Filipino Workers - Working Abroad Things You Need To Know

Filipino Workers

Working Abroad - It's not as easy as you think

I work abroad - as an Overseas Filipino Worker. That's it. 

My daily routine?

Here it goes:

Wake up

Take a shower

Eat 

Work

Go home

Sleep

Repeat 6x A week.

Thank you for calling, How can I help you?

Before landing a job in this country (United Arab Emirates)

I used to work as a call center agent in The Philippines.

I don't face customers, rather I speak with them over the phone.

Irate customers, name it, I can handle it. 

Who cares? after all, I assisted them and moved on to another customer. Particularly during the queuing period.

It's been a long time since I worked in the BPO Industry and finally, I decided to accept the assistance of my cousin to work abroad. Without any hesitation,  I immediately accept the offer.

Hello,  The United Arab Emirates!

Fast forward to the year 2015...

I applied to various companies in the UAE. I spent my time applying online and going to the malls and shops where walk-ins are available. I have a tight budget so I just want to visit those walk-in interviews that will accept Filipino applicants.  Pretty easy huh? 

It is not as easy as you think.

As a first-timer, I'm not used to the weather here. It is so hot, that staying in front of your house door for a couple of minutes will make you sweat-dripping literally. And trust me, you need to take with you, your face towel, not the handkerchief. 

I'm unfamiliar with the interview locations so good thing that Google Maps and the bus application app are very helpful and very easy to use. Good thing my cousin lent me her extra sim card and I just reload it with credit and use the data while commuting. 

I spent 2 months searching for the job that I'm currently working up until now.

Since I came to this country as a visit visa holder, I need to "exit" to another country for them to change my visit visa to an employment visa.

Been there, Done that.

I went to Iran and Oman.

It was a good experience. While staying in these countries for a couple of days, I met new friends and heard their own stories, particularly about Filipinos at Kish.

Others might think that working in another country is great. Yeah for somehow, if you are fortunate to have a good employer that treats you in a good way, especially for domestic helpers.

But in some instances, it's the other way around.

Anyways, Fast forward to my exit period.

WORK WORK WORK WORK...

I landed a job as a starter for Retail Sales Associate from one of the biggest retail conglomerates in the United Arab Emirates.

The company that I've been working is a pioneer in the retail industry. Expanding the companies business from UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia but opening thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Poland, Singapore, Jordan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Philippines.

The company operates brands from around the world, originating from USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia, and including leading names in Fashion, Footwear & Lifestyle such as Tommy Hilfiger, Juicy Couture, Nautica, Aldo, Nine West, and Aeropostale to name few and other key brands include Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery, Inglot, Rituals, etc.

The company has 1750+ stores and 75+ brands, employing 12,000 multicultural staff covering four continents.

Realization, Thankfulness, and Blessed...

I realize. I was so blessed to work with this company. Other job hunters took months and months to land a job. After the visit visa expires, It is needed to renew it again or else you will get penalized.

Given the fact that the most available job in this country is under sales. I didn't hesitate to accept the offer as a Sales Associate. Thinking on the brighter side. This is just a stepping stone and another job experience for me so that if I want to search for another job later or in the future, I can use this as my reference.

If you are a degree holder in related industries like banking/finance, accounting, or engineering, for example, The higher the chances that you can get a job and get a great salary offer.

Yep! It was a culture shock!

Working in the retail industry.

 I got culture shock for the very first time, especially in the workplace.

My colleagues' nationalities were from India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uganda, Eretria, and Sri Lanka. For the first time, meeting with these people is a bit intimidating at first. But later on, I got used to it.

Why bother? Take it as a challenge!

I encountered a lot of customers. Different attitudes and personalities. Some are nice and some are irate.

I remember before, once a customer shouted at me and kept throwing profane words for no reason.

It was so disturbing to me. I managed to handle the situation after all.

Back in my mind, I need to do this. This is just a challenge.  And yes it was, I surpassed every struggle that I faced.  And I already adjusted to these situations.

Just control your temper that's all. Focus on the job and make a sale. That's all. And trust me, it works.

Moving in, Moving out, Adjustment

Working in retail means you will be flexible in all rotas and locations.

I used to work from 4 emirates and have been transferred how many times.

Other staff are complaining but I don't. It won't bother me a lot. I like to discover new places and meet new people. That's why for almost 3 years working in this country, I gained a lot of friends.

Great things never came from the comfort zone

So if you are brave enough. And looking forward to a new career. Go ahead and try to work abroad.

Make sure to pack a lot of confidence and determination.

Without these, it won't work out.

That's all for now.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Next time again :) 

--Ceddy