Shell Cracked Open: How It Feels To Be An OFW

Work overseas and earn higher salary, they said. Life is better out there you could save for the future, they said.

Sure. I’m convinced. After all, I’ve wanted to become an overseas Filipino worker. And I’ve always thought that my travel experiences would make it easier for me to thrive in a new country.

Or maybe the opposite.

1. Because I’m not coming home soon

I’m currently based in Singapore. Okay, I know some would react, “Sus, ang lapit lang pala!” Distance is relatively not a biggie, but it’s also not like going from Pasay to Quiapo in a snap.

Before moving here, I had a casual talk with my grandmother, and I told her I won’t be too far away. In fact, they can easily contact me through Facebook or Skype at any time of the day. I even told her this isn’t the first time I’m leaving home.

But she said that all my past trips only lasted for days. This one would take months, or even years, before I could return for a longer stay.

The candid words pricked me. In the heart.

2. Because work is a serious game, seriously

Landing a job in Singapore is tough. It’s the same as in other countries. From series of technical reviews and failed job interviews, to stringent work pass application and preparation for relocation, it took me many months of struggle to finally get here.

When I arrived in the Little Red Dot, I’m physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared. I readied for the possibilities of a sudden breakdown or the likelihood of multi-culture trauma. A melting pot of different heritage means I’m going to deal with a lot of people that’s accustomed to work practices different than I do.

There even came a point at work that I pitied myself for having an average level of expertise because the management’s expectation was so high I almost exploded due to pressure.

Finding entertainment, not Nemo

3. Because culture shock is part of the job

“You need to practice self-discipline”, I was told by my trainer who’s of another nationality during my first week on the job after I mistook to heed his instructions. He was obviously mad at me. Of course my initial defense on my mind was like, “Sorry na po, baguhan lang po kasi”.

If in my previous organizations new joiners often relax for a week or two for training (read: petiks period), here the game is different. Majority of employers expect new hires to catch up quickly. Agad-agad. The job is demanding it pushes you to your limits.

But then, at the end of the day, when you’ve achieved your goals it feels just as good as a pocketful of sunshine.

4. Because it’s like what Sarah G said, “ikot-ikot lang”

I live in a three-bedroom HDB flat leased by eight Filipino professionals including myself. I share a common room with two other people. Six of us use just one toilet.

Every morning I’d wake up at 7:15 in time for shower (I’m fourth in the queue). When I have the enthusiasm to cook, I’d cook my own breakfast. Then I’d change to my office attire and walk to the bus stop that’s only 200 meters away. In about 10 minutes I’d reach the office.

It’s a fast-moving environment I wouldn’t notice we’re at the end of our shift already. When I don’t render overtime I’d walk back home for about 20 minutes (this saves me 79 cents) then I’d prepare for dinner, sit in my bed, do the laundry, then poof, it’s time to hit the sack again.

“Paikot-ikot lang ang buhay natin dito”, my roommate even joked. Somehow sad, but it’s true.

5. Because refer to #1, you’d always think of your family

I can now understand how most of our OFWs feel. You strive at work for a month, you remit a portion of your salary to your loved ones, and you’d sigh a great relief once your beneficiary acknowledges your padala. It also comes naturally to think once in a while of cutting down expenses by skipping a meal or walking home to save a penny. I’m not this stingy when I was still working in the Philippines.

Just the plain idea of not having to sit with your family for dinner is already a trigger to cry a river. I haven’t reached this level of loneliness yet, but what I’m saying is, to be far from home in exchange for a greater good is like undergoing a tattoo. It hurts in the process but eventually you’ll get a desirable outcome, oftentimes beyond your expectation, that’ll surely last a long time.

To sum all these things up, I’d say that my shell has finally cracked open – that I no longer live in my comfort zone. I must embrace the reality that this new world I’m living in no longer rotates around the kid I used to be. I must embrace adulthood. I must continue to grow as a person.

At this point, there’s no turning back. Not yet. Even if Manila is just 1476 nautical miles away.