OFW blues: Life is tough, but it's even tougher abroad

Posted by

Belarmino Dabalos Saguing

Rome, Italy 4 April 2018

Living and working abroad is no walk in the park. OFWs endure problems regarding money, marital conflict, parenting concerns, abuse and other problems regarding employment. It is no wonder some of them give up and go home. It can be tough, but the determination to provide for their families serves as their motivation. 

Being away from your family can be tough. The long time away from your loved ones is equal to homesickness. The special occasions that you want to share with them will have to be done through video calls or chat. OFWs face these challenges for years but maintain their determination to earn precious money abroad so they can help their families in the Philippines.

Almosdt every OFW face the same problems

Money Matters

Who doesn’t have financial concerns? When it comes to financial matters, OFWs are subjected to different types of problems involving money. Financial matters, in fact, has driven OFWs to go abroad to find alternative solution to these problems.

Paying off debts

Going abroad is an investment. Before getting the plane ticket, OFWs are faced with debts. They have to spend money for requirements, buy the things they need before going abroad, and even pay their placement fee. By the time they leave and have their first salary, every cent is already accounted for.

2. Basic needs that are too costly

Budget is tight. What most of us easily forget is that OFWs have basic needs to meet like paying for food, board and lodging and even personal things. The salary they earn will have to be divided between their needs and the needs of their families. Contrary to popular belief, being an OFW does not always mean that they are instant millionaires. They also have to be frugal.

3. Not enough or no savings in the bank

OFWs first priority is their house. After paying off debts, their tendency is to buy a house or build one. The bank account takes a backseat. After the house, they think of furniture, appliances, and even gadgets.

4. Unpaid loans from others

Most Filipinos think that OFWs are well-off. It is not an unusual sight to see neighbors borrowing from OFWs or from their family members. Unfortunately, when it comes to paying these debts, not all who borrowed can pay. Some will even go as far as using their passport as a collateral.

Personal Matters

Personal problems namely marital issues and family problems were the most common dilemma faced by OFWs.

Marital conflict is a significant problem.

OFWs who consulted reported of husband and wife conflict, communication problems, power struggle, and infidelity. A story was shared by an OFW from Saudi Arabia who went home and found his wife pregnant. He discovered that the father was their former tenant. This is a vivid example of how working abroad affects the family dynamics.

Long Distant Parenting

OFWs are not always present during important events. They experience guilt because they are not present in important and significant occasions.

7. Working Conditions Abroad

OFWs experience adjustment problems on sharing flat. These include discrimination, OFW problems with co-workers, abuse, and homesickness. Living in another country brings about these changes that any OFW will have to live with.

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