As Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the decision to leave our homeland and work abroad is never easy. Our desire to provide a better life for our families propels us to brave the unfamiliar, to face the challenges of being far from home. It’s a journey of sacrifice, fueled by love and responsibility.
However, the perception back home often reduces us to being mere “ATMs,” providers of financial support. Families eagerly await remittances, sometimes overlooking the fact that behind this financial support is a person grappling with challenges in a foreign land. Money cannot define the entirety of our experience; we are more than just a source of income.
What does feeling like an ATM Machine Mean?
It’s not a stretch to say that OFWs have been labeled as “ATMs,” but what does this really mean? It means being reduced to a mere source of financial support.
In this situation, our personal struggles and sacrifices are often overlooked. It also implies the expectation to consistently provide for our families back home, without taking into consideration our own well-being and needs.
Our families may only think of us during salary payday because it’s the time when we send our ‘hulog‘ to them for their benefit. “When will you send the money mom/dad?” or “When can we buy this or that, ate/kuya?” or “Balae, give us money for the wedding!” – questions like these are asked regularly, disregarding our own experiences and challenges abroad. This creates a pressure to work harder and send more money, leading us to take on multiple jobs or work long hours.
Also read: OWWA Membership: Steps to Become a Member of OWWA
Why do Overseas Filipino Workers Send Money Home?
Aside from the obvious reason of providing for our loved ones, there are other underlying motivations as to why OFWs send money home.
- Firstly, it’s a way for us to show our love and care. Being physically absent can make us feel guilty and sending money is one way to compensate for our absence. It’s also a form of gratitude towards our families who have supported us in our decision to work abroad.
- Secondly, we are driven by the dream of a better life for our families. We want to give them access to better education, healthcare, and opportunities that may not be available in our home country. Seeing our loved ones live a comfortable life is what motivates us to continue working hard despite the challenges.
- Lastly, sending money home also serves as a form of investment for our future. We may not be able to work abroad forever, so we make sure that our families have financial stability when we eventually return.
The Reality of Being an OFW
Being an OFW is not as glamorous as it may seem. Behind the success stories and achievements that we proudly share are struggles and sacrifices that we endure every day. We face loneliness, homesickness, discrimination, and challenges with our employers. We work in jobs that are not aligned with our qualifications, just to earn a living.
Moreover, the pressure to continuously send money home can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. It’s important for us as OFWs to recognize the importance of taking care of ourselves, not just financially but also emotionally and mentally.
Breaking the “ATM” Stereotype
Being labeled or treated as an “ATM” can feel dehumanizing, especially when our sacrifices and contributions are not fully recognized. But we have the power to break this stereotype.
We can start by educating our families about the realities of being an OFW and setting boundaries when it comes to financial expectations. We should also prioritize our own well-being and not let ourselves be consumed by the pressure to constantly send money home.
Furthermore, we can use our platform as OFWs to advocate for better treatment and support from the government and society.
How to Avoid our Families from Viewing us as ATMs
As much as we would like to change the perception of our families, it may not be an easy feat. After all, they have been accustomed to relying on our financial support. However, here are some ways we can avoid being viewed solely as “ATMs”:
- Communicate openly and regularly with our families about our struggles and achievements abroad
- Share our experiences and let them understand the challenges we face as OFWs
- Encourage them to value our presence and time, not just the financial support we provide
- Remind them that we are more than just a money machine, but also individuals with needs and feelings
- Set boundaries and prioritize our own well-being while still fulfilling our responsibilities to our families
Here are some tips on YouTube on how you can make your money work for you instead of the other way around. Again, we won’t be working overseas forever so let’s plan our future together and as early as possible:
Let’s Break the Stereotype and Embrace Our Full Identity as OFWs
As much as it may be ingrained in our culture to view OFWs as “ATMs,” let’s not let this stereotype define us. Let’s continue to strive for a better life for our families, but also remember that we are more than just providers of financial support.
We are hardworking individuals with our own struggles and stories, and our sacrifices should be recognized and valued. Let’s break the stereotype and embrace our full identity as OFWs – loving, responsible, and resilient individuals who are more than just “ATMs.”
So let’s continue to work hard for our families back home, but also remember to take care of ourselves and never forget the importance of being seen as more than just a money machine.
We are OFWs. We are workers, dreamers, and heroes in our own right.
In Conclusion
Being an OFW is more than just being a money machine. It’s a journey of sacrifice, resilience, and determination. As a society, let’s shift our perspective from viewing OFWs as mere financial providers and acknowledge their contributions to our country’s economy and society.
To all the OFWs out there, remember that you are more than just an “ATM.” Your sacrifices and hard work are appreciated and valued. Keep striving for a better future for your families and never forget to take care of yourself as well.