Coming home after working abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is a big deal! It’s more than just a vacation – it’s a chance to finally be with your family, the people you’ve been working so hard for. This guide is all about making that reunion as smooth and happy as possible, covering everything from handling your money to dealing with the emotions that come with being back.
Understanding the Emotional Rollercoaster
Being an OFW is tough. You miss birthdays, graduations, and simple everyday moments. When you finally come home, it’s natural to have a mix of feelings. You might be super excited, relieved, but also a bit anxious. Will things be the same? How will you adjust to being back in the Philippines full-time? These are all normal questions.
Your family has also changed while you were away. Kids grow up fast! Your spouse might have developed new routines or taken on more responsibilities. Open communication is key. Talk to each other about your expectations. Don’t assume you know exactly what everyone is thinking or feeling. Sharing your feelings honestly and listening carefully to your family can help avoid misunderstandings and ease the transition for everyone.
Remember, it’s okay to feel a little lost or overwhelmed at first. It takes time to adjust. Be patient with yourself and your family. Focus on reconnecting and rebuilding your relationships. Schedule quality time together, even if it’s just a simple dinner or a movie night. Show your loved ones that you’re happy to be home and that you’re ready to be a part of their lives again.
Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock
You might have heard of culture shock when you first went abroad. But did you know there’s also something called “reverse culture shock” when you come back home? This is when things that used to be normal feel strange or different. Maybe you’re not used to the traffic anymore, or you find yourself comparing things to how they were in the country where you worked.
Reverse culture shock is real, and it can affect anyone. Give yourself time to readjust. Remind yourself of all the reasons you came home in the first place. Focus on the positive aspects of being back in the Philippines. Talk to other OFWs who have gone through the same experience. Sharing your feelings and experiences can help you feel less alone and more understood.
Managing Expectations: Yours and Theirs
Everyone has expectations, and it’s important to manage them realistically. Your family might expect you to immediately solve all their problems with the money you earned abroad. You might expect everything to be exactly as you left it. Unfortunately, life rarely works that way. Before you arrive, talk openly about finances, roles in the family, and future plans. Make sure everyone is on the same page, or at least understands each other’s perspectives.
Explain your financial goals to your family. If you’re planning to start a business or invest, let them know. Create a budget together and stick to it. Involve them in the decision-making process. This will help them understand your priorities and prevent misunderstandings or resentment later on. It is also wise to separate business and family matters. Try to set aside regular money to give to your family and use the rest for your business.
Money Matters: Making Your Hard-Earned Savings Last
One of the biggest reasons OFWs work abroad is to provide a better future for their families. But it’s easy to see your savings disappear quickly if you’re not careful. Planning before you come home is extremely important to ensure your financial security.
Creating a Solid Financial Plan
Before you even pack your bags, sit down and create a financial plan. How much money do you have? What are your goals? Do you want to start a business, buy a house, or simply save for retirement? Figure out your income and expenses. Track your spending. This will help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you can save. There are many budgeting apps available that can help you with this. You can also consult with a financial advisor to get personalized advice. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) offers financial literacy resources that can be helpful. You can find informative materials about budgeting and saving here.
Consider talking to a financial planner or counselor before returning home to get advice related to money management and investment options. This will help lay the groundwork so that your money works for you and your family even when you are finally home.
Investing Wisely
Don’t keep all your money in a savings account. While it’s important to have an emergency fund, you should also consider investing in assets that can grow over time. This could include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. Talk to a financial advisor to determine the best investment strategy for your risk tolerance and financial goals. Be wary of investment scams that promise high returns with little risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Another option is to invest in your own skills and education. Take courses or workshops to improve your job prospects or start a business. This can help you generate income and become more financially independent. Consider skills that are currently in demand in the Philippines or that you can use to start your own online business.
Starting a Business: Is It Right for You?
Many OFWs dream of starting their own business when they come home. It’s a great way to be your own boss and create jobs for others. But starting a business is also risky, and it’s not for everyone. Before you take the plunge, carefully consider your skills, experience, and financial resources. Do your research. Is there a market for your product or service? What are the potential risks and challenges? Create a business plan. This will help you outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
Start small. Don’t invest all your savings in a risky venture. Begin with a small-scale business that you can manage on your own or with a small team. As your business grows, you can gradually expand your operations. Seek advice from other entrepreneurs. Join business organizations or attend seminars and workshops. Learn from their experiences and avoid common mistakes.
Be prepared to work hard. Starting a business takes time, effort, and dedication. Don’t expect to become rich overnight. Be patient, persistent, and willing to learn from your mistakes. Seek guidance from organizations like the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), which offers financing and training programs for entrepreneurs. Their website sbgfc.org.ph provides more information.
Rekindling Relationships: Building Stronger Bonds
Being apart for years can take a toll on relationships. It’s important to make a conscious effort to reconnect with your family and rebuild the bonds that may have weakened over time.
Spending Quality Time Together
Don’t just focus on providing financial support. Spend quality time with your family. Plan activities that everyone will enjoy. Go on family outings, play games, watch movies, or simply have meaningful conversations. Put away your phone and give your loved ones your undivided attention. Listen to their stories, share your experiences, and express your love and appreciation.
One thing you can also do is to learn each other’s love languages. Psychologist Gary Chapman has identified five love languages namely: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time and Physical Touch. Knowing each other’s love languages can help you demonstrate appreciation and love in ways that are most meaningful to your loved ones. Schedule regular date nights with your spouse or partner. Spend one-on-one time with each of your children. This will help you reconnect on a deeper level and strengthen your relationships.
Communication is Key
Open and honest communication is essential for any healthy relationship. Talk about your feelings, your hopes, and your fears. Listen to your family’s concerns and offer your support. Don’t be afraid to apologize when you’re wrong. Forgive each other for past mistakes. Communication is not just important to discuss problems; you should also talk about good times and express love for each other.
Avoid keeping secrets or holding grudges. Address conflicts openly and respectfully. Seek professional help if you’re struggling to communicate effectively. A family therapist can help you improve your communication skills and resolve conflicts in a healthy way. Show an interest in their hobbies, especially your kids! If your kids like playing online games, try watching them or playing with them. Even though it’s not your thing, showing interest will let them know you’re trying to understand them.
Re-establishing Roles and Responsibilities
While you were away, your spouse or other family members may have taken on additional responsibilities. Now that you’re home, it’s important to re-establish roles and responsibilities in a way that’s fair and equitable. Talk about who will be responsible for different tasks, such as household chores, childcare, and financial management. Be willing to share the load and support each other.
Don’t assume that you can automatically take over all the responsibilities. Give your spouse or other family members time to adjust to the new arrangement. Be patient and understanding. Be flexible and willing to compromise. Life is a partnership. If both spouses are working, divide chores and childcare responsibilities equally. Be involved in your kids’ school and extracurricular activities.
Health and Wellness: Taking Care of Yourself
Your health is just as important as your wealth. Working abroad can be stressful, and it’s important to take care of your physical and mental well-being.
Prioritizing Your Physical Health
Before, during, and after working as an OFW, you need health insurance. Many overseas workers are exposed to different kinds of situations and sickness that can drastically alter your health. Get regular checkups. See a doctor or dentist for routine exams and screenings. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol. Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Addressing Mental Health Needs
Mental health is often overlooked, but it’s just as important as physical health. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, seek professional help. Talk to a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. There are many mental health resources available in the Philippines. The National Center for Mental Health ncmh.gov.ph is a good place to start.
Engage in relaxing activities, maybe try reading and taking a break. Practice mindfulness or meditation. Spend time in nature. Connect with friends and family. Avoid social isolation. These are some of the few coping mechanisms to improve and maintain mental health.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Prioritize your mental health and well-being. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your family.
Social Integration
Coming home and adjusting can be tough. Some OFWs feel stuck between their overseas life and their life back home. It’s hard when friends and family have a hard time understanding what you went through as an OFW. You don’t have anyone to talk to about your experiences or problems abroad while working.
This is where support groups and connecting with other OFWs can help. Look for local OFW support groups online or in your community. Share your experiences, exchange advice, and build a community of people who understand what you’re going through. Many resources are available to OFWs. You can consult the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) website for more details: www.owwa.gov.ph.
Planning for the Future: Staying Home for Good
Coming home is not just about being with your family. It’s also about building a future in the Philippines. Plan for your long-term financial security, your career, and your personal well-being.
Continuing Education and Skills Development
The world is constantly changing, and it’s important to keep your skills up-to-date. Take courses or workshops to improve your job prospects or start a business. Learn new technologies. Stay informed about industry trends. Continuing education is an investment in your future.
Consider getting certifications or licenses in your field. This can increase your earning potential and make you more competitive in the job market. Look for opportunities to learn from others. Attend conferences, seminars, or workshops. Join professional organizations. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals. These can help you improve your business strategies and skills.
Exploring Job Opportunities in the Philippines
Don’t assume that you have to go back abroad to earn a decent living. There are many job opportunities in the Philippines, especially in major cities like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Search online job boards, attend job fairs, or network with your contacts. Highlight your skills and experience in your resume and cover letter. It’s best to apply in person. Use your OFW experiences as a strength when applying to jobs. Emphasize discipline, adaptability and cross-cultural communication.
Be open to exploring different career paths. Consider starting your own business or freelancing. The gig economy is growing in the Philippines, and there are many opportunities to work as a virtual assistant, writer, designer, or consultant. Look for remote work opportunities. Many companies are now hiring remote workers, which means you can work from home or anywhere in the Philippines.
Building a Life in the Philippines
Coming home is about more than just finding a job or starting a business. It’s about building a life in the Philippines. Reconnect with your community. Get involved in local activities. Make new friends. Explore the beauty and culture of the Philippines. Travel to different provinces. Experience the diversity of Filipino cuisine. Embrace your Filipino heritage. Reconnect with old friends and family to avoid social isolation. You may also join community events and volunteer activities to reconnect with the culture and build community ties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Returning permanently as an OFW is a journey. It can be tricky. Let’s see some common pitfalls and give tips on steering clear of those bumps in the road.
- Spending all your savings quickly:It’s easy to get caught up in spending when you first get home. Having new gadgets or throwing lavish parties is not bad, but you have to plan before you spend.
- Not setting clear expectations with family: Talk to your family about what is realistic and what is expected of you as a returning OFW. If not, it can lead to arguments and stress. Before you arrive, sit down and talk expectations!
- Investing in scams: Too good to be true investments are out there. Double check everything before you put your money into something you are not sure about. If it promises quick money, it’s probably fake. You need to research every investment. You could ask a trusted financial advisor for help.
- Not addressing mental health: Don’t keep feelings of sadness, stress, or loneliness bottled up. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help you deal with these emotions.
- Failing to adapt to changes back home: The Philippines may have changed a lot since you left. Trying to adjust is something that you can do. Be open to new things, give yourself time to learn, and be patient with the transition.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about reintegration for OFWs:
How do I prepare my family for my return?
Communicate openly about your plans and expectations. Discuss financial matters and household roles. Make sure everyone understands the changes that will happen when you come home. Start having regular video calls with your family before coming home. Make sure that you include sharing updates, stories, and experiences. This will help ease the transition when you are finally home.
What are my options for starting a business in the Philippines?
Research potential business opportunities based on your skills and interests. Develop a business plan and seek advice from other entrepreneurs. Consider accessing financing and training programs offered by government agencies. You can try consulting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for assistance in starting a business. Their website, www.dti.gov.ph, has lots of guides how to start a business.
How do I deal with homesickness after living abroad for so long?
Focus on the positive aspects of being back in the Philippines. Connect with old friends and family. Re-engage with your community. Explore new hobbies and interests. Share your experiences with other OFWs or join a support group. Keep in mind that it’s okay to feel nostalgic, but you can focus now on the present and enjoy being home.
Where can I get help with financial planning and investment?
Consult with a financial advisor or counselor to get personalized advice. Attend financial literacy seminars and workshops. Research different investment options and choose those that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. You can also check the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment tips and guidelines: www.sec.gov.ph.
How can I find a job in the Philippines that matches my skills and experience?
Search online job boards and attend job fairs. Network with your contacts and leverage your OFW experience. Consider exploring different career paths and freelancing opportunities. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your qualifications and accomplishments. Some local job boards are JobStreet and LinkedIn Philippines.
References
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). (n.d.). Financial Literacy Program.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (n.d.). Starting a Business in the Philippines.
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). (n.d.). Mental Health Services.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). (n.d.). Programs and Services.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (n.d.). Investor Education.
Small Business Corporation (SB Corp). (n.d.). Financing and Training Programs.
Ready to start your new chapter back home? Take the first step today. Begin planning your business, connecting with family, or securing your financial future by getting in touch with the support groups and government agencies mentioned in this article. You have worked hard for your family. Together, your family will build an even brighter future in the Philippines.
