The OFW life can be rewarding, but it’s also not for everyone. It requires a lot of sacrifices and challenges that can take a toll on one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. One of the major downsides of working abroad is the separation from loved ones, specifically leaving behind one’s family.
OFWs who leave behind their families face a unique set of challenges and issues. If you plan to work overseas, you have to consider not only the benefits but also the possible drawbacks and how you can address them. Because you are leaving your family behind, you also need to make sure that they are well taken care of while you are away.
Overview
An OFW is defined as a Filipino who is employed outside the Philippines. Hence the term “overseas worker”. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are approximately 1.96 million OFWs working around the world as of April to September 2022. Most of these workers leave their families behind in search of better job opportunities and higher incomes.
Working abroad has been a staple in the Filipino culture for decades. It has become a means for many Filipinos to provide a better life for their families back home. However, this also means spending long periods away from their loved ones – often times years at a time.
Why do Filipinos get better opportunities overseas?
In 2023, while the economy in the Philippines is growing, the quality of work is still not as competitive compared to other countries. This is often the case in industries such as healthcare, engineering, and IT where skilled workers are in high demand overseas. These professions require specialized skills that are not readily available in the country. Many Filipinos struggle to find decent paying jobs that can sustain their families’ needs. This is why working abroad has become a common option for many Filipino workers.
Another reason OFWs get better opportunities overseas is because they are highly skilled and in-demand in other countries. The demand for Filipino workers abroad has been high due to their proficiency in English and their strong work ethic.
Reasons Why Leaving Families Behind Create Major Challenges
One of the major challenges that OFWs face is the distance from their families:
- Feelings of loneliness, homesickness, and isolation can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Loss of quality time with families, including missing important milestones and events, creates strain on relationships and impacts emotional well-being.
- Being unavailable for personal care of family during times of need is particularly challenging for OFWs with aging parents or young children requiring constant support.
- In addition, the absence of physical presence in the household can create a gap in parenting and affect the upbringing and development of children.
- Financial responsibilities towards their families back home also add to the challenges that OFWs face. They are expected to provide for their loved ones’ needs, which can put a strain on their own finances.
- The pressure to succeed and meet the expectations of their families can also be a major challenge for OFWs. Some may feel the need to work longer hours or take on multiple jobs in order to send more money back home, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
The separation often leads to emotional strain, and the families must grapple with the social and psychological implications of having a loved one working far away. In the following sections, we delve further into the complex dynamics within families of OFWs and the critical issues they contend with.
Long Term Effects of Being Away from Home
The impact of long-term separation on both OFWs and their families can be overwhelming. The physical absence of a parent or spouse, especially for an extended period, has consequences that are felt by all members of the family.
On Children
OFW children often experience feelings of abandonment, confusion, and sadness due to the absence of a parent. They may also struggle with their identity and sense of belonging as they grow up without one or both parents.
The lack of parental guidance can also affect their behavior and emotional well-being. Children may turn to other sources for support, which can put them at risk for negative influences such as peer pressure or involvement in illegal activities.
On Spouses
The spouse left behind must take on the role of both parents, which can be physically and emotionally taxing. They are faced with additional responsibilities and may experience loneliness and feelings of resentment towards their partner working abroad.
Financial issues can also put a strain on the relationship, as it is often the spouse who manages the remittances and makes decisions on how to use the money sent by the OFW.
How to Keep Relationships Alive and Healthy While Abroad
Despite these challenges, many families of OFWs have found ways to cope with the separation. Some of the coping mechanisms include:
- Regular communication through technology such as video calls or messaging apps. This helps bridge the distance and allows families to stay connected despite being physically apart.
- Setting up a support system by building relationships with other OFW families in the same situation. They can provide emotional support and understanding, as they are going through similar experiences.
- Educating family members on financial management to ensure that the remittances are used wisely and for long-term goals such as education or savings.
- Prioritizing mental health and seeking professional help if needed. This is especially important for OFWs who may be dealing with the stress of being away from their families.
Reminder to All OFWs
A reminder to all Filipinos working abroad, please don’t forget that your time away from your family should just be temporary. Don’t be an OFW forever because no amount of money can replace the time and memories lost with your loved ones. Make sure to prioritize maintaining a strong relationship with your family, as they are your support system in times of need.
Keep in touch regularly and make an effort to be present during important events, even if it means sacrificing some work opportunities. Remember that family is the most important thing in life, and no job or amount of money can ever replace the love and support they provide.
Video: OFW Stories of Parents and Children
Here’s a helpful and touching video that showcases the experience of OFWs and their families, particularly the children left behind. It highlights the challenges they face and how they cope with the separation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, working overseas has its benefits and challenges for OFWs. While it provides better opportunities and financial stability for their families, it also comes with sacrifices such as being away from loved ones for extended periods.
The impact on both OFWs and their families can be significant, but with the right coping mechanisms and support, they can overcome these challenges and thrive despite the distance.