 “All my bags are packed,I’m ready to go...”
Are you hoping to find the lyrics of Chantal Kreviazuk’s revival of John Denver’s song? Oooops! Sorry, you won’t find it here. This song has really become popular for those who have decided to leave their hometowns and travel around the globe and work abroad. It doesn’t matter how far or how near, and whether the timeframe will be for weeks, months or even for years. This song has become the so-called “national anthem” for these people. But as they are singing the first few lines, do they really know what it means? If you are one of them, you might want to ask yourself this question:
ARE YOU REALLY READY TO GO?
Here are some useful tips for those who are planning to work abroad:
1. MAKE A RESEARCH ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
You don’t need to know everything about the place. But at least take time to know the essentials such as the climate, way of living, transportation, cost of living and especially the culture. This will help you survive your first few days in your so-called “new world.” This will also minimize the effects of getting a culture shock.
2. PACK ONLY THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT YOU WILL NEED
Aside from the fact that most airlines will only allow you 20kg-30kg of check-in baggage (you wouldn’t want to pay any excess right?), you don’t need to bring your whole cabinet with you. Just make sure that you have the complete set of wardrobe that will help you dress in all types of occasion. Of course, you would need your work clothes, but don’t forget to toss in something casual as well as something formal. Bring along your favourite sleepwear as this will surely give you a good night’s sleep after a long tiring day.
3. GET READY TO BATTLE THE GREATEST ENEMY: HOMESICKNESS!
One of the biggest problems of people working miles away from home is the big “H”. Once they are overcome by homesickness they will fly on the next flight back home even before they know it. If you’re determined enough to stay on track with your plans of working abroad, you have to have a mindset. One thing’s for sure, you will be homesick whether you like it or not. One day, it will just hit you and you will say to yourself, “I want to go back home.” How to deal with it? Simple, always keep in touch with the people you left back home. Keep in constant communication with them. Bring along stuff that will remind you of them so that every time you miss them, you will just have to stay close with all these stuff and in some way this will bring comfort to you and ease your loneliness.
4. BE PREPARED TO DO THE HOUSEHOLD CHORES
Especially if you’re a seniorito or a seniorita at home, this could be a very helpful tip for you. You have to start doing all the household chores by yourself. When I say all, it means ALL. You won’t have a “yaya” to help you clean your room or a “manang” that will cook for you.
If you’re abroad you don’t have much of a choice when it comes to housework. Even if you’re too tired from work, you have to deal with your pile of clothes to wash, house to clean, dishes to wash, etcetera, etcetera. For those who are not used to doing these things, life abroad can be very challenging for you.
5. TRY NOT TO HIDE
When you plan to work abroad and become successful in it, kindly make yourself contactable at least by your families and close friends. You might be surprise but some people literally vanish after stepping into a foreign land. Please try not to make this a practice. Whether you’re successful or not, let somebody know your whereabouts. They might not need to know every detail of what is happening to you but at least leave them a number to call you or the address of your place.
6. KNOW WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT
Living and working abroad is really like a quest. So you must know where to get all the support you need in order to survive. Make sure you have a list of all your helplines. It maybe a relative or a friend who’s staying in the same country as you or a colleague perhaps. It would also be helpful to know the location and the phone number of your nearest embassy so that you will know where to seek formal help/assistance when the need arises.
7. OPEN YOUR MIND
Last but not the least; it really pays to have an open mind when you go abroad. Remember, this is not the place that you have grown familiar with so not all things will be familiar to you. You may find some things weird for you but only natural for others as it is part of their culture. The work ethics maybe different too. So before you find yourself in a middle of an argument with your boss, think first and analyze the situation, you might be on the losing end. Something that is not okay for you might just be a normal thing for them.
Working abroad and living in a foreign land can be quite challenging but if you know how to manage it and you master the art, you can go around in circles and you’ll never go wrong. So if you have made your decision to leave your hometown and be one of the million foreign workers abroad, you better think hard, pray hard but don’t forget to find time to enjoy each moment. Good luck on your journey! |
