Beginning of the End: Life After Working Abroad

Our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are our modern-day heroes. They are indeed heroes, not just only because of their contribution to the economic growth of the country but most importantly because of their sacrifices to provide their family with a comfortable and better life despite being in another part of the world.

According to the most recent Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, the number of OFWs working abroad is estimated to be 2.3 million. Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs), or those with an existing work contract, made up 97% of all OFWs. The remaining 3% worked abroad without a contract. It's a sizable number—roughly 2.2% of our total population—but most of them are motivated by the same factors: a lack of local employment opportunities, a desire for a better future, and most importantly, a higher income.

Could you imagine living in a world without oxygen? that might be the state of battling homesickness that our OFWs are continuously experiencing as of today. Some of them are even experiencing violence, horrifying stories, and threats to their lives. Undeniably, they sacrifice everything just to sustain the needs of their loved ones back home—hustle here, work there—their undying cycle to attain their countless dreams.

But I know that their sacrifices will be worth it. Those sleepless nights, crying times, and hard situations that they all have surpassed will be worth it, especially if they witness that they have transformed the lives of their loved ones and achieved their dreams little by little.

Ideally, when the time is right and you have saved enough, you’ll surely know that you are successful in achieving that "comfortable and better life" once you decide to come back home; once you decide to stay in the Philippines with your loved ones.

Coming home and catching up with your loved ones is really a great treat after hard work. But what will happen next? What will your next step be? If you’re having a hard time thinking about what to do after working as an OFW, then take note of my tips on things you can do after working abroad. Also, these insights are from the former OFWs that we have interviewed so it’s crucially a proven and tested tips for you:

1. Travel and Explore with your Family

Finally, after all the hardships of working abroad, you can now enjoy your success. The best way to start it is indeed to travel! When we travel, we feel more alive and accomplished. Along the journey, we might experience new sights and activities, pick up new words and traditions, try new foods, and/or run into interesting people.

Of course, exploring our very own majestic and alluring Philippines is a great way to do first before venturing on other places abroad. Make sure to bring your loved ones as well so you can recover your intricate connection with them. From breathtaking beaches to nurturing mountains and forests—I’m sure you and your loved ones will have a great joyful and bonding moment.

2. Build your Dream House

The ultimate goal of many OFWs is to give themselves and their families a better life. This includes establishing their dream home and enjoying material comforts that they may not have been able to obtain previously.

After many years of working abroad, one of the things that most OFWs focus on is building their very own dream house. It's a place where their family can live comfortably, and where they will eventually retire when they return home "for good."

Love, hope, and dreams start at home. Indeed, It is a feeling of contentment, pride, and accomplishment.

3. Reconnect with your Friends

It’s essential for us to keep and maintain our relationships not just only with our family but with our close friends too. So, after going back to the Philippines, make sure to contact your friends as soon as possible so you can catch up with them right away.

Your close friends are one of your biggest supporters in every dream you have achieved, that is why it’s really important to celebrate success with them—they're even part of your family!

4. Discover a new Hobby

You've worked hard your entire life and have finally arrived. It's finally time to reap the benefits. You can now devote less time to productivity-oriented tasks. Instead, devote your time to hobbies and activities that you enjoy.

People are always looking for new challenges, and doing new things might help you find one. Finding the activities that bring you joy and excitement might help you branch out from your typical routine, especially if you're feeling bored or confined by it.

You can try pottery if you want to learn it. You can even try cycling which can serve as your exercise too. You can also engage in zumba or aerobics sessions in your barangay; this can help you find more friends in the town. Fundamentally, do something that will make you holistically healthy. Go find a great hobby now!

5. Start your own Business

Working abroad may promise you a better life because you will earn more than you would in the Philippines. However, this does not mean you should relax. After all, your earnings from working abroad are only as good as the effectiveness of your employment contract.

You could argue that it is common, yet a sari-sari shop could be useful if you need to make some extra money. This money-making venture is simple to handle, and you or any family member can do it in the convenience of your home. Apart from this, you can also try other businesses such as apartment, food cart franchise, clothing shop, and etc.—the more, the merrier, the happier!

Conclusively, being an OFW is not easy; in fact, it’s extremely difficult. You have to sacrifice a lot: tears, time, effort, and even your health and wellbeing as a whole. But at the end of the day, these sacrifices will all be worth it…

Yes, it will.

You just have to build your dreams and goals effectively. Always keep your eye on that target because it’s your driving force in life. Consequently, with a gold mine of hard work—no matter how many tribulations and hindrances you might face along the way—you will conquer it. Because you are an OFW, no one can ever beat you.

You are our hero, Kabayan. Laban lang nang laban!