02/11/2025
Someone asked me if worth it ba yung risk of teaching in the US? My answer is it all depends on what kind of struggle you would like to choose.
Before, we are living pay check to pay check. Yung kada sahod mo is na budget na sa lahat ng bills and expenses like milk formula, diapers, food and emergency fund in case magkasakit anak namin. Mahirap because parang nasa survival mode ka palagi.
On the other hand, I have never experienced disrespect from students and parents. But bugbog sarado ka naman sa demands ng work that even your weekends you are still working. And since I am in "Tito" era, I enjoy my laid back - slow paced - life in the countryside.
Here in the US, I experience na hindi pa na ubos ang sahod ko from 2 weeks ago, sasahod ka naman ulit.
How did I achieve this? I have good money sense. I always prioritize needs over wants and I understand how money works. I have mastered the art of delayed gratification while keeping committed with my financial obligation. Once you earn dollars, the first move is to free yourself from debt you made out of consumption. Once debt free ka na, you have the financial freedom.
In one year of working here, nabayaran ko lahat ng loans namin sa Pinas including the house and lot that we acquired last 2019. Napag paaral ko ang kapatid ko sa college and support our families' other needs. We also manage to extend help during Brigada Eswkela and Christmas seasons sa Pinas. I also managed to lend money to trustworthy friends.
Now, ano naman yung struggle as a teacher dito? The amount of disrespect I got from some students are beyond my imagination. Kids will talk back to you and throw an attitude. First few months ko I questioned myself if tama nga ba decision ko. Don't get me wrong, only 5 to 10% of kids are having behavior issues. The 90% are respectful and appreciative. Extra lang gid galing ang pagka salawayon sang mga murat. 😂
So what I did is I asked help from my boss and peers. I talked to them about my struggles and feelings and asked from them all the support I need. They modelled to me how to managed behavior, how to call parents, what pedagogical strategies work with the kids, and how to utilize available technology to make my work easy.
In short, I emptied my cup at inaral ko lahat step by step. I felt I was a fresh college graduate. I was in the learning pit. And with the grace of God through my mentors and boss, I was able to manage to slowly get out from the pit. Now, I can somehow say that I am a confident middle school teacher here in the US.
Aside from that, my school offers tutorial class which I signed up for extra income. Sayang din naman ang 400 USD extra income per month. Workload is too light for me (ikaw ba naman na sanay na kayod kalabaw sa kagawaran) so I managed to take ok extra load.
What I am trying to point out here is nasa sa'yo if how you make every decision and risk worth it. In my case, I chose this kind of struggle and did my best to do the paradigm shift. I am being honest when I say that paradigm shift is painful but here's the catch - always empty your cup in order for the grace of God to fill in.
Also, never take everything personal. After dismissal, you're already a parent, spouse or a child. Always reserved your energy to people who matter most.
I hope this helps!
