Nowadays, there are many Filipinos choose to work abroad than here in the country and we all know the reasons why; a higher salary to support the family, job opportunities, and personal growth. But have you ever thought about why one should not work abroad?

Before applying and make a decision to work abroad and be an OFW, make sure to consider these following reasons why going abroad may not be for you:

1. Don’t work overseas if you’re not sure the reason why you need to work to other countries

Working abroad is not an easy job, all must be considered just like leaving your family behind and be away from them for months or years, spend your life alone while doing your job, no family member will take care of you when you are sick. You should know your reasons why you need to work overseas.

2. Don’t work abroad if you are not 100% certain with your decision

If there are still doubts in your mind, you must remember this: working abroad requires a full commitment, because if you are already there you cannot just quit your job and go back at home easily. It is not as easy as you think how it should be.

3. Don’t go abroad if you are not willing to face hardships while working overseas

In every work place, self-discipline and hard work are the essential keys to survive and be consistent in your job. Working hours must also be considered because there are other company that requires employees to work 8 hours and 5-day working schedule and also overtime work.

4. Don’t work abroad if you are not independent

In the Philippines, you are used to the fact that you always have family, relatives, and friends who are always there for you in times of need. Unfortunately, once you go abroad no one will help you in terms of cooking, doing household chores, paying bills, taking care of you while you are sick, and etc. You will do these all, on your own.

5. Don’t go abroad if you are weak-minded

Before deciding to go abroad, make sure you have your 100% commitment for your job, courage, self-confidence, strength, and perseverance to be able to survive alone while working overseas.

6. Don’t go abroad if you are afraid to go out of your comfort zone

Working abroad means also living in different place, miles away from your family and friends, and leaving the lifestyle you had here in the Philippines. Being and OFW will make you away from your comfort zone. You must be flexible enough to adjust and grow on your own.

7. Don’t go abroad if all you’re going to do is complain

You must face all the hard situations while working. Problems and obstacles are always there, especially dealing with your strict employer and your co-workers. Rather than to complain, you must adjust and understand the situation and be productive in your job.

8. Don’t go abroad if you cannot swallow your pride

You will need to start from the beginning and work your way up. You have to perform tasks that you never thought you’d ever do when you were back home. You will also need to get along with your colleagues and be humble all the time.

9. Don’t go abroad if you cannot endure homesickness

Living to a different place is a difficult one. You are away from your family and friends and you can feel the homesickness while working overseas.

10. Don’t go abroad if you are not willing to make sacrifices

Working abroad requires sacrifice not just for yourself but also for your family. You must endure the feeling of loneliness away from them, be ready with all the challenges you might get encounter, and most importantly you must have a consistent communication with your family.
Always remember that all your sacrifices are for the brighter future of your family.

Those are the 10 reasons why you should not become an OFW. If you already decided to work abroad, all you need to do is have faith and don’t give up!