For many Filipinos working abroad (OFWs), sending money home is a big part of their lives. It’s how they help their families with everyday needs, education, healthcare, and even investments. But being an OFW is about so much more than just sending remittances. It’s about sharing your experiences, supporting your loved ones emotionally, and staying connected despite the distance. This article is all about how to make sure your love and support travel just as far as your money does.
The Importance of Emotional Remittances
Think about it: your family sees the money you send, but they might not always see you. They might miss your advice, your encouragement, and just having you around. This is where emotional remittances come in. It’s about sending love, support, and connection across the miles. It’s about making sure your family feels loved and valued, even when you can’t be there physically. Sending money is crucial, contributing significantly to the Philippines’ economy. In fact, remittances from OFWs play a vital role. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), personal remittances from OFWs contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product. A recent report indicates that these remittances constitute a considerable percentage of the GDP, showcasing the financial impact of OFWs. However, equally important is what the money does to help them navigate everyday life and plan for the future.
Staying Connected: It’s All About Communication
In today’s world, staying in touch is easier than ever. But it’s not just about how you communicate, but what you communicate. Here are some ideas:
- Regular Video Calls: Schedule regular video calls with your family. Seeing your face and hearing your voice can make a huge difference. Even a quick 15-minute chat can brighten their day. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Viber are easy to use and often free.
- Sharing Your Day: Don’t just ask “How are you?”. Tell them about your day. Share funny stories, challenges you’re facing, and things you’re learning. This helps them feel like they’re a part of your life, even though they’re far away.
- Listening Actively: When your family is talking, really listen. Put away distractions and focus on what they’re saying. Ask follow-up questions to show that you care. Sometimes, just listening is the best way to support them.
- Using Social Media Wisely: Social media can be a great way to stay connected, but be mindful of what you post. Share positive updates and photos. Avoid posting anything that might cause unnecessary worry or stress.
- Creating Shared Online Spaces: Consider a private family group chat or even a shared online photo album. These digital spaces allow you to share memories and support each other daily.
Beyond the Money: Offering Guidance and Wisdom
Your experiences working abroad have given you a unique perspective. You’ve learned new skills, faced new challenges, and grown as a person. Share that wisdom with your family. Offer advice and guidance when they need it, and help them make smart decisions. If a sibling is considering taking out a loan for a business, share your experience with financial planning. If your child struggles in school, offer to help them online with their assignments. Sometimes just sharing stories about how you handled certain problems can give your family the courage to pursue their goals. Remember, you can also enroll them in online courses via sites like Coursera or edX and offer learning opportunities in different fields.
Supporting Their Goals: More Than Just Financial Aid
While financial support is essential, supporting your family’s goals involves more than just sending money. It’s about understanding their dreams and helping them achieve them.
- Education: Help your children with their studies. Tutor them through video calls or hire a tutor for them. Make sure they have all the resources they need to succeed in school. Even a simple act of setting up a conducive home environment for studying can make a big difference.
- Career: Encourage your siblings to pursue their career goals. Help them find job opportunities in their field. Offer mentorship and advice based on your own career experience. You can even help them improve their resumes and cover letters.
- Business: If your family wants to start a business, offer your guidance and support. Help them create a business plan and manage their finances. Consider investing in their business to help them get it off the ground.
- Personal Development: Support your family’s personal growth. Encourage them to pursue their hobbies and interests. Help them set goals and achieve them. Consider gifting them access to online courses or workshops that aligns with their interests.
One good example is offering your mom a subscription to an online cooking class if she loves to cook, or a photography class if your dad is into capturing memories.
Planning for the Future Together
Working abroad is often a temporary situation. It’s important to plan for the future and think about what you want to do when you return home. Involve your family in these plans. Ask them what they want to do and how you can help them achieve their goals. One way is to create a shared savings goal—for example, saving for a family vacation or a new house. This way, everyone feels invested and motivated. You can also use online tools to visualize financial goals and track progress. Having open and honest conversations about money can help avoid misunderstandings and build trust within the family. You may also consider consulting a financial advisor, who can provide specific, personalized guidance. This person can help you and your family implement suitable strategies for long-term financial stability.
Handling Conflict From Afar
Being away from your family can sometimes make conflicts harder to resolve. Misunderstandings, disagreements, and family dramas can arise, and dealing with them from a distance requires patience and understanding. Here are a few tips:
- Stay Calm: Before reacting, take a moment to calm down. This will help you approach the situation rationally and avoid saying things you might regret.
- Listen to All Sides: Instead of immediately taking sides, listen to each person’s perspective. Try to understand their feelings and motivations.
- Communicate Clearly: Use clear and respectful language to express your thoughts and feelings. Avoid accusations and generalizations.
- Find Common Ground: Identify areas of agreement and build from there. Focus on resolving the issue at hand rather than assigning blame.
- Seek Support System: This can be a relative back home or a fellow OFW who can mediate and help you communicate better.
Celebrating Milestones Together (Even Virtually)
Don’t let distance prevent you from celebrating important milestones with your family. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries – these are all opportunities to show your love and support even when you can’t be there in person.
- Virtual Parties: Organize a virtual party for special occasions. Use video conferencing to connect with your family and celebrate together.
- Sending Gifts: Send gifts to your loved ones to show that you’re thinking of them. You can order gifts online and have them delivered directly to their home.
- Creating Personalized Videos: Create personalized video messages for your family. Share memories, express your love, and offer words of encouragement.
- Planning a Homecoming: Make plans to come home for important celebrations. This will give you the chance to celebrate with your family in person and create lasting memories.
For instance, you can schedule a virtual surprise party for a loved one’s birthday, inviting family members to join through video call. Send a cake or a gift beforehand so they can enjoy them during the celebration. Create a slideshow of photos and videos to share memories and make them feel special.
Taking Care of Yourself: You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup
Being an OFW can be stressful and demanding. It’s essential to take care of your own physical and mental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it will affect the way you interact and communicate with your family. Remind your family that you need their support, too. They may think that you’re living a glamorous life abroad, but they need to understand the challenges you face.
Here are some tips for self-care:
- Eat Healthy: Eat a balanced diet to stay healthy and energized. Focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve your mood. Even a short walk or workout can make a big difference.
- Get Enough Sleep: Get enough sleep to stay rested and alert. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Connect with Friends: Spend time with friends to socialize and have fun. Connecting with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Relax and De-stress: Find healthy ways to relax and de-stress. This could include reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
- Avoid Bad Habits: Be careful of vices like drinking too much, gambling or other unhealthy habits that can take a toll in your finances and health.
Join support groups for OFWs in your area. These support groups can offer a sense of community and understanding. You can find these groups through online forums, social media, or local community organizations.
Building a Support System Within the OFW Community
Being an OFW can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re far away from your family and friends. Building a strong support system within the OFW community can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Sharing experiences, offering advice, and providing emotional support to one another can help ease the challenges of living and working abroad. Here are some ways to connect with fellow OFWs:
- Join Online Forums and Groups: Many online forums and social media groups cater specifically to OFWs in different countries. These platforms allow you to connect with others, ask questions, share advice, and find support.
- Attend Community Events: Look for community events organized by Filipino organizations in your area. These events offer opportunities to meet fellow OFWs, participate in cultural activities, and build lasting friendships.
- Create a Group: If you see that there isn’t one in your area, don’t hesitate to create one and build your own support group.
- Network Through Work: Connect with Filipino colleagues at work. Share your experiences, offer assistance, and build professional relationships. Networking can provide a sense of belonging and open doors to new opportunities.
Returning Home for Good: Making the Transition Easier
The ultimate goal for many OFWs is to return home permanently and reunite with their families. Planning for this transition is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful homecoming.
- Save and Invest Wisely: Start saving and investing early to secure your financial future. Diversify your investments and seek advice from a trusted financial advisor.
- Develop New Skills: Acquire new skills that will be valuable when you return home. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing further education.
- Stay Updated on the Philippine Job Market: Research job opportunities and industry trends in the Philippines to prepare for your job search upon returning home.
- Maintain Connections: Stay connected with friends, family, and professional contacts in the Philippines. Networking can help you find job opportunities and ease your transition back into the community.
- Plan for Your Living Situation: Decide where you will live upon returning home. Will you live with family, purchase a new property, or rent an apartment? Plan your living arrangement in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.
FAQ Section
What are the best ways to send money home safely?
There are many ways to send money home, each with its own pros and cons. Options include bank transfers, money transfer services like Western Union and Remitly, and online platforms. Research the fees, exchange rates, and security measures of each option to find the one that best suits your needs. Also, ensure that the service is reputable and licensed to operate in both your host country and the Philippines.
How can I help my family manage their finances better?
Start by having open and honest conversations about money. Help them create a budget, track their expenses, and set financial goals. Encourage them to save a portion of the money you send each month. Teach them about investing and help them find opportunities to grow their money. You can also connect them with financial literacy resources and workshops.
What if I can’t afford to send as much money as I used to?
It’s okay if you hit some financial roadblocks. There are times when you really cannot provide or send as much as you did before. Communicate openly with your family about your financial situation. Explain that you’re facing challenges and that you may need to adjust the amount of money you send. Work together to create a revised budget that meets everyone’s needs. Remember, your love and support are just as important as the money you send.
How can I deal with homesickness and loneliness while working abroad?
Homesickness and loneliness are common challenges for OFWs. Stay connected with your family and friends through regular video calls and messages. Participate in community events and activities organized by Filipino organizations. Find hobbies and interests to keep you busy and engaged. Take care of your physical and mental health by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Seek support from fellow OFWs and mental health professionals if needed.
What are some resources available to help OFWs?
There are many resources available to help OFWs, including government agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). These agencies offer various programs and services, such as pre-departure orientation seminars, skills training, financial assistance, and legal support. Additionally, there are numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups that provide assistance and support to OFWs and their families. Be sure to research and connect with these resources to access the help you need.
How do I protect myself from scams and illegal recruiters?
Be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true. Verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and employers before signing any contracts or paying any fees. Research the company’s background, check their licensing status, and ask for references. Avoid dealing with individuals or agencies that pressure you to make quick decisions or demand large upfront payments. Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities, such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
What should I consider when I decide to go back home for good?
When you decide to return home for good, take several factors to consider. Ensure that you have a solid financial plan in place. This includes having enough savings to cover your living expenses and any investments you may want to make. Consider the job market in your area and research potential employment opportunities. Assess your living situation and decide where you will live upon returning home. Maintain connections with friends, family, and professional contacts to ease your transition back into the community.
References
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Investopedia
Instead of just sending money back home, why not send a piece of yourself too? Call your family, share your stories, offer your advice, and let them know that you’re thinking of them. There are times when a phone call can be more valuable and meaningful than a wad of cash. Your love and support can help your family thrive, no matter how far apart you may be. It’s time to make your presence a living, breathing reality for your loved ones back home. Let’s start today!
