When you’re working overseas, it’s important to have a prepared mindset. There are a lot of things that can go wrong when you’re in a new country, and it’s important to be able to deal with them effectively. One of the biggest challenges you’ll face is culture shock. This is when the culture you’re living in is very different from your own, and it can be tough to adjust. You might find yourself feeling isolated, confused, and even homesick. It’s important to remember that this is normal, and there are ways to cope with it. For example, try to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet new people, and stay positive. With a prepared mindset, you’ll be able to overcome any challenges that come your way.
Are you thinking about working overseas? When you do, you will have better chances of improving your family’s life. You will also earn more than what you are used to in your home country.
ALSO READ: 9 Reasons Why It’s Dangerous to Become Illegal Migrants
However, there are some adjustments that some of us have to take when we work abroad. It would be good to know what these changes are so that you would be ready for them.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences that the OFW shared on the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
This YouTube video from Papa Harry TV discusses some untold realities of those who are working outside the homeland. As he mentioned, the aspects discussed in the video are not meant to discourage us from applying for work. Instead, we should this information as guide so we know what we can or can’t expect in our new opportunity.
You can watch the full video here:
Let us discuss the important details as mentioned in the video:
1. Be open to changes and adjustments.
For some, working in other countries is a big leap of faith. We should be open to changes because life in other countries is different from what we are used to.
2. Working abroad can be difficult.
For someone who has been living and working in the Philippines, there will be times when life can be tough. But when you are working abroad, life can be twice as tough.
3. Take note that other people can judge you.
When you are working overseas, some people would expect that you are wealthy. The truth is, that some workers are paying off their debts. While it is true that they are earning more, they have to use their money to settle their accounts.
Even worse, you can hear other people say that you have changed. If you are not able to give a small present to your friends or relatives, they will say something bad about you.
4. Be open to the challenges you will encounter
Even if you have heard stories from other people about their experiences, you will surely have a different version of it. For one, you won’t know what kind of co-workers you will have, or even the people you will live with. It’s also important to get along well with other people so that you will not be sent home immediately.
5. You will be alone most of the time.
Even if you are surrounded by other people, you will do most of the important stuff by yourself at the end of the day. For one, you are responsible for cooking your food, washing your clothes, and probably even cleaning your apartment. If you get sick, you will need to take care of yourself. If you have someone else do these tasks for you back home, it will be different this time.
6. Learn to be patient.
Since you will be embarking on a new life, you will need the patience to deal with these things. You may have it easy at work, but you might deal with people of various personalities. It will always be challenging to be with people whose attitude is different from yours, so you need patience and understanding to develop a harmonious relationship with them.
7. Need to be strong all the time.
When you leave your native country, you need to be strong and brave. It will feel scary at times, but you must overcome the feeling so you can succeed at work. As our YouTuber has pointed out, when you allow yourself to be weak, you might start to notice how challenging your life is.
8. Be friendly but be wary of who to trust.
You will go a long way if you befriend a lot of people. However, you need to choose a select few to trust. After all, there have been cases of overseas workers who were sent home or punished because their so-called friends betrayed them. While you engage in friendly banters with people you meet, you need to be discerning of their intentions.
9. Be humble.
Nobody wants to be near an arrogant person. So even if you have the skills and talent to show off to everyone, you would go a long way if you remain humble all the time.
10. Working abroad will not make you rich.
It is a common misconception that you will become reached once you start working abroad. But the truth is, you will have to work twice as hard to increase your wealth. Another factor that you have to consider is that you might have other obligations to fulfill so you cannot save just yet. It could also mean spending less time with the family back home to earn more money. On the other hand, it would be better to learn about investing or putting up a business to make your money grow.
11. Always pray.
Even if you do not consider yourself to be religious, being prayerful can help your day go easier. If you have problems that you cannot tell your family back home, you could just pray about it. Put your trust in your Creator for guidance and strength.
These points should not discourage you to try your luck overseas. Instead, use these ideas so you can prepare yourself for any challenges that you might encounter.
READ NEXT: New to Qatar? Here are 5 Points to Remember
