Why I Chose the OFW Life (And What I Wish I Knew Before Leaving)

I left home to work abroad—not out of ambition, but out of necessity. In this post, I share the honest reasons behind becoming an OFW, the quiet struggles that come with it, and the lessons I wish someone had told me before I left. If you’re thinking about working overseas or just want to understand what it’s really like, this story is for you.

A Personal Choice (That Felt Like the Only One)

At 28, I packed my life into one suitcase and left home. It wasn’t because I wanted to "travel the world" or "live the dream"—I left because I needed to survive.

After four years of working minimum-wage jobs back home, I was barely getting by. Bills kept piling up, the mortgage wasn’t going anywhere, and I was always one emergency away from losing everything. I knew that if I didn’t make a big move soon, I’d be stuck in that cycle for the rest of my life.

That’s how I became an OFW.

Why I Took the Leap

  • To Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
    It felt like no matter how hard I worked, I was always broke by the second week of the month. Rent, groceries, bills—they ate up everything. I just wanted to breathe without worrying about money all the time.

  • Because I Needed to Stand on My Own Two Feet
    Leaving wasn’t about chasing something grand—it was about survival. I wanted to earn enough to cover the basics, pay off debts, and have something left over. That was already a dream in itself.

  • To Build Something Better
    I kept thinking about the future—having a home I could call my own, maybe starting a family someday, or just being able to save for once. I wanted more than just "getting by."

What I Wish I Knew Before I Left

1. You will miss everything.
From birthdays to late-night family kwentuhan—even the noisy tricycle rides. Homesickness hits hard, and it doesn’t go away just because you’re busy.

2. More money doesn’t mean less stress.
Sure, you earn more—but expenses abroad are no joke. Add the pressure of sending money home, and sometimes it feels like you’re back to square one.

3. Saying "no" isn’t selfish.
When people know you’re earning more, they expect more. But I learned (after burning out) that it’s okay to prioritize your own needs too. Boundaries are healthy.

4. Not every workplace is kind.
Some OFWs deal with long hours, toxic bosses, or broken contracts. I was lucky, but I’ve heard enough stories to say this: always double-check everything before signing. Know your rights.

5. You have to think ahead.
In the beginning, I was just focused on surviving the month. But the truth is, this can’t be forever. Save when you can. Learn new skills. Start planning for your return—because one day, you’ll want to go home for good.

If You're Thinking About Leaving Too...

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting more. Becoming an OFW isn’t easy—it’s brave, it’s painful, and sometimes it feels thankless. But for many of us, it’s the only way to change our story.

Just make sure you go with a plan, a support system, and the courage to protect your peace. You’ll grow in ways you never imagined—and maybe one day, you'll look back and realize just how strong you really are.

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