Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) means making huge sacrifices, often living far away from your loved ones to provide a better life for them. But sometimes, in the hustle of earning a living, families can lose sight of what they’re working towards together. That’s where the power of shared dreams comes in. Creating and communicating a joint family vision can be a game-changer, keeping everyone on the same page and making those long-distance struggles feel worthwhile.
Why Shared Dreams Matter for OFW Families
Imagine your family as a ship sailing across the ocean. Without a clear destination (a shared dream), everyone might be rowing in different directions, or worse, you might just drift aimlessly. Shared dreams give your family direction and purpose. They help you make decisions about how to spend your money, how to invest your time, and what to prioritize. Think about it: are you saving for a house? To send your kids to the best schools? To start a business when you return home? Knowing the “why” behind your hard work can make the “how” a lot easier. According to a 2022 study on OFW families by the Philippine Statistics Authority, families with clear financial goals reported higher levels of satisfaction and financial security.
For OFWs, the distance can create a sense of disconnect. Family members back home might not fully understand the challenges you face abroad, and you might feel out of touch with their daily lives. Shared dreams can bridge this gap. Talking regularly about your collective goals, involving everyone in the planning process, and celebrating milestones together can strengthen your bond and create a sense of unity despite the physical separation.
Starting the Conversation: Discovering Your Family’s Dreams
So, how do you actually create these shared dreams? It starts with a conversation. Don’t assume you already know what everyone wants. Sit down (virtually or in person, whenever possible) and ask open-ended questions. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Instead, try these:
- “What are you most excited about for the future?”
- “If we could do anything together as a family, what would it be?”
- “What kind of life do you envision for us in the next 5, 10, or even 20 years?”
- “What values are most important to us as a family?”
Listen attentively to each other’s answers. Don’t interrupt or judge. Remember, the goal is to understand each other’s aspirations and find common ground. You might be surprised by what you discover. Your child might dream of becoming a doctor, while your spouse wants to open a small store. Perhaps everyone shares the desire to travel and see the world. Write down all ideas—both big and small—on a piece of paper or a shared online document. No dream is too silly or too ambitious at this stage.
Include everyone in the conversation, especially children. Their perspectives are valuable and can bring a fresh dynamic to the discussion. Younger children can express their dreams through drawings or stories. Don’t underestimate their ability to contribute. Even seemingly small dreams, such as wanting a pet or learning a new skill, can be incorporated into the bigger picture and contribute to the overall family happiness.
Turning Dreams into Achievable Goals
Once you have a collection of dreams, it’s time to turn them into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This means breaking down those big dreams into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your family’s dream is to own a house, the SMART goals might look like this:
- Specific: Save for a down payment on a three-bedroom house in .
- Measurable: Save PHP for the down payment.
- Achievable: Set aside PHP from your income to reach the savings goal. This amount should be realistic based on your current earnings and expenses.
- Relevant: Owning a house will provide the family with a stable and comfortable home.
- Time-bound: Achieve the down payment goal within , e.g., 5 years.
Creating SMART goals makes the dream feel less overwhelming and more attainable. It also allows you to track your progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Remember to review and adjust your goals regularly as circumstances change. Life as an OFW can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key. Maybe your income changes, or a new opportunity arises. Be prepared to adapt your plans accordingly.
Communicating and Reinforcing the Family Vision
Having a shared vision is one thing; communicating and reinforcing it regularly is another. Don’t let your dreams gather dust in a notebook. Keep them alive by talking about them often. Use technology to your advantage. Schedule regular video calls with your family to discuss your progress, share updates, and stay connected. Create a shared online space, such as a private Facebook group or a shared Google Drive folder, where you can share photos, videos, and articles related to your goals. For instance, if your goal is to travel to Japan, share articles and travel blogs about Japan in your shared online space.
Visual reminders can also be powerful. Create a vision board with pictures representing your family’s dreams. Hang it in a prominent place in your home where everyone can see it. This will serve as a constant reminder of what you’re working towards. You can also create digital vision boards as shared screensavers on the family’s devices.
Celebrate milestones, no matter how small. Did you reach a savings goal of PHP 10,000? Did your child get good grades in school? Acknowledge and celebrate these achievements as a family. This will boost morale and keep everyone motivated. Celebrations don’t have to be expensive. A simple family dinner, a movie night, or a heartfelt card can go a long way.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying United
Life as an OFW family is not always easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. The key is to stay united and support each other through thick and thin. When faced with difficulties, remind yourselves of your shared dreams and why you’re working so hard. Talk openly and honestly about your feelings. Don’t bottle up your emotions. Seek support from other OFW families or support groups. There are many organizations and online communities that offer resources and encouragement to OFWs and their families.
Financial management is crucial for OFW families. Create a budget and stick to it. Avoid unnecessary spending and prioritize saving for your goals. Consider seeking financial advice from a trusted professional. Explore investment options that align with your long-term goals. Remember, the goal is not just to earn money but to manage it wisely and make it work for you.
Address conflict constructively. Disagreements are inevitable, even in the closest families. The key is to address them in a respectful and constructive manner. Listen to each other’s perspectives and try to find common ground. Remember, the goal is to resolve the conflict and move forward together. Sometimes, seeking advice from a family therapist or counselor can be helpful, especially if conflicts are recurring or difficult to resolve.
Handling Remittances Effectively
Remittances are the lifeblood of many OFW families, yet improper allocation can derail even the best-laid plans. It’s crucial to be disciplined and strategic about how these funds are used. Allocate remittances according to your SMART goals. Earmark specific amounts for savings, investments, education, and other priorities. Transparency is paramount. Regularly communicate how the money is being spent, especially to family members who are managing the funds back home. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets that are accessible to both you and your family members for expenditure tracking.
Avoid the temptation to use remittances for non-essential expenses, especially if it compromises your long-term goals. Be wary of loan offers or investment schemes that seem too good to be true. Consult with trusted financial advisors before making any major financial decisions. Consider setting up a separate bank account specifically for remittances, making it easier to track inflows and outflows. Automation helps. Set up automatic transfers to your savings or investment accounts as soon as the remittance arrives.
The Importance of Mental Health
The emotional toll of being an OFW can be significant. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, and guilt are common. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and seek support when needed. Connect with other OFWs in your community. Share your experiences and offer each other encouragement. This can help you feel less alone and more understood.
Take time for yourself to relax and recharge. Engage in activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time outdoors. Stay connected with your family back home through regular video calls and messages. Make an effort to be present and engaged during these conversations, even when you’re feeling tired or stressed.
Encourage your family members back home to prioritize their mental health as well. Living without a parent or spouse can be challenging, especially for children. Provide them with the support and understanding they need. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and seek professional help if needed. Remember, a happy and healthy family is the foundation for achieving your shared dreams.
Returning Home: A New Chapter
Many OFWs dream of returning home permanently to be with their families. Planning for this transition is essential. Start saving and investing early so you have the financial resources to support yourself when you return. Consider starting a business or learning a new skill to increase your earning potential. Research job opportunities in your field. Update your resume and start networking with potential employers.
Prepare your family for your return. Talk about your expectations and theirs. Discuss how your roles and responsibilities will change now that you’re home. Be patient and understanding as everyone adjusts to the new dynamic. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious and fulfilling life together.
According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), reintegration programs can significantly improve an OFW’s chances of successfully adjusting back. Take advantage of available government programs that can provide reintegration assistance, training, and even entrepreneurial support. Prepare yourself emotionally too for the possible reverse culture shock upon revisiting the Philippines.
Examples of Shared Dreams in Action
Let’s look at some real-life examples of how shared dreams have helped OFW families thrive:
- The Reyes Family: Maria, an OFW in Singapore, worked tirelessly as a domestic helper to send her children to college. She and her husband, back in the Philippines, regularly discussed their children’s education goals and involved them in the financial planning process. This shared focus on education motivated the children to excel in their studies and eventually graduate with honors.
- The Santos Family: Jose, a construction worker in Saudi Arabia, dreamed of starting a small business when he returned home. He and his wife, Elena, researched different business opportunities online and attended seminars together during his vacation. They even started saving a small amount each month specifically for their business venture. When Jose finally returned home, they were able to open a small grocery store that provided a stable income for their family.
- The Cruz Family: Ana, a nurse in the UK, wanted to provide her children with the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures. She and her kids created a vision board with pictures of places they wanted to visit. They saved money each month and took advantage of travel deals whenever possible. Over the years, they were able to visit several countries together, creating lasting memories and broadening their horizons.
These are just a few examples of how shared dreams can transform the lives of OFW families. By setting clear goals, communicating effectively, and supporting each other, you can achieve remarkable things, even when separated by distance.
Useful Tools and Resources for OFW Families
Fortunately, the digital age offers numerous tools that can aid OFWs and their families in communicating, managing finances, and staying connected.
- Communication Apps: WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger are ubiquitous for free video calls and messaging.
- Budgeting Apps: Apps like Mint, Personal Capital, or local Philippine-based alternatives, helps in tracking expenses and setting budgets.
- Remittance Services Apps: Western Union, Remitly, and WorldRemit streamline international money transfers. Always compare the fees and exchange rates.
- Online Learning Platforms: Coursera, Udemy, and TESDA Online Program offer courses for self-improvement or skills development. The TESDA (https://www.tesda.gov.ph/) provides vocational and technical training programs.
- Facebook Groups/Online Communities: Groups for OFWs in specific regions offer support and information sharing.
FAQ Section
How do we start discussing shared dreams when we haven’t done it before?
Start slow and casual. Pick a comfortable time, like during a weekend video call. Begin by sharing your own dreams and aspirations, then gently invite others to do the same. You can say something like, “I’ve been thinking a lot about the future, and I’d love to hear what you’re all dreaming about.” Remember, the goal is to create a safe and open space for communication. Don’t put pressure on anyone to share if they’re not ready.
What if we have conflicting dreams?
Conflicts are normal. The key is to find compromises that work for everyone. Focus on finding common ground and prioritize the needs of the family as a whole. For example, if one person wants to invest in a business but another person wants to save for a house, you could agree to allocate a portion of your savings to both goals. Remember that it is important to hear out each family member before deciding on long-term goals.
How can we stay motivated when things get tough?
Remind yourselves of your shared dreams and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Create visual reminders, like vision boards, and read them regularly. Seek support from other OFW families or couples. Most importantly, communicate regularly and support each other’s mental and emotional well-being. Set aside time to pursue personal relaxation activities together or separately to recharge yourselves before facing the tasks again.
How do we deal with unforeseen financial emergencies?
Having an emergency fund is crucial. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate account. This will help you cover unexpected costs, such as medical bills or job loss, without derailing your long-term goals. Review your insurance coverage regularly to make sure you have adequate protection. Be flexible and willing to adjust your budget and priorities as needed.
What if I’m not good at financial planning?
There are many resources available to help you improve your financial literacy. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and seminars on budgeting, saving, and investing. Consult with a trusted financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance. Many banks and financial institutions also offer free financial education programs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Taking control of your finances is an investment in your future.
References
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). Survey on Overseas Filipinos
Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). Reintegration Programs for OFWs
Ready to take the next step towards a brighter future for your family? Don’t wait any longer. Start the conversation today! Schedule a family meeting, grab a pen and paper (or open a shared document online), and start dreaming together. Remember, the power of shared dreams can transform your family’s life, even across the miles. Start small, stay connected, and watch your dreams become a reality. What’s stopping you from building a stronger, more united, and more fulfilling future for your loved ones?
