(Grass always seems to be greener on the other side.)
For years, I have been fairly immune to the most zealous “invitations” to relocate overseas. It started with my mom back in college when I was still single. Now, people are talking about not just living in the US for good, but also in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and in other Asian countries.
They tell me I can always go back to the Philippines if it doesn’t work out. But I have to make sure I am not letting the opportunities pass by, they say. If I don’t want it for myself, I should consider it for the kids.
I’m sure you know what I mean when I say the “invitations” can get really insistent. So much so that my sister has already made the jump. She is working on bringing her entire family to Canada to live there for good. Then another sister will leave for the UK this year. Another one is raring to restart her life in New Zealand. They are looking for better jobs, better benefits, more pay. They are professionals who have good education in good universities. Their careers here are promising. But some say that with the endless jockeying in politics, corruption and pollution here, why not go for the “greener” pastures in other countries.
Yet, on the other side of the fence, I see foreigners who have decided to stay. Howard Belton’s personal musings published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer yesterday shows a British guy, national chairman of Unilever Philippines, opting to stay in the Philippines because he and his wife felt they were treated here like family. They are not the only ones. You will see all sorts of Caucasians and other Asians who have chosen to live here.
I still don’t have the answer. I am not packing my bags just yet. It would be nice to get the complete picture IF I ever do.
When the Victoria Secret lotions, Dior, Chanel and expensive toys come out of balikbayan boxes and heavy luggage when relatives come home, you kinda feel left behind even if you can buy those stuff here already. It’s as if the fairy godmother has come from a land far away that’s always more fun, more exciting, always greener and where life is always easier. But, as the excited talk dwindles to more relaxed chats late through the night, you begin to see chinks in the fairy tale story. Of difficulties. Changes in lifestyle. Homesickness. Having to swallow discrimination.
It’s a constant puzzle to me. Stay or leave. Is the money really so much better? Is it worth leaving everything behind? I know, it’s a very personal decision. No one can truly say one decision is better than the other. Each person’s circumstance is different from the other.
Hopefully, however, we can make informed choices. That way, we are ready for whatever difficulties may come. For many of you who have already left, what are the advantages and disadvantages? Knowing the complete picture will help Filipinos make the right choice — of whether life out there is worth leaving the smog of Manila, the corruption, the endless political bickering, the warm love of family and friends who are 30 minutes away, the Bisaya accent and Eat Bulaga sightings…are the green pastures really worth leaving the crazy fun of being in the Philippines.
Is it worth it? Honestly?
April 12th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Before we (my wife and 2 kids, 8 and 6) migrate to Canada, pinag usapan namin ng matagal ni mrs. The bottom line is….. FOR THE KID’s future….. para kahit paano, MERON SILANG CHOICE. They can go back to Philippines and live with us there or they can stay here. Financially, i am expecting the worst. Ako siguro ang isa sa mga pumunta dito hindi dahil sa perang kikitain. I was one of the lucky immigrant na pumasok dito with the job i like from the same company i have worked for almost 20 yrs. But sad to say, i am earning less than ( or should i say, A LOT LESS THAN) in take home pay kumpara noong nasa ibang bansa pa ako nag work at sa pinas umuuwi. But don’t get me wrong, my gross income here is at least 20% more than what i get before, BUT it all goes to tax, bill payments, insurances..etc etc… plus the pressure. So, looking back, it’s not worth it (unless in my case). Stay in the philippines and enjoy life with your families. In my case, i am still here because of the kids. As for me and my wife … definitely will retire in the philippines. BUT will probably come back to visit the kids (if they opted to stay) and for medical reasons only. Doon ko lang mababawi ang tax na binayad ko…hehehehe
March 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 am
give your talents and youth to the Philippines. Enjoy your family as well. But when you reach the age that nobody wants to accept you anymore (1st retirement), and your kids are grown up.. then pack your things and fly to the land of the hopeless. They will accept you regardless of age, physical defects, race, etc.. Try to earn as much as you can and when you reach your second retirment (age 70+) go back home and enjoy life in the Philippines.
March 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hi. Nice blog. Very informative- http://www.ofwabroad.com
March 1st, 2008 at 8:27 am
I advice. Stay in the Philippines. The greener pasteur is not what it is all and all in Life. We live in CA. Sure we make a lot for living- 18,000 US a month. What do we have? Stress , bills , payments and no quality life. By bills I mean, I am vry frugal . We do not spend to the max.
Stay and enjoy the philippines , enjoy the family anf the laughter
February 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
@ Mr Reality
Yes that is true.. that’s why most pinoys rent sa mga kababayan natin. Disadvantage din talga if you’re located sa suburbs.. you definitely need a car.. pero in cities like sanfo or ny.. commuting is an advantange.
i guess impt din ang work background mo before going to the US.. kung medical or IT, its easier compared to other jobs.