This article is for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are thinking about coming home for good and want to build a fulfilling life beyond their overseas jobs. We’ll explore practical steps, share inspiring stories, and offer tips to help you transition to a life of independence and purpose back in the Philippines.
Preparing for Your Return: It Starts Before You Leave
Coming home isn’t just about buying a plane ticket. It’s about carefully planning your finances, skills, and the kind of life you envision for yourself. Think of it as building a strong foundation before constructing your dream house. The earlier you start preparing, the smoother your transition will be.
Financial Assessment and Planning: Take a hard look at your current financial situation. How much savings do you have? What are your debts? Creating a detailed spreadsheet of your income, expenses, debts, and assets is a great first step. Consider using online budget templates or financial planning apps to help you organize your finances. Once you have a clear picture, start setting realistic financial goals. How much do you need to save to start that business? How much do you need for a down payment on a house? Having specific goals will motivate you to save and invest wisely. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) offers resources on financial literacy that can be especially helpful.
Skill Development: Your time overseas has likely equipped you with valuable skills, both technical and soft skills. Think about what you’ve learned and how those skills can be applied back home. Maybe you’ve become an expert at customer service, have mastered a particular software, or have developed excellent problem-solving abilities. Consider taking online courses or workshops to enhance your skills or learn new ones. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of courses, many of which are free or affordable. Upgrading your skills will make you more competitive in the Philippine job market or give you the edge you need to start your own business. Even something as simple as taking a Tagalog language class can help you reconnect with your culture and community.
Networking: Start building your network before you even set foot back in the Philippines. Connect with friends, family, and former colleagues. Attend online industry events or join relevant Facebook groups to meet new people in your field of interest. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool for networking and job searching. Let your network know that you’re planning to return home and what kind of opportunities you’re looking for. You never know who might have a connection that could lead to your dream job or business venture. Consider proactively reaching out to people in industries you’re interested in to learn more about their experiences and get advice.
Exploring Business Opportunities: Turning Your Dream into Reality
Many OFWs dream of starting their own business upon returning home. This can be a great way to achieve financial independence and create jobs for others. However, it’s important to approach entrepreneurship with careful planning and realistic expectations.
Identifying a Need: The best businesses solve a problem or fulfill a need in the community. Pay attention to what people are complaining about or what they’re lacking. Maybe there’s a shortage of affordable housing, a lack of convenient transportation options, or a demand for healthier food choices. Look for opportunities to provide a valuable service or product that people are willing to pay for. Conduct market research to validate your business idea and assess the competition. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offers seminars and resources to help entrepreneurs get started. They also conduct surveys and research that can provide insights into consumer needs and trends. Talking to potential customers and getting their feedback is also crucial.
Franchising: Franchising can be a good option for OFWs who want to start a business but don’t have a lot of experience. With a franchise, you’re buying into a proven business model with established branding and systems. However, it’s important to carefully evaluate franchise opportunities and understand the terms of the agreement. Consider the initial investment, ongoing royalties, and the amount of support you’ll receive from the franchisor. Some popular franchise options in the Philippines include food businesses, laundry services, and convenience stores. Do thorough research and talk to existing franchisees to get their perspective before making a decision. Visit the Philippine Franchise Association website for a list of reputable franchise opportunities.
Online Businesses: The internet offers a wealth of opportunities for starting a business with minimal upfront investment. You can start an online store selling products, offer virtual services like graphic design or web development, or create and sell online courses. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be powerful tools for marketing your business and reaching a wider audience. Consider focusing on a niche market to differentiate yourself from the competition. For example, you could sell handmade crafts, organic beauty products, or imported snacks. Learn about e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to set up your online store. Consider investing in online advertising to drive traffic to your website or social media pages.
Finding Employment Back Home: Leveraging Your Overseas Experience
If starting a business isn’t for you, there are still plenty of opportunities to find fulfilling employment back in the Philippines. Your overseas experience has likely made you a valuable asset to potential employers.
Updating Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “Managed customer service team,” say “Managed a team of 10 customer service representatives, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction.” Create a separate section to showcase your overseas experience, emphasizing the cultural adaptability, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities you’ve developed. Proofread your resume carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.
Networking and Job Boards: Utilize your network and online job boards to find job opportunities. Let your friends, family, and former colleagues know that you’re looking for a job and ask if they know of any openings. Check online job boards like JobStreet, LinkedIn, and Kalibrr regularly. Attend job fairs and career events to meet potential employers in person. Prepare an “elevator pitch” that summarizes your skills and experience in a concise and compelling way. Remember to dress professionally and make a good first impression.
Considering Industry Trends: Research which industries are growing in the Philippines and focus your job search on those sectors. The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, the tourism industry, and the manufacturing industry are all experiencing significant growth. Consider targeting companies that have international operations or partnerships, as they may value your overseas experience. Be open to learning new skills or taking on different roles that align with your interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to start at a lower level and work your way up.
Adjusting to Life Back Home: Embracing the Filipino Culture
Returning to the Philippines after living abroad can be a culture shock, even if you’re returning to your own country. Be prepared for differences in lifestyle, values, and social norms.
Reconnecting with Family and Friends: Spend quality time with your loved ones and reconnect with your roots. Attend family gatherings, participate in community events, and learn about the changes that have taken place in your hometown. Be patient with your family and friends, as they may have different expectations of you after your time abroad. Remember that your relationships are valuable assets that can provide support and companionship as you adjust to life back home.
Embracing Filipino Values: Embrace the positive aspects of Filipino culture, such as hospitality, close family ties, and strong faith. Learn to appreciate the slower pace of life and the importance of relationships over material possessions. Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid making judgments or criticisms. Instead, try to understand the perspectives of others and adapt to the local customs.
Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock: Reverse culture shock is a common experience for people who return to their home country after living abroad. You may feel alienated, frustrated, or even depressed. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support from others who have gone through similar experiences. Talk to your family, friends, or a therapist about your challenges. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that connect you to your culture, such as listening to Filipino music, watching Filipino movies, or cooking Filipino food. Remember that reverse culture shock is temporary and that you will eventually adjust to life back home.
Managing Your Finances Wisely: Building a Secure Future
Now that you’re back in the Philippines, it’s important to manage your finances wisely to ensure a secure future. This means creating a budget, saving regularly, and investing for the long term.
Creating a Budget: Track your income and expenses to create a budget that works for you. Identify areas where you can cut back on spending and allocate more money towards savings and investments. Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to monitor your progress and stay on track. Set realistic financial goals and review your budget regularly to make sure it’s still aligned with your needs and priorities. Consider seeking advice from a financial advisor to help you create a comprehensive financial plan.
Saving Regularly: Make saving a priority and set aside a portion of your income each month. Automate your savings by setting up a direct deposit from your paycheck to a savings account. Consider opening a high-yield savings account or a money market account to earn a higher interest rate. Avoid impulse spending and resist the temptation to buy things you don’t need. Remember that every little bit counts, and even small savings can add up over time.
Investing for the Long Term: Diversify your investments to reduce risk and maximize returns. Consider investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. Research different investment options carefully and choose investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consult with a financial advisor to get personalized investment advice. Be patient and stay disciplined with your investment strategy. Investing is a long-term game, and it’s important to stay focused on your goals and avoid making emotional decisions.
Staying Healthy and Well: Prioritizing Your Physical and Mental Health
Returning to the Philippines can be stressful, both physically and mentally. It’s important to prioritize your health and well-being to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Engage in physical activities that you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or playing sports. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to allow your body and mind to rest and recover. If you have any health concerns, consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Managing Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. Engage in hobbies or activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Talk to your friends, family, or a therapist about your stressors. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
Building a Support System: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can offer encouragement and guidance. Join a support group or community organization to connect with others who share similar experiences. Lean on your family and friends for emotional support. Remember that you’re not alone and that there are people who care about you and want to help you succeed.
Continuing Education and Personal Growth: Never Stop Learning
Even after you’ve settled back in the Philippines, it’s important to continue learning and growing as a person. This can help you stay competitive in the job market, start a successful business, or simply live a more fulfilling life.
Taking Courses and Workshops: Enroll in courses or workshops to learn new skills or upgrade your existing ones. Consider taking online courses through platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX. Attend seminars and conferences to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals. Focus on developing skills that are in demand in the Philippine job market or that are relevant to your business goals. Learning a new language, mastering a software program, or getting certified in a specific field can all enhance your career prospects.
Reading Books and Articles: Read books and articles to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date on current events and industry trends. Subscribe to relevant magazines or newsletters. Follow thought leaders and experts on social media. Make it a habit to read for at least 30 minutes each day. Choose books and articles that are both informative and enjoyable. Consider joining a book club to discuss what you’re reading with others.
Mentoring and Volunteering: Share your knowledge and experience with others by mentoring or volunteering. Offer your time and expertise to help those in need. Mentoring can be a rewarding experience that allows you to give back to your community and help others achieve their goals. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as well as opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people. Consider volunteering at a local school, hospital, or non-profit organization.
FAQ Section
Q: How much money should I save before returning to the Philippines?
A: This depends on your individual circumstances, such as your expenses, your business plans, and whether you have a family to support. As a general rule, aim to have at least six months’ worth of living expenses saved up. If you’re planning to start a business, you’ll need to save enough to cover your startup costs and living expenses for at least a year. It’s always better to overestimate your savings needs than to underestimate them. Consult with a financial advisor to get personalized advice.
Q: What are some good business ideas for returning OFWs?
A: Some popular business ideas for returning OFWs include food businesses, online stores, laundry services, and agricultural ventures. The best business idea for you will depend on your skills, interests, and the needs of your community. Do thorough market research to validate your business idea and assess the competition. Consider starting a business that addresses a specific problem or fulfills a need in your community. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with a unique business concept.
Q: How can I find a job back in the Philippines?
A: Use your network, online job boards, and career events to find job opportunities. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Prepare an “elevator pitch” that summarizes your skills and experience in a concise and compelling way. Be open to learning new skills or taking on different roles that align with your interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to start at a lower level and work your way up. Consider targeting companies that have international operations or partnerships, as they may value your overseas experience.
Q: How can I adjust to the culture back in the Philippines?
A: Spend quality time with your loved ones and reconnect with your roots. Embrace the positive aspects of Filipino culture, such as hospitality, close family ties, and strong faith. Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid making judgments or criticisms. Acknowledge any feelings of reverse culture shock and seek support from others who have gone through similar experiences. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that connect you to your culture, such as listening to Filipino music, watching Filipino movies, or cooking Filipino food. Remember that reverse culture shock is temporary and that you will eventually adjust to life back home.
Q: Where can I get financial assistance or resources for starting a business?
A: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offers seminars and resources to help entrepreneurs get started. The Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) provides financing programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also offers programs and services for returning OFWs, including entrepreneurship training and financial assistance. Consider attending seminars and workshops offered by these organizations to learn more about their programs and services. Network with other entrepreneurs and business owners to get advice and support.
References
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Philippine Franchise Association
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
Maybe you’re feeling scared, unsure, or even a little lost. That’s okay. Leaving your overseas career behind is a big step, but it’s also an opportunity to create a life filled with purpose, meaning, and connection to your roots. You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and learned valuable lessons. Now it’s time to use those experiences to build a life you truly love. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Take that first step today. Reach out to a friend, research a business idea, or simply write down your goals. You have the strength, the skills, and the support to make your dream life a reality. Welcome home, and welcome to the next exciting chapter of your life!
