All of us want to earn more; hence, it would only be appropriate to try out our luck abroad. This is a belief shared by many, as indicated in last year’s survey with 2.2 million reported OFWs during the period of April to September 2016 (and counting, as the months, went on). The fact that you are given the opportunity to earn more for your loved ones motivates you, urging you to make the necessary preparations beforehand, however, you shouldn’t miss a few important factors to consider and work on, even before you decide to get on the plane. We had enumerated them here:
1. Know your main reason (and be very sure about it).
You may want to work abroad due to the fact that:
– There is no traffic (if there is, it isn’t as bad as the ones in Manila).
– The cost of living is a lot lower.
– The pay is much higher.
Of course, these are just a few examples. There are countless good reasons to work abroad. You would be able to help your family with their daily needs, send your kid/s to a renowned school or learning institution, buy your family home, purchase them a car as well, save up for your retirement, the list goes on.
2. Know the various benefits of working in a foreign land.
We had already discussed the benefits of “your family” once you decide to work abroad, but how about the benefits that “you yourself” would experience? Well, consider these few examples:
*If you ever decide to work for Saudi Arabia, then you’ll be glad to know that they offer healthcare, housing allowances, paid holidays, and educational support. Since the early 2000s, a lot of OFWs are deciding to take their family from the Philippines and bring them to Saudi Arabia because of the benefits mentioned.
*Our POEA mandates that a candidate’s manpower contract must include free transportation to and from the worksite or an offsetting benefit.
*Within this same line of Rules and Regulations from the POEA, a provision also dictates that a candidate’s manpower contract must include free food and accommodation, or again, an offsetting benefit.
In short, you should and would be well-taken care of once you reach your destination.
3. Prepare and process your requirements as early as possible.
Avoid the hassle of last-minute paperwork. Get all of your documents in order and process the ones which you do not have yet. Also, make sure you have a valid passport or at least an appointment schedule since the minimum appointment schedule at DFA is 2-3 months. The thing is, you are more likely to spend more if you’re handling the process at the last minute, as you’d be forced to pay additional “rush fees” for your requirements to be done faster than usual. Keep your I.D.s intact and file them in a proper manner. Organize them now to avoid any hassle and shortcomings later.
4. Make new friends and never be too shy to interact.
Being abroad gives you the opportunity to make new friends. We’re not just talking about your workmates, as we Filipinos can be found worldwide (all 2.2 million of them and counting), which in turn would make it easier to interact with other individuals who share the same noble goal as you. There are numerous Filipino communities worldwide, so you wouldn’t run short of friends and experienced advice from your “kababayans.” Keep aside a big percentage of your earnings for your family, but do not hesitate to spend a small amount during weekends. Eat out with newfound friends and share stories of humble beginnings and victories.
5. Be open to new learnings.
One way to pre-occupy yourself once abroad is to learn the rich culture of the foreign country that you’re in. Learn the dialect if you must, know their history, and try out their delicacies. You may also find yourself following their traditions and customs (as required by their laws on many occasions). Be a sponge and take all of these valuable learnings with you. Not only would it keep you preoccupied, but it would also allow you to share these wonderful stories with your loved ones back at home.
If you need help understanding the different types of cultures and traditions, you may also get help from your fellow OFWs who have been staying in that particular country for a while now.
Now that you know these valuable tips, you may have finally decided to apply for work abroad; however, you do not know where to run to? Look no further than Staffhouse, a 100% Filipino-owned corporation. We have been recruiting top-level professionals since our inception in 1999, and are now a well-known name, trusted by both workforce candidates and the world’s biggest companies. For more information, you may contact us at +632-913 3333 and info@staffhouse.com.
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