5. Making the decision to Take the Overseas Job or NOT

For most it is as easy as considering the financial rewards of an overseas job that prompts the decision to leave or not. For some, just the thought of running away from the heavy burden of staying in the Philippines is the motivating factor.

But I realize now that I have left and come back, just what are the important considerations in leaving for an overseas job?

1. Monthly wage and benefits

The cost of living here and abroad is not the same.

Do not be quick in deciding just because your salary was tripled. Consider / ask your employer and research on the following:

a. Food allowance . Find out how much it would cost to feed yourself for a month. Include that in your expenses. Back in 2007, SR200-300/month was enough.

b. Accomodation provision or allowance. One cannot own a property in the kingdom so the sponsir usually provides a room/unit accomodation, alone or shared. Or can give you the freedom to look for your own place (with Filipinos) by giving you a monthly allowance. In 2007, SR1200/month for a 2 bedroom unit.  

c. Transportation allowance. A bus or means of transport is usually provided to and from work to your accomodation. Otherwise, ask for it or an allowance.

d. Medical Insurance. Expensive to get sick in the kingdom so be sure you are protected.

Maximize on your additional benefits other than your salary so that you have more to send back home to your family. There is no TAX in the kingdom, by the way. 

2. Be sure you are near HELP when help is needed

a. Have Pinoy co-employees and friends help you. While still in the Philippines, establish Pinoy contacts in the kingdom. Find out their contact numbers and converse with them by phone or email or chats.

b. Know how far you are from the Philippine embassy. This is a true story of a lady bus conductor here in the Philippines who was in the news back in 2007 (Arab News) who spent almost 20 years in a very remote town of the kingdom, left all by herself to fend for herself as a domestic helper. Her employer left her alone and she survived by planting and feeding herself on goats which she raised herself. She could not be reached because of the "remoteness" of her area. Oh God!

3. Settle your family and businesses before you leave.

a. If you leave who will take care of your children? How will your spouse handle your leaving? Will he continue to work or stay in the house for the children?

b. Who will handle the finances of the family? Who will receive your remittance?

c. How will your family communicate with you?

d. If you are leaving a business, end it properly. Consider if you do come back, will you have something to come back to?

IN SUMMARY, your final decision to leave or not would depend on what you will get in salary and benefits, how much help you can get from Pinoys in the kingdom and the state of your family and businesses when you leave.

Bottomline is whatever your decision, be sure its is wholly yours and not a decision made by others' opinions of  you.