- Are there any hazards to occupational safety and health present in the workplace?
Obtaining a broader understanding about the overseas employment will increase your chance of getting a better and safer career abroad. Hopefully, you landed on your preferred location and job.
Source: WorkAbroad
