How did you do it Jenny?

If you wish to work overseas

To start off, there are a dozens of ways how to get to and be able to work outside the country.  But what Im gonna share on this page is how I started and the stuff I prepared to work abroad.

This is gonna be long.I hope you are patient enough! :)

DOCUMENTS

First and foremost, you wont be able to work anywhere outside the Philippines if you dont have the required documents. Passport, NSO, CENOMAR,NBI and the list goes on.If you desire to work abroad, I suggest you do this step after you decide which country to apply. Required documents may vary depending on which country to wish to go. In my case, I have been aiming for Japan. This country is known to be so strict and if you think you can fake some papers to submit for Japan application, think many times over. TRUST is a big thing in Japan, dont try to forfeit your chances just because you are a slacker. Personally, I have spent 1 year preparing all my documents.  Im sure getting all the papers done shouldnt take that long, but I have reasons, which I will share later. So again, DOCUMENTS.

FINANCES

Pre, during and post APPLICATION processes, money is a must. Before my application, I spent money going back and forth to process all my papers. I was working as an ESL Teacher after my Call Center Era. Teacher's salary wounldnt amount much. So while I was working and providing for my own needs and covering some expenses at home, I also had to pay for my documents. Thats what took me 1 year to complete my papers. I solely relied on my salary and I didn't want to borrow money, so I had to do what  I can with the resources at hand.

During application, you would need money to go back and forth to the agency where you submitted your application. Jeepney fares might sound tiny, like 7 pesos here and there, but if you sum it all up after you have gone to the office many times, you will be surprised.

After I got hired, I still had to spend for my everyday food and basic necessities lie Sanitary napkin, shampoo, toothpaste and stuff. So yes, be financially prepared.

I know we Filipinos have the tendency of borrowing money in advance to support us while we are in the process of application. Just a reminder guys, APPLICATION ABROAD does not succeed overnight. Its a long and winding journey.Sometimes draining, exhausting, excruciating. If you can, please avoid borrowing money. Not only its mind bugging because of the amount, but its also stressful to think that you have debts to pay, way before you even got yourself a job abroad.

RELATIONSHIPS

When I first expressed to my family that I wanted to work abroad, they were reluctant to the idea. Im an only daughter of two siblings. My parents were not very welcoming to the thought of me going overseas. In addition to that, I intended to apply for a laundry internship in Japan. So the whole clan, called my undesirable names, ridiculed me and  were at some point, kinda "disowned" me. My advice is, if you have a dream, love it so much that you would do ANYTHING just to make it come true. Not to get back to the people who didnt believe in you, but to prove to yourself that YOU are someone amazing and great. That my friend truly feels great. Dont worry about Family Relationships. No parents can hold it long to disown their kid. The only feeling you have to always consider is your parents'. At some point, we, children are gonna hurt our parents. Thats inevitable, but show them that they have done a great job raising a MASTERPIECE. 

In my case, I might have had it a little bit extreme, but looking back at it now, I can say "It was a hell of a ride, but it was worth it.". 

So what Im saying here is, be prepared to be emotionally hurt, when you decide to work overseas.

HEART

We think that by working abroad, we earn much money and be happy. Thats the facade shown to us by many OFWs.. They smile because thats their only way to hide their pain while they are miles and miles away from their family.. OFWs' hearts are bruised and pained, working so damn hard just to make sure that they are providing a convenient life for their loved ones at home.I for one, was once an OFW in Japan. Yes, I get to earn money much much more than what I used to earn back in our country, but the price I had to pay, man, it was hard. So if and when u want to work abroad, think a thousand times. Consider the pros and cons and and condition yourself to expect the unexpected. Because, getting your heart broken is one of the guaranteed price to pay should you decide to work outside the country.

Ill end here.. I'll think of something else to write and when I have a chance to write! hahha thanks!

Jenny