Before writing this newsletter, I just finished reading “The Filipino Abroad*”. Several days ago, the Boston Consulting Group released an insightful report about Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). And it’s worth reading if you’re someone who lives and works abroad, even if you’re not a Filipino, if only to understand the motivations behind international migration.

In particular, three findings stuck with me:

While reading the report, I became nostalgic and tried to recall my OFW adventures.

I became an OFW in July 2020, when I uprooted my career and life in Makati/BGC to start an indefinite work contract in Belgium.

Back then, the initial challenges I faced was the documentation burden of proving that I got my job through legal means (not many Filipinos make it to Europe for work, but I directly applied and got an offer).

I also had to prove that I have a legal employer and my contract was valid. (A Big 4 consulting firm employed me and the contract terms exceeded far more than the minimum conditions required).

I prepared lots of paperwork only to get a green piece of paper in the end which certifies that I’m an OFW. (But because of all the delays, I went through a 9-month career break that crossed into COVID-19 period, with only a personal savings supporting me and my family.)

Once I started my life and work abroad adventures, a new set of struggles seized me:

Back home, my family challenges also continued. Two family members suffered from depression. We were about to lose our family home due to a demolition. And even so, I’m still funding two of my siblings’ education.

As the sole breadwinner living and working abroad, I had little room for mistakes. I had less time to worry about myself.

When I read the report, I finally felt seen. As an OFW, I’m valued for my monthly remittances that contribute to our country’s GDP. But what about my doubts, fears, and other struggles? Does anyone in my country care enough to solve them?

What also grabbed my attention from “The Filipino Abroad” report are the four OFW personas: the long-haul guardian, the family lifeline, the anchored earner, and the self-builder. Based on the report:

I went through most of these personas in my OFW journey. I started as a family lifeline. Then, I became a self-builder, and more recently, I’m now transitioning to become a long-haul guardian.

Because I’ve started asking the questions, “what does it all mean, what now, what next?”, I feel that my OFW chapter is near to completion. But first, I have to tie some loose ends.

Recently, I also just became a permanent resident in Belgium. The PR card in Europe is equivalent to the US green card, but perhaps more than that. It allows me to reside outside Belgium but still within the EU zone for 6 years, or outside EU for a year without losing my status.

I now have unlimited access to the EU labor market (no more recruiters worrying whether I need work visa sponsorship and how it would affect my chances). No more applying for professional cards to start a business.

And perhaps most important of all, the immigration back home will have less opportunities to question my ability to leave the country because I’m now a permanent resident in another country.

A fellow immigrant told me, “now you can have some relief”.

And I’m relieved, and happy, and content. The next step would be to acquire that Belgian passport, a process I haven’t started yet because I’m still unsure whether I want to become a Belgian citizen. For now, I just want to pause and enjoy the blessings I already have.

But also, I want to keep sharing my insights and expertise to people who need them most. And that’s why I’m sharing about the report and my realizations with you. Because it might awaken in you a deep longing, a sudden inspiration, or a life-changing AHA moment.

And with that realization, you and I can take action.

For now, I’m taking action related to the third finding above: Only 1 in 5 OFWs are certain about coming home, the rest are undecided or not planning to return.

In the BCG report, the researchers noted that OFWs have the sentiment to return, to no longer miss family moments, and be closer with loved ones. Whenever I talk to fellow OFWs, I discover they have the same sentiments. But do we have the confidence to restart our lives in our home country?

That confidence still seems to be missing or low. The lack of confidence is not just personal, but also stems from the social and political conflicts.

Here’s why. In our country, governance remains poor, corruption persists. Few job opportunities exist, especially if you’re less skilled. Skilled workers have to swallow lower pay levels even if they have world-class skills. Traffic is getting worse. The cost of living has increased. Education and healthcare are hard to afford.

Returning home means stepping back from the comforts you’ve gotten used to.

And that’s why I also struggle to fully convince myself that it’s worth returning home for good. I would probably return for the sake of family, if only to take care of my aging parents. But as to adapting again in my home country? I struggle to answer these questions.

I’ve now gained so much. It’s so hard to give up everything. And it’s true what they say—the more you gain, the less freedom you have.

The above questions also prompted me to build safeguards. When (or if) I return home, I no longer want to be caught in traps. I no longer want to be on survival mode all the time. But more importantly, I want fewer regrets in my old age.

Here are a few safeguards that worked for me so far:

And of course, I still have to find the balance between protecting my mental wellbeing, and not being caught in too many projects that rob me of focus and time. There’s also my faith, which I’m rediscovering, as I try to answer my biggest question: what is the meaning of life?

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I hope this inspired you to recall your own journey while living and working overseas. Feel free to share this with others who might benefit from the insights. And if you have any reactions that you want to share, my inbox is always open.

*The Filipino Abroad (June 2026) was published by Boston Consulting Group and written by Julian Cua, Anthony Oundjian, Lance Katigbak, Jamie Bawalan-Lim, Aditi Bathia, Jaymes Shrimski. You can read the full report here.

PS. As part of my experiments around financial wellbeing for immigrants, I’m looking to interview at least five people who are willing to provide feedback on a coaching program that I’m developing. If you’re someone who’s thinking of starting a business, or someone who already has a business but struggling to understand your business finance, you’re the one I’m happy to talk with. Please reply to this email if you’re interested.

PPS. I’m Tin, a Certified Coach, Problem-solver, and Accountant. But more than these labels, I’m someone who enjoy writing, reading, and travelling. You can read some of my writing and travel stories via Medium. Or if you’d like deeper insights and practical tips about thriving overseas, feel free to buy my book “Survive and Thrive: How to Unlock a Fulfilling Global Career and Life Adventure”. You can also support this newsletter by sharing the posts and inviting fellow immigrants to subscribe.