Pursuing Dreams Beyond Borders: The Aspirations of Filipino Millennials Working Abroad

Madeleen Saguid

May 25, 2023

Labor day has recently passed – a time dedicated to honoring workers and their contributions to the Philippine economy. With this, the stories of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) come to the forefront. Among them is Trinity Gabon, a 27-year-old OFW from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who embarked on a journey abroad in search of greener pastures. Gabon’s story sheds light on the motivations driving Filipino millennials to choose employment opportunities overseas and the complexities it poses to the local labor market.

Gabon’s decision to work abroad was rooted in a desire for financial stability and the opportunity to support her family. Like many young Filipinos, she saw working overseas as a necessity rather than a choice.

“Pangalawa ako sa aming apat na magkakapatid. Yung kuya ko is also an OFW. So when he fully decided to work abroad, sabi ko ‘why not?’ sunod na lang din ako,” Gabon said.

Coming from a family of OFWs, working overseas had always been an option for Gabon. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

As a fresh graduate, she worked in human resources for a few years. Eventually, an opportunity to work at an advertising agency in Kuala Lumpur opened when one of her college friends offered her to apply.

With her single mother needing help to pay for their house and her two younger brothers’ tuition for college, she took the chance.

Earning high outweighs uncertainties

Limited job prospects, low wages, and the high cost of living in the Philippines often present significant challenges for millennials in securing stable employment. For Gabon, the opportunity of higher earning potential abroad outweighed the uncertainties of venturing into unfamiliar territories.

“It was difficult at first kasi kahit sabihin mo na you have corporate experience naman, iba pa rin yung standard nila dito. So you undergo a lot more training… You also have to be prepared to be on your own. But the benefits are way better and nababawi ko kasi nakakaipon na rin ako para sa family ko,” Gabon said.

Moreover, the culture of remittances prevalent in the Philippines played a significant role in Gabon’s choice.

The pursuit of personal and professional growth is another driving factor for Filipino millennials like Gabon seeking work opportunities abroad. Gabon, like many others, yearned for experiences beyond her borders, craving exposure to diverse cultures, ideas, and work environments. Working in a foreign country represented an opportunity for her to broaden her horizons, develop new skills, and gain international experience that could propel her career forward.

“I expected a career change, pero hindi ganito ka early. The sad part siguro about it is I realized na the system is not gonna change for me, I’m gonna change for me. So when I wished for things to move forward, and I didn’t get that for a long time, saka ako nag hanap ng bago,” Gabon said.

Challenge to local labor market

The increasing number of OFWs also poses challenges to the local labor market. Shiella Estrada, president of Pinay Careworkers Transnational, highlights the impact of the brain drain phenomenon, wherein skilled and talented individuals leave the country for better opportunities abroad. This brain drain deprives the Philippines of valuable human capital and impedes local economic growth.

While Filipinos contribute their skills and talents to various industries around the world, the slogan "We give the world our best" by the Department of Tourism also raised questions. Ellene Sana, executive director of the Center for Migrant Advocacy, explains that the slogan implies that the best of the Filipino workforce is only available to other countries.

This perception undermines the potential for local job creation and development, perpetuating the reliance on overseas employment as the primary option for Filipino millennials.

Addressing the labor issues caused by the increasing number of OFWs requires a comprehensive approach. Estrada emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that fosters inclusive growth, decent work, and fair wages in the Philippines.

This includes providing better employment opportunities, promoting skills development, and addressing the systemic issues that hinder the local labor market's competitiveness.

Labor Day serves as a reminder of the challenges workers face and the need for continuous efforts to improve their conditions. Trinity Gabon's story encapsulates the aspirations and sacrifices of Filipino millennials who seek employment opportunities abroad in pursuit of better lives for themselves and their families. Balancing the benefits of overseas work experience with the imperative to enhance local job prospects is crucial for the Philippines to build a sustainable future and empower its workforce.

As the nation commemorates Labor Day this month of May, it is an opportune time for reflection, dialogue, and concerted action to create an environment that offers a viable choice between working abroad and finding fulfilling careers at home. Only by addressing the root causes of migration and improving local job opportunities can the Philippines ensure a brighter future for its workforce, one where dreams can be pursued within its own borders.