“Expect the unexpected” is a common line that applies to many, if not all, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who once thought that the OFW life means raking in money in an instant.
If you have already read the first installment of our Expectation versus Reality feature and feel like you need to read more about the topic, here are five more expectation-versus-reality moments that OFWs in the UAE can relate to.
READ: Expectation vs. Reality of OFWs
1. EXPECTATION: Ipon, ipon for business
Many OFWs in the UAE had very simple plans before they decided to work overseas: work hard for a few years, support their family back home, save some money, and go home to establish a business that will provide a good income.
REALITY: Keri na ba itong savings ko?
Sadly, some OFWs take decades to save enough money to be able to return to the Philippines and live a comfortable life. The first few years abroad are the hardest years for OFWs, as it is the time when they learn to adjust and allocate their money for different expenses. While most first-time OFWs vow to try their hardest to save money, they find it easier said than done.
EXPECTATION: Balikbayan box every two months
Many envision being an OFW as one’s ticket to get himself out of poverty. Families and friends of OFWs expect to receive balikbayan boxes every couple of months, filled to the brim with shoes, clothes and even healthcare products.
REALITY: Hikahos makapuno ng isang balikbayan box
Many families expect to see branded items inside balikbayan boxes but the truth is, not a lot of Filipinos in UAE are able to afford branded items straight out of stores. If they can, they will often wait for older models to be released in garage sales so they can grab a pair of branded kicks at a lower price.
EXPECTATION: Kayang-kaya ko ‘to!
No question about it –family is always an OFW’s top priority. This is why many will even work overseas and endure being alone in a foreign land. OFWs prepare themselves both physically and emotionally to battle the challenges that lie ahead..
REALITY: Can I call a friend?
OFWs would tell you that you have never really experienced how hard it is to be alone until you find yourself alone during birthday celebrations and times of sickness. Overseas workers tend to dream of being with their loved ones especially during special occasions and even in mundane moments.
EXPECTATION: Learn to communicate with Emiratis
Moving from one place to another stirs a lot of change in overseas workers. As an OFW, being able to adapt to the culture of the country where you are working is important. An example –many OFWs try their best to learn the Emirati language, or at least English, to be able to communicate with them.
REALITY: Halo-halong lahi ang nasa UAE
In reality, there are other nationalities in the UAE other than Emiratis and Filipinos. At first, OFWs find the difference between the nationality and culture as a barrier but as time passes by, many OFWs become friends with people from different nationalities, whether they’re from Asia, Europe, or America. Filipinos are just naturally friendly!
EXPECTATION: Work,work, work!
Before flying overseas, OFWs have the mindset that they will work hard to be able to provide a better life for their families. OFWs visualize themselves as strong individuals who can keep their eyes on their goals, no matter how hard it is to achieve them.
REALITY: Sabay-sabay na problema ang haharapin
The sad reality is being a strong OFW amid these struggles is so much easier said than done. There may have been thousands of stories about how difficult being an OFW is but it is a completely different ballgame when OFWs are put into the actual test.
Aside from worrying about sending money to their families, OFWs also have to deal with the physical and emotional hardships that working away from their families entails.
