Checking out price tags and
converting it to Philippine currency, who among you does this before you purchase
something in a foreign land?
According to a friend working
overseas "kapag convert ka ng convert, hindi ka mabubuhay dito sa
Singapore. You need to purchase your needs in order to live a good life. Ano pa
at nagtrabaho ka sa ibang bansa para alagaan ang pamilya kung ang sarili mo
hindi maalagaan." I suddenly remember the rule in first aid; you cannot
save others if you can't save yourself.
When you choose to work in a country
that can give you good fortune, you also have to expect expensive demands - high cost of living. You
need to live at the moment and adjust, making you a participant of that country's economic up’s
and down.
In order to live and earn the
right fortune when working outside of your country, you need to be wise with
your decisions.
Do not be an impulsive buyer. Buy
what you need – those that are efficient for your daily activities. If you are
staying in a country that do not offer tingi-tingi products like what we have
in the Philippines then make sure that what you are buying can last to your
designated period of time.
Consider healthy options. You can regrow your own food from the cut outs of your previous dish. I
found this very interesting photo on facebook (originally from http://jerryjamesstone.com/) that I keep on my phone for
reference. This will surely be a huge cut to your daily budget.
Cook your own meal. It’s cheap
and it’s an opportunity for you to nurture and expand your taste buds. It’s
also a good practice of your and every Filipino’s innate skills in cooking
yummy meals. Diba?
Open an account and save! Effin
Save! I know it’s hard, but setting aside needs and wants is a must in order to
save money. Consider simplicity and efficiency in every purchase. Ano bang
magiging value ng binili mo to improve your living?
Be happy! Make sure you enjoy
what you are doing. Stress and depression will only cause too much spending on
unnecessary relievers.
Lastly, let your relatives know
how hard it is to live outside of your own country. Do what my sister did,
invite them to come over your place and let them spend their own money for all
their needs. Hahaha! Kidding aside, it is important that your family knows what
you are going through. I understand your dilemma; just like saving, it’s hard
because of this certain mentality “Japan-japan sagot sa kahirapan”. They think
you being there will make the whole family rich, but that is only a possibility
and not everything is instant! In order to avoid dramas at kung ano-ano pa sa
pamilya, set your long term goals with them. Make them understand that in order
to achieve these goals, their participation is a must. Tigilan na rin kamo yung
pakikinig sa sinasabi ng 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
Family. Focus sa goals!
Working abroad may mean a lot to
every Filipinos who wants a detour to absolute financial gain. But we must
consider the odds – the reality that there’s no express ride to your destination
if you are not willing to pay for it. Being an OFW is expensive, pero kaya mo
yan. Magaling tayong mga pinoy diyan.
#JOTG
P.S.
The more I immerse myself to
different cultures and people, the more I realize how to value life - that you
should live it in balance and with a well state of mind. I want to meditate!
