This article is for you, our amazing OFWs! You work hard, you’re resilient, and you contribute so much. This guide helps you figure out your strengths and how to use them to get ahead in your current job or plan for an even brighter future back home.
Knowing Yourself: What Are Your Strengths?
Okay, let’s start with the basics. What are strengths? They’re not just things you’re good at. They’re things you enjoy doing, things that make you feel energized, and things you do naturally well. Identifying these core strengths is key. For OFWs, this is especially important. You’re often working in challenging environments, away from family and friends, and knowing your strengths gives you confidence and helps you adapt.
Think about your daily work life. What tasks do you actually look forward to? Maybe you’re a whiz at fixing things, a natural problem-solver, or perhaps you’re excellent at talking to people and making them feel comfortable. Maybe you have a knack for organizing events for your fellow OFWs, or helping those in need. These could be hidden strengths waiting to be discovered! Don’t underestimate these “little things,” they are your gold.
Sometimes, asking for help can be very insightful. It’s hard for us to see ourselves clearly. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers back home (or even your current workmates) what they think you’re good at. What do they rely on you for? The answers might surprise you. Maybe they see a strength in you that you haven’t even recognized yourself. Try asking them specific questions like, “When have you seen me at my best?” or “What do you think I’m naturally good at?”.
Example: Let’s say Maria works as a caregiver abroad. She’s been doing it for years. She might think her strength is just “taking care of people.” But if she digs deeper, she might realize her real strength is her patience and her ability to connect with elderly individuals who are lonely. This is a powerful strength that she can use to negotiate better terms, find specialized caregiving roles, or even start her own caregiving business back home.
Strength Assessment Tools: Are They Helpful?
There are many online tools that can help you identify your strengths. Some are free, and some require a subscription. The VIA Character Strengths Survey (VIA Institute on Character) is a free survey that identifies your top character strengths. It can be a great starting point for self-discovery. Remember, these tools are just guides. The most important thing is your own reflection and understanding of yourself.
However, it’s important to approach these tests with a critical eye. Don’t blindly accept the results. Think about whether they resonate with your own experiences and observations. Are there any surprises? Do the results highlight potential strengths you haven’t considered before? Use the results as a conversation starter for self-discovery, not as a definitive label.
Turning Strengths Into Career Advantages
Now that you have a better idea of your strengths, let’s talk about how to use them to your advantage. This is where the magic happens! It’s not enough to just know your strengths; you need to actively leverage them in your work and career.
Communicating Your Strengths to Your Employer
Learn to talk about your strengths confidently. This is important when you’re applying for a new job, asking for a raise, or seeking a promotion. Don’t be shy about highlighting what you bring to the table. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to effectively describe your accomplishments in past roles. For example, instead of saying “I’m a good problem-solver,” say “In my previous role, I identified a recurring issue in our inventory system (Situation). My task was to find a solution that would minimize errors (Task). I analyzed the data, identified the root cause, and implemented a new tracking system (Action). As a result, we reduced inventory errors by 20% and saved the company money (Result).”
When talking to an employer, frame your strengths in terms of how they can benefit the company. Employers are interested in what you can do for them, not just what you’re good at. Show them how your strengths will help them achieve their goals. For example, if you are excellent with team-working, emphasize in your capacity proposal how it can create a more efficient environment. This showcases your awareness and capabilities to provide a great outcome for the company.
Example: Ben can tailor his approach based on the job. Ben is applying for a job as a driver. If the job descriptions focus on punctuality and reliability, Ben emphasizes his excellent track record of on-time deliveries and his commitment to safety. If the job emphasizes customer interaction, Ben will emphasize his friendly attitude and his ability to make passengers feel comfortable.
Finding the Right Job Fit
Not all jobs are created equal. Some jobs will allow you to use your strengths more than others. Think about what kind of work truly excites you and aligns with your natural talents. If you hate working with numbers, for example, a job as an accountant probably isn’t the best fit, even if it pays well. Look for jobs that allow you to leverage your strengths and pursue your passions.
You can use your time as an OFW to gain experience in different areas. If you’re not happy with your current role, look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities that align with your strengths. Volunteer for projects, take on extra training, or seek out mentorship opportunities. These experiences will not only help you develop new skills but also give you a better understanding of what you enjoy and where your strengths lie.
Upskilling and Reskilling: Enhancing Your Strengths
The world is constantly changing, and the job market is evolving. To stay competitive, you need to continuously learn and develop new skills. This is especially important for OFWs who may have been working in the same role for many years. Online courses, workshops, and certifications can help you enhance your strengths and build new skills that are in demand. Websites like Coursera (Coursera), Udemy (Udemy), and LinkedIn Learning (LinkedIn Learning) offer a wide range of courses on various topics.
Think about how you can use new skills to complement your existing strengths. Learning new skills allows you to leverage your current strengths and be even more successful. For example, if you’re a good communicator, learning a new language or improving your presentation skills can open up new opportunities for you. In this day and age, there are many options to learn new skills without breaking the bank. Some trainings are partially subsidized or even free. Check with TESDA or other entities in your area.
It’s also important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in your industry. Read industry publications, attend webinars, and network with other professionals. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to adapt to changes and take advantage of new opportunities. Use the Internet to your advantage.
Planning for Your Future Back Home
For many OFWs, the ultimate goal is to return home and build a better life for themselves and their families. Planning for this transition is crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about what you want to do when you return home. The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) (NRCO Website) offers reintegration programs and services to returning OFWs.
Starting Your Own Business: A Dream Come True?
Many OFWs dream of starting their own business. This can be a great way to be your own boss, leverage your skills, and create jobs for others. However, starting a business is not easy. It requires careful planning, hard work, and a willingness to take risks. Before you take the leap, make sure you have a solid business plan, adequate funding, and a clear understanding of the market.
Think about how your strengths can be used to solve a problem or meet a need in your community. What are you passionate about? What skills do you have that others would be willing to pay for? Do market research, to identify potential customers and competition. Don’t be afraid to start small and test your ideas. Seek advice from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors. Remember, failures are part of the learning process. Embrace them and learn from them.
Micro-financing or micro-loans are available through the government or private entities which cater to small business owners. Ensure to explore all your options so you can start on a good foot. The government and many NGOs do provide business start-up services in the form of seminars and consultations — maximize them.
Avoid falling for “get-rich-quick” schemes or MLM opportunities that promise high returns with little effort. Legitimate business opportunities require hard work, dedication, and a sustainable business model.
Investing in Yourself: The Best Investment You Can Make
Investing in yourself is always the best investment you can make. This includes investing in your education, your skills, and your health. Take courses, attend workshops, read books, and seek out mentors who can help you grow and develop. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. The more you invest in yourself, the more valuable you become.
This doesn’t have to mean spending a huge amount of money, rather investing in something that will pay you back in the long run. Remember, investing in yourself could simply be taking care of your mental and physical health to ensure that you stay productive. Make sure to maintain a good lifestyle balance, especially when you return home. Adjusting to the pace of life could be crucial to your long-term investments.
Consider these scenarios:
- Scenario 1: Caregiving Expertise + Language Skills. Imagine an OFW who has been a caregiver for several years. She excels at providing compassionate care and has a strong understanding of elderly individuals’ needs. She then takes online courses to improve her Japanese language skills. Upon returning to the Philippines, she could leverage her combined skills to work as a caregiver for Japanese expats, offering personalized care and companionship, hence being able to charge higher rates accordingly.
- Scenario 2: Construction Skills + Project Management. An OFW working in construction gains valuable experience in building and renovation. He also picks up some project management skills. He invests in a short course in project management and upon returning home, could leverage his construction, project management and people skills to start a small construction company.
Building a Strong Network: Your Support System
Your network is one of your most valuable assets. Build relationships with other OFWs, with people in your industry, and with people who can help you achieve your goals. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with people through social media. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire and ask for advice. Your network can provide you with valuable insights, opportunities, and support.
Make use of social media and stay connected with fellow OFWs globally. A lot of times, job opportunities are provided through these avenues. This can also provide a support system as you are transitioning to the new life back home.
Overcoming Challenges: The OFW Resilience
Being an OFW is not easy. You face many challenges, including being away from your family, adjusting to a new culture, and dealing with difficult working conditions. It’s important to develop resilience and learn how to cope with stress. Practice self-care, maintain a positive attitude, and seek out support from your family, friends, and community. Remember, you are not alone. Many OFWs have faced similar challenges and have overcome them.
Take note of organizations who look after returning OFWs to assist you with the transition. Also, the most critical thing is to not give yourself a hard time as you are in the process of readjusting to things. Your resilience and hard work while working abroad should be enough to carry you through the whole transition.
FAQ Section
What if I don’t know what my strengths are?
That’s okay! It takes time and effort to discover your strengths. Start by asking yourself what you enjoy doing, what you’re naturally good at, and what makes you feel energized. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers for their input. Use online assessment tools as a guide, but don’t rely on them entirely. The most important thing is to be open to self-discovery and to experiment with different activities to see what resonates with you.
How can I use my strengths to get a better job abroad?
Highlight your strengths in your resume, cover letter, and job interviews. Use the STAR method to describe your accomplishments and showcase how your strengths have helped you achieve results in the past. Research the specific requirements of the job and tailor your application to highlight the strengths that are most relevant. Network with other OFWs and industry professionals to learn about job opportunities and get advice on how to stand out from the competition.
What if I want to start a business back home, but I don’t have any money?
Starting a business with limited funds can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Start by creating a solid business plan and identify your funding options. Explore micro-financing opportunities, government grants, and loans from family and friends. Consider starting small and bootstrapping your business until you can generate enough revenue to reinvest. Focus on providing high-quality products or services that meet a specific need in your community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek advice from experienced entrepreneurs.
How can I balance my work life with my family life as an OFW?
Balancing work and family life as an OFW is a constant challenge. It requires careful planning, clear communication, and a strong support system. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Prioritize spending quality time with your loved ones when you’re home. Use technology to stay connected with them when you’re away. Maintain open communication with your family about your work and your challenges. Seek support from other OFWs, support groups, and mental health professionals when you need it.
Where can I find resources for OFWs who are returning home?
The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) is a government agency that provides reintegration programs and services to returning OFWs. They offer training, counseling, and financial assistance to help OFWs start businesses, find jobs, and adjust to life back home. You can also find resources from other NGOs and community organizations that support OFWs.
References
National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO). (n.d.). NRCO Website.
VIA Institute on Character. (n.d.). VIA Character Strengths Survey.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You’ve learned about identifying your strengths and how to leverage them. Now it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Take some time to reflect on your strengths. Ask for feedback from others. Start taking small steps to leverage your strengths in your work and career. Invest in yourself by learning new skills and building your network. Plan for your future back home. You have the potential to achieve great things. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. You’ve got this!
