PauloAbad
With the obstacles they’ve overcome and the hardships they’ve endured, we should honor our OFWs as modern-day heroes. And one of the things we can do to honor them is by imbibing some of the lessons they learned during their sojourns outside the country. What lessons are those, exactly? Read on below to find out!
Be Independent
More likely than not, Filipinos working in the Philippines (especially those who are just starting out) are well-pampered by their parents who are more than willing to provide them with shelter, care and other needs. This is something not enjoyed by our kababayans abroad, however. Working away from their home country and loved ones, global Pinoys learn how to rely only on themselves, maintaining order and sanity in their lives even as they’re working hard to financially support their families.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is another important skill to learn for kababayans working abroad. OFWs are exposed to environments and working conditions quite unlike those in the Philippines. More likely than not, they’ll get familiarized with multiple cultures, personalities, and mindsets during their sojourn. Thus, they need to become flexible in order to navigate and thrive in such foreign environment. This is also something you need to learn even if you’re working domestically, since you’ll face various challenges that would require you to think outside the box.
Be Sensitive of Others
Filipinos abroad also have to interact with people of other races, cultures, and beliefs. In order to work well with them, they must learn to be conscious of other people. This means respecting their beliefs and cultures, being sensitive to their likes and dislikes, and being understanding them, among others. By practicing this skill, you’ll also be able to make yourself useful to your employers, as well as help you position yourself appropriately in whatever occasion you’re in.
Be Teachable
Lastly, OFW continue to learn even after finishing college and getting their dream job abroad. Whether you’re working at home or abroad, being teachable can help you a long way in your career. By being willing to continuously learn new knowledge and skills, you’ll be able to thrive in your field of expertise, as well as prepare yourself for any business opportunities that come your way.
Learn from OFWs
OFWs are among the most hard-working people you’ll ever meet. And the lessons you can learn from them can help you greatly in your own career. So if you’re looking for a role model to look up to, you might as well go for our kababayans abroad.