I have been living abroad for about a year and a half now. Within that time, I have had the chance to talk to many Filipinos about different things, including their biggest pet peeve about living abroad.
Perhaps it’s safe to say that the saddest thing about being an expat is when you have people in your life who are supposed to care about you but instead, you find yourself losing connection with them. It’s worse when you have family or friends who only remember you when they need something, most often money. No hi’s or hello’s for months at a time, no how are you’s, then Bam! a random call out of nowhere asking for cash. I’ve heard this story so many times and I’ve seen it happen, too. And I can tell you that perhaps nothing hurts more than this – to be thought of by your loved ones as nothing more than a human ATM.
Thankfully, this is not something that I have experienced personally. I count myself very fortunate that the important people in my life – my parents, my relatives and my closest friends – have all been very good about keeping in touch with me. And I would like to take this chance to thank them for keeping me and my family in their thoughts. Thanks for not cutting me out of your lives!
My wish at this time is for all Filipino expats who are feeling neglected to finally make that re-connection with their loved ones. Just a little bit of effort will go a long way.
so sad but that is the reality. I just hope they’d realize that they are not human ATMs… pray na lang nato sila
Ikaw, when man ka mag-abroad? I think you should consider moving here hehe
If the opportunity comes why not.. Right now I’m happy where I am right now since I know I’m making a difference to some people’s lives… I know it sounds cliche but I does feel good helping out people get a job and get started so that they can provide something for their folks.
That is very you, Rous!
Haha just doing my part to make this world a better place to live in hehe…