About working abroad
In 2013, the number of Filipinos working, studying, or residing overseas, either temporarily or permanently, was estimated to be 10.2 million, roughly 10% of the population. The total number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in 2018 was reported to be at 2.3 million. In this article, however, reference was made to 10 million as the number of OFWs. Notwithstanding varying statistics, OFWs comprise a sizable chunk of Filipinos abroad, if not represent the entire Filipino diaspora.
I grew up with overseas employment as part of the norm. It was something I was told to aspire for. Both my parents were OFWs. They would take turns because one has to take care of us siblings. And so, in not so many school activities (especially graduations) both of them were able to attend. Though my parents sought local employment and ventured into some small businesses, overseas employment remained our life line.
A handful of my friends works abroad. I, too, am currently working abroad. I am on a temporary work arrangement that allows me to make Tokyo as my base. In determining which career to pursue, the possibility of overseas employment has always been a consideration among my contemporaries. For most of us, to work abroad defined success.
When the idea of moving abroad was first presented to me, I was excited but not entirely happy. Though it was something I used to aspire for, deciding whether or not to go was apparently not an easy one. There are just too many trade-offs. Going meant pushing relationships to its limits and trust that those most cherished will not fall apart. Long settled plans have to be exchanged for something that is uncertain. It is a gamble.
What made me decide to go was my dire need for excitement, to get out of boredom and lethargy I’ve been in for already quite some time. I wanted to change my routine, make myself uncomfortable, and try new things just so I can say I’m onto something. Ships aren’t built for the harbor, as they say, but I have been docked for a while.
Living standards in Tokyo is pretty decent. And like in all other cities, as long as one has the money to spare, options are aplenty. Public services are Tokyo’s biggest draw compared to Manila. It seems to me, to put it simply, that Manila’s lower upper to middle upper class is Tokyo’s upper lower class to middle class. But it’s hard to say that one is better than the other. There is an interplay of other factors that cannot be disregarded when saying so, depending on what one thinks is important.
People are generally welcoming to foreigners, especially those who understand why strangers like me has to be in their country. Despite polite gestures and kind words, however, I learned that it would be too much to expect that I will be treated without prejudice regarding my social identity. But, I don’t give a damn. We all breathe the same air. Also, my inability to speak the local language, ineptness with cultural sensitivities, and distinct appearance are the least of my worries.
My workplace is atypical for a Japanese company, and so there is nothing really to complain about. I actually more burdened in Manila, to be honest. There are days that I wish I could skip work (who doesn’t), but I can easily get through those days still productive. I have a good team in Manila and make things more manageable. I have no issues about my current job per se. It is wonderful. Should there be momentary feelings of discontent, it’s more of me nagging myself on whether or not I’m creating enough value and impact out of my time.
While living in Tokyo has been a breeze so far, I must admit that loneliness strikes once in a while. And it is very difficult to preserve the semblance that everything is going very well. No amount of self-talk can assuage the feeling of loneliness. At times, I would need to remind myself the reasons why I decided to be here — I want to learn, I want to create new limits, and I want to uncover unknowns. And there are things that can only seen from a distance.
This assignment has been more personal than professional. I had a lot of time to introspect and think, among other things, about my priorities, values, and beliefs. Not only my character was tested, but also self knowledge. I’m no longer the same person.
Now that this stunt is nearing its end, I could only wish that it isn’t. Since day one, I’ve been trying to be indifferent, impersonal, and plainly downplay everything. I’m not good with letting go, and so I always try not to get myself attached to things I know won’t last. But, to my surprise, I didn’t expect to feel last minute affinity with everything about this experience. Perhaps, it isn’t last minute. I must have been just in constant denial that I am privileged (and don’t know how to maximize it). I still don’t know what to do after setting back in Manila, but I’m remaining hopeful, especially I’m yet to bring those 10.2 million of OFWs back home.
