The Psychological Issues Filipino Workers Experience Abroad
1 ABCOM/ EN12-R09
EN12 Research paper
The Psychological Difficulties that Overseas Filipinos Undergo Abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers work abroad due to numerous reasons.
In the Philippines, it is a well-known fact that there is a great number of Overseas Filipino Workers. The number is so great that each probably has at least one relative who is an OFW. However, not only is the number of Overseas Filipino Workers great, but also constantly increasing. Statistics show that the number of Overseas Filipino Workers has grown to 1,470,826 workers from 1975 to 2010 (Wu and Hebrona). One could possibly infer that over the years, Filipinos have begun to become more interested in work outside rather than in their motherland. At first glance, it could possibly be thought of as something harmful to the Philippines, with their own countrymen leaving their home at an increasing rate. However, it is actually the other way around, as it greatly benefits the country’s economy in its GDP through their annual remittances.
However, what should be more importantly noticed rather than the benefits of Filipinos leaving their country is why they leave the country and look for work abroad. First of the many reasons is that some Filipinos use the excuse to go abroad through their work in order to avoid and escape personal problems that they experience back at home. An example of a personal problem that they escape from is marriage issues. Some Filipinos (mostly female), go abroad in order to escape their marriages, to avoid confronting these problems (Anonuevo et al. 19-20).
Another reason as to why Filipinos pursue work abroad is that they are encouraged to do so by relatives who already live or work abroad (Anonuevo et. Al 19-20). One of the things that hinders people from working abroad is the fact that they know absolutely no one, and are uncertain of what to expect in that country. In short, they fear being alone and isolated. By having
EN12 Research paper
The Psychological Difficulties that Overseas Filipinos Undergo Abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers work abroad due to numerous reasons.
In the Philippines, it is a well-known fact that there is a great number of Overseas Filipino Workers. The number is so great that each probably has at least one relative who is an OFW. However, not only is the number of Overseas Filipino Workers great, but also constantly increasing. Statistics show that the number of Overseas Filipino Workers has grown to 1,470,826 workers from 1975 to 2010 (Wu and Hebrona). One could possibly infer that over the years, Filipinos have begun to become more interested in work outside rather than in their motherland. At first glance, it could possibly be thought of as something harmful to the Philippines, with their own countrymen leaving their home at an increasing rate. However, it is actually the other way around, as it greatly benefits the country’s economy in its GDP through their annual remittances.
However, what should be more importantly noticed rather than the benefits of Filipinos leaving their country is why they leave the country and look for work abroad. First of the many reasons is that some Filipinos use the excuse to go abroad through their work in order to avoid and escape personal problems that they experience back at home. An example of a personal problem that they escape from is marriage issues. Some Filipinos (mostly female), go abroad in order to escape their marriages, to avoid confronting these problems (Anonuevo et al. 19-20).
Another reason as to why Filipinos pursue work abroad is that they are encouraged to do so by relatives who already live or work abroad (Anonuevo et. Al 19-20). One of the things that hinders people from working abroad is the fact that they know absolutely no one, and are uncertain of what to expect in that country. In short, they fear being alone and isolated. By having
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