A Start to Financial Independence

Proud Overseas Worker

There are millions of overseas (Filipino) contract workers around the world and I am honored to say that I am one. Here in Saudi Arabia alone, there are over one million OFWs (as we are popularly known or called in our country), working usually for eleven months a year --some don’t go home for 22 months, straight! We chose to work abroad for many reasons but primarily we are here to earn relatively more money and sustain our family back home.

But, is it usually the case? Not all expatriates or contract workers are the same. Some are unmarried and sometimes with no dependents, while some are breadwinners to their families back in the Philippines. Some have been contract workers for more than half of their lives, working for at least 20 years, away from their loved ones. Hearing older (or more experienced) people’s stories here can be truly inspiring or heartbreaking to some point. In 2011, I was sent here for a six-month mission (at least that’s what I thought), and 5 years forward, I am still here. And as someone in his late twenties, I believe I have a point or two to share as an OFW.

Money Talks (Usaping Pera)

It was an opportunity I was excited about. Working abroad seemed like a very mature thing to do, for me, back when I was in my early twenties. And I thought, this was a great time to start building my future.

Five years since, have I accomplished anything? Five years since, I have sought and been continuously wanting to learn something new.

One thing I noticed from the people surrounding me is that not all of them are willing or comfortable to talk about the very thing they’re here for. Money. There are a few who are on the same page as me. There is one who has started his own little farm. There are a few who are investors. The main reason why I started this blog is to, at the very least, write down all my thoughts related to money and the goals I want to achieve. Obviously, nobody wants to be labeled (or mislabeled) a stingy, greedy, materialistic, what have you, so, people rarely talk about money as if it’s all that there is about money, evil.

Thankfully, as already stated, there are of course a few who are very much willing to talk about it and clearly understand. Yes, I have been called (jokingly) a kuripot (stingy) for being tight but I don’t mind. And gladly, I met a few who are willing to hear and listen about my ways.

For now, I will keep it between the people who understand me, and this journal. It is liberating when you can express (write) freely, even if no one sees.

Coincidentally, today, 12th June is the Philippines’ Independence Day! Mabuhay tayong mga manggagawang Pilipino!