Pinoy Working Abroad: What It's Like And How To Prepare For A New Career

Is working abroad right for you?

If you’ve been thinking about taking a big career step and would like to start looking for opportunities beyond our shores, you’re certainly not alone. Many Pinoys desire and dream of making it outside our country, trying their mettle and luck against various career competitive fields. 

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are an estimated 1.77 million pinoys working abroad as of 2020. If working overseas is on your list of career goals, here are some useful things to take into consideration. 

Also read: Open to becoming a global digital talent? Download our Decoding the Global Talent reports to learn more.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad?

While it’s an exciting prospect, finding work abroad has its advantages and disadvantages. Weigh each one carefully before making the decision. It’s very common to think that working abroad means having better opportunities in your field, but be prepared to beef up your resume and portfolio before you do! 

Casting a wider net means being in a more competitive arena, so it’s best to back yourself up with experience, resources, and references. You will be going up against some of the best in your field. You want to make sure you’re qualified and ready. 

For many Pinoys, one of the objectives of seeking work abroad is higher pay. Many who work in specialized fields realize that counterparts who do the same thing they do here earn more. While that may be true in many cases, keep in mind the cost of living in that specific country, too. You may be earning in dollars, but you’ll also be spending in dollars. Set realistic scenarios about your lifestyle, and gauge whether you can adapt to those scenarios. 

The thrill of living  in an entirely new country is also part of the motivation for some who want to work abroad. Many Pinoys actively seek work in countries with fascinating cultures, and the draw of being closer to these cultures becomes a powerful motivator. On the flip side, keep a level perspective about the country you wish to work in. After all, you will be moving there for work, not for play. Adjusting to a different culture takes commitment, and possibly a change in mindset. 

Lastly, working abroad means having to deal with some loneliness and being away from the comforts of having loved ones near. For many Pinoys, leaving family members back home to chase a career abroad is an enormous challenge.

Getting ready to work abroad

Once you’ve decided that working abroad is right for you, there’s a lot of prep work to be done. Here are a few items to get you started:

Job Requirements, Processes, and Paperwork

Do due diligence with regard not only to the job you may be applying for but various processes you’ll need to undergo before you’re hired. This will include understanding the processes of applying for work permits and necessary visas, essential certificates and clearances you may need to submit, and other necessary documentation. Some positions require applicants to undergo language proficiency testing. Be meticulous when it comes to accomplishing requirements to avoid delays in hiring. You don’t want the offer to fall through because of missing paperwork. 

Polish your job search correspondence

When it comes to applying for jobs abroad, being extra will certainly give you a level up on the competition. A more polished resume or CV, or a more thoughtfully curated portfolio of your best and most recent work can boost you to the front of the line. Remember that editing is important; quality over quantity and double-check for typographical, as well as grammatical errors. 

Research organizations helping Pinoys working abroad

Familiarize yourself with government agencies that assist Filipinos working abroad. Finding out where the Philippine Embassy is located in the country you will be applying to may help in the event of a national crisis in that country. Review what benefits Filipinos may avail of from becoming a member of OWWA. Be very discerning of openings and opportunities found online. Some career postings, no matter how legitimate they appear, may be fraudulent. The POEA will only deploy employees to countries compliant with the Amended Migrant Workers Act. 

Working Abroad: Next Steps

Once you’ve gone through the rigorous process of application, you’re finally hired, and you’re off to your dream job! What are some of the next steps to take?

Make sure you’ve saved up

Uprooting becomes the next challenge, so make it as easy as you can by ensuring you have a financial safety net to help you along during your first hundred days in a new country. Make sure you have your basics covered: shelter secured, enough money to cover basics, and a few sundries to make the adjustment in a new country bearable. 

Find your community

Finding Pinoy communities in other countries can offer comfort and support that only a kababayan can. Familiar faces and similar experiences can add ease during a period of adjustment. Activities centered around celebrating Filipino food and culture can preserve the connections to home. Plus, it’s always nice making a new friend who’s also a fellow Pinoy when you’re abroad! 

Keep in touch digitally

One of the best things about working abroad in the digital age is all the technology available at our fingertips to keep in touch with loved ones. With a whole variety of ways to message family and friends, whether that be through the wonders of video calling or instant messaging, support and encouragement are only a screen away. Your loved ones will feel closer to you the more often you keep in touch, albeit the difference in time zones. 

Give them the best of what you’ve got

There’s a reason why you were hired, so don’t let your new employers forget it! Take pride in being able to land the job you applied for, and make sure to add a touch of the Pinoy flair in whatever you do!

We’ve got more ideas and helpful suggestions for you. JobStreet has all the Career Tools to help you practice for an interview, build your resume, or map out your career.

Ready to find a career abroad? Then #LetsGetToWork!

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