Working It

Been there, done that.

I left a rather successful career in the Philippines, office furniture and all, in order to live with my husband overseas. His job offer was too good to pass up, and it would really help us jump-start the finances of our young family considerably. The decision to accept it, really, was hubby’s because if it were all up to me, I’d rather stay in Pinas (my comfort zone) as a complete family and make-do with my meager salary.

However, our final decision was: to let him leave, but only if we leave with him also.

First of all, married people are supposed to be together – through thick and thin, hard times and good, here, there, or wherever. Besides, we are lucky that we were given the option to leave as a family, which some overseas workers don’t have the luxury of.

Secondly, we have a daughter who deserves to grow up right before her father’s eyes. I’ve seen what happens to families left behind by OFWs – I believe that, remittances (or money, for that matter) will never replace good parenting. For this omission, we pay a greater price, and I do not want to pay.

Thirdly, leaving behind everything that we are used to, opens us up for new challenges. Hubby will improve his professional skills (and even be well-compensated fo it), my daughter will grow up learning from a culture so different from her own, and I will develop survival skills (ehem, domestic skills) which I would never have learned had I not left my comfort zone.

For us, it really has been a win-win situation. I wish that everyone will be as lucky as we are – that we were able to leave to seek greener pastures, and yet live together as a family.

MrsWorkingGirl :: Jun.30.2009 :: WS Chika Tuesday :: 1 Comment »