A better pay rate, a better future for loved ones, diverse professional growth and experience, these are just some of the reasons why Filipinos opt to work in a far and unfamiliar land. They trade their comfort zones and the safe haven of their families and homes for a better chance at life. Who wouldn’t want to live a comfortable state safe from financial burdens?
With the rate of unemployment in the Philippines on an all-time high, Filipinos are left with no other choice than to try their luck abroad. But the price of being considered as a modern-day hero for helping raise the Philippine economy is much too high. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, a brother or a sister will be out there on their own to earn for a better future.
These brave souls will face not only homesickness but a long list of struggles that will challenge them to their limits. Some overseas Filipino workers (OFW’s) find it hard to adjust to the new culture they are exposed to. There is also a huge chance of discrimination, racism, and marginalization, not to mention the need to master a language far different from the one they grew up with.
Reports of emotional and physical abuse of OFWs are not uncommon. Stories of family problems which arose after huge amounts of money were involved, infidelities of couples obliged into a long-distance relationships, sons and daughters diving into a grave regression of behavioral problems and rebellion are some of the heartbreaking facts associated to families with an OFW member.
The grass may be greener on the other side of the globe. But returning home to a family with whom you’ve been separated from for far too long is one of the hardest pill an OFW needs to swallow. Coming home after years of being away only to be asked by the child whom you left the country for, “who are you?”
If you want to share your OFW stories to inspire our kababayan, send it to our email contact@juaninoman.com
