Growing up in a third world country, I know a lot of us has the mindset that abroad is a better place to be in. There is no doubt about that, especially when moving into richer countries like the US, Canada, etc.
Those that we know who have moved to other countries also does not fail to paint a pretty picture of their life abroad. We'll be amazed in their stories of having so much more money, snow, picturesque places, among others.
Even though I am not permanently living abroad, I have met so many people even way back in the past who would paint those pretty pictures in my mind. I even got baited into taking a course that I did not want because I wanted that life so bad.
It was a good thing that I got to travel and I saw for myself so much more truth behind those pretty scenes. Here are some of them:
The pay is high, but so is the cost of living.
I cannot count how many times I have heard "Aw maayo na sila kay dollar earners" (Good for them they earn dollars) from others when they talk about my family. It is true that they earn more than an average worker in the Philippines do but the quality of life they enjoy is also paid for in Canadian dollars.
Therefore, when someone is working and living abroad, it obviously does not mean that they are already rich.
The transition of seasons is challenging, expensive and even depressing.
When I still have not had the chance to travel abroad, I thought that the change of seasons was all sparkles and butterflies. However, having the chance to experience transitions of seasons in my vacations in Canada has made me realise that they're not really the easiest.
Each season sets different kinds of challenges most are in clothing, transportation and an overall mood. We're not really told as much how high maintenance in terms of money and time raking leaves and plowing snow are - we just see really cute IG posts.
There is also such thing as seasonal depression that a lot of people experience when living abroad.
Branded items does not always equate wealth.
In the past I had this belief that those who have a lot of branded items are rich - thus, those who live abroad are rich. Hell, I was wrong.
I was surprised of how low the prices can get especially when they go on sale or in outlet malls. The MK and Coach bags that are always flaunted around are not always as expensive as the owners make it seem to be. I am not saying there is anything wrong with this. My point is that there is so much more to "wealth calculations" than the branded items that we don't even know if they've been paid for or on credit.
People have to work hard for their money.
With exemption of course, of those who don't. If someone does not understand how expensive the quality of life is abroad, it is always easy for that person to splurge and live life in luxury in a third world country.
Very few people realise that those who live abroad actually have to work so hard for the money that is being sent out or the money that they are use to live their chosen lifestyle. This applies to all - professionals and blue-collared workers.
So, don't forget to ask what kind of work that person living abroad does and what challenges he/faces in the daily and realise for yourself how it's not that easy to work abroad.
I hope this shed a light for a lot of us who have misconceptions of what it's like for those living abroad and hopefully we will treat them better. And if you do receive something from them, appreciate in the best way you can.
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