Do you know someone who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)? Is that person a part of your family? Do you ever wonder how they live while working outside the country?
This is a series in which I interview OFWs (current and former) I know and ask them questions about their lives as OFWs. I hope these interviews will help us better understand our modern heroes. I compiled the questions from suggestions on my social media accounts.
The idea came to me after reading a post on Facebook. It is a rant from a wife who is angry that her husband is not giving her his entire salary. They are living luxuriously, by the way, that is why the money the husband sends is not enough. Based on what I’ve read, the husband saves a portion of his salary, so he can only give some things to his wife. It saddens me because this is becoming the norm; their families act like the money they receive is unlimited. That money came from our dear OFWs’ blood, sweat, and tears. If only they knew…
Note: I use their initials to protect their identity. I chose not to ask about financial matters, as it is a sensitive topic. Bear in mind that their answers are based on their own experiences, and there is no right or wrong answer. If you feel offended, please do not bash them.
“It takes a lot of courage to become an OFW; it is not for the faint-hearted. Do not take it lightly. The toll it can take on you and your family is sometimes irreversible.”
HA, a former caregiver in Israel
To start this series, I interviewed myself (😅😅). I worked as a caregiver in Israel for over three years (a relatively short time compared to other OFWs) and came home for good to pursue other things.
What were the reasons you chose to work abroad?
I decided I wanted to leave the country for financial and spiritual reasons. I want to earn more to give my family a better life and to experience life in the Holy Land. I also want to learn more about the Jews and the issues in Israel.
How did you cope with homesickness?
I don’t know why, but I didn’t really struggle with it. It didn’t take me a long time to adjust.
How did you adjust to the country’s culture?
Before I went to Israel, I did extensive research about the country’s culture and history. This helped me prepare mentally. Since most of the people in Israel are Jewish, they have many holidays and practices based on Judaism. So, even before I went there, I already knew about those.
How did you spend your rest days or your free time?
My rest day is only one day every month. Sometimes, I would go out with my aunt and friends. We eat outside or look for cheap stuff to put inside our “balikbayan” boxes. Other times, I would stay in our apartment and relax or sleep.
What were the changes in your life since you became an OFW?
Before becoming an OFW, I would start something and stop midway when I faced an obstacle or found it challenging. But now, I know the value of perseverance and determination. I also learned a lot about parenting and family dynamics. It is essential to allow children to follow their own path and not force them to take a particular career just because their parents want it. I observed that most Israeli parents don’t rely on their children; they try to be self-sufficient. They don’t use their children as insurance policies when they grow old. But of course, financial status plays a role in that one.
Did you still continue your tasks even when you were not feeling well?
Of course. I can’t afford to be sick because it is my job to care for someone. Paracetamol was my friend. As a live-in caregiver, it was hard to find a replacement if I got sick, so I tried to take care of my health while there. But thanks to God, I didn’t have any serious physical problems.
How did you get along, and how did you socialize with people from other races or nationalities?
I think I got along fine with every race that I met. Israelis, both Jews and Arabs, love social gatherings. As an introvert, it was hard for me to attend social events, but I managed. I just focused on the food🤣🤣. I just sat there while eating and watched them do their thing. There are many foreign workers in Israel, like Indians, Nepalese, Moldovan, Thai, and Chinese, but I didn’t have the opportunity to meet any of them.
How was your mental health?
That was my struggle. I didn’t have serious physical health problems, but I suffered from mental health problems. I had depression and social anxiety, which became worse during the pandemic. Actually, I still suffer from it, but not to the same severity while I was there. Being a caregiver 24/7 is a very demanding and draining job. It is a rewarding job but very taxing.
What was your best experience?
I was grateful to visit biblical sites like Galilee, Jerusalem, and Nazareth and to have seen places like Jericho, Bethlehem, and Nablus in the Palestinian Territories.
How about the worst?
I got harassed on public transportation that they call sherut in Israel; it’s like the UV Express here in the Philippines. A pair of teenagers grabbed my butt, and they didn’t feel ashamed at all. But I think the worst one was when my father died, and I couldn’t go home to see him for the last time because of the pandemic. That was one of the lowest points in my life.
Is becoming an OFW worth it?
Yes, it was. I was able to learn more about the Middle East. Here in the Philippines, the only news about Israel we see on television are skirmishes between the Jews and the Arabs, but we don’t know what is really happening there. I often see comments on social media that are bordering on stupidity. People are brave enough to say things even when they don’t know about the situation.
To be clear, I am neither pro-Israel nor anti-Israel. I am pro-compassion. Both sides are hurting because of their political leaders and flawed ideologies. But then the issue between them will be with us for a very long time.
What can you advise people who are planning to become an OFW?
Think about it a thousand times, especially if you have children. Pray and meditate on it. Sincerely talk about it with your respective partner. Because, honestly, most families with one parent or both parents working abroad become broken families. It takes a lot of courage to become an OFW; it is not for the faint-hearted. Do not take it lightly. The toll it can take on you and your family is sometimes irreversible.
Is there a message you would like to tell other people?
To those families who have an OFW member, please value their sacrifice. Do not waste their hard-earned money; learn to use it wisely instead. To OFWs, learn how to invest and save because being an OFW is not forever. We all grow old, and the time will come when you need to go home. Learn to say no to family members who only value you because of your money. Think about your future instead. It is not wrong to help others, but please learn to protect yourself.
Dear readers, what part of the interview fascinated you? Please feel free to like and share your opinions below.
“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.”
GEORGE MOORE