19/05/2026
Many people have been asking why I decided not to finish my 3-year working visa in Japan.
Before, I would only read posts from OFWs saying, "to work abroad is not for the weak," and when I became one, I finally understood what they meant.
Japan is indeed a great country. It has always been my dream country. But during my one year of staying there, I slowly started losing myself. I was no longer the super approachable person I used to be. I lost my curiosity, even to the point that I no longer wanted to learn their language, "bahalag di ko makasabot sa mga locals", mu ana ko nga" I don't care". I lost my motivation. Still, I tried to fight and slowly find myself back again, but homesickness, bullying and discrimination consumed me.
Even though, I wanted to resign early on, I endured everything because I wanted to finish my 1-year contract at the school out of respect for the company that hired us, especially since teachers are not allowed to resign in the middle of the school year.
Despite all the experiences I had, both good and bad, I am still very thankful to God and to the people He used as instruments to guide me. I'm also grateful that I was able to live in Japan, explore their culture, and meet the locals.
There may have been bad experiences, but the good ones left a deeper mark on me.
I learned so much, and the experience humbled me a lot.
I am not closing my doors to working abroad again. Maybe next time, I will be tougher because, again, it is not for everyone. It is not for the weak.
To all OFWs out there, I salute you for being strong. May God guide you and give you more strength to handle every challenge that comes your way. And I hope that when you're already exhausted and feel like giving up, you have a family or support system that is willing to catch you whenever life's challenges bring you down.
And to everyone who is reading this and planning to work abroad someday, be courageous enough to face the challenges. Donโt expect people to always be kind to you.