CAST AWAY. . .

                Working overseas is a really tough job for Filipinos because Filipinos are used to being with their family members and relatives. Sometimes, working abroad is very hard because it might take long to adapt to the environment of the country and homesickness usually strikes after a few number of days. Being far away from home is a tough one to handle for Filipinos but money doesn’t grow on trees so a little hard work won’t hurt to raise one’s family. We really cannot remain to be financially stable everyday and one’s monthly salary isn’t really enough to fulfil the family’s needs. Sometimes, the only solution to the problem is by being an Overseas Filipino Worker. By working overseas, one will really need good luck if he/she can’t adapt to the environment of another country. It really takes courage to go on another journey away from where we were used to live, where we were used to work. There is a goal for every person travelling abroad for a hope of a good job and money for the relatives he/she left in the Philippines. Florita-Loresco Ducusin, a 31-yr old mother of two kids, left for Israel because she thought it over when someone from her barangay told her about Israel. It took some arguing with her husband before she was allowed to go and work at Israel. She experienced some harassment from her employers, She also found an employer who is good to her but eventually, they became strict at her and started shouting at her. Eventually, and fortunately, she found a kind-hearted employer whom she can work well and this has made her stay with the household of her employer. This shows that patience can really pay off because not all people who work in another country will always find a good job and better experiences from abroad.

                Another OFW is Mateo Bedon who studied nursing but worked as a casino dealer at PAGCOR. He decided to work abroad though his co-workers here in the Philippines are very supportive. He did this because he want some financial assistance and also for career advancement. Though he had some trouble dealing with the people of different races, he managed to adapt easily because there were many Filipinos whom he can deal with and whom he can share about his experiences. In Macau, he found time to work as a Pit Inspector. Language may be a barrier but how to go with the flow won’t be as hard if you are ready with the consequences that may happen once you step your foot to other countries to work. People must be emotionally and physically stable to withstand any pressures that may come along the way just like the bamboo, which bends but not breaks.

                Florita and Magteo are just some of the millions of OFWs out there working for a living abroad. Sacrifices must be made in order to get something better. We may go to other countries to have a vacation or to take your mind off stress or just for the sake of it, or maybe because other family members might be there, or to migrate, but nothing compares to the main goal of Overseas Filipino Workers: to help their family through sacrificing their wants for the needs of their family members. Falling but standing up to face more challenges life may bring is a must for every OFW because everything will be worthless if little tests will break their will to continue and carry on. These are some of the reasons that being an OFW is simply being a hero of today’s generation—patient, strong-willed, and loyal.