52% of Filipino Gen Zs opt for a life abroad
THE phenomenon of Filipino workers seeking work abroad is serious and varied. With approximately millions of Filipinos living and working abroad, this development reflects a significant socioeconomic dynamic in the Philippines.
The biggest motivator for Filipinos seeking employment abroad is economic need. The local job market frequently lacks appropriate employment options and competitive wages.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are drawn to countries that provide much greater income, allowing them to provide for their family back home. This financial assistance improves their families’ living conditions by supporting school, healthcare, and housing costs.
Meanwhile, a recent health insurance research found that at least 52% of Gen Z Filipinos choose to work abroad, with the other half choosing to stay and work in the nation, bringing them closer to their family.
Why work abroad?
According to a GMA News article, the PhilCare Wellness Index has created an updated ABC of Pinoy Gen X, Y and Z. It demonstrated that Generation Zs, those born between 1997 and 2015, would prefer to work abroad.
This is because they want to experience new cultures and personal growth, which will help them boost their competitiveness and marketability in global employment marketplaces.
Meanwhile, Clinical Psychologist Rainier Ladic says that Generation Z is one of the generations that was exposed to social media and technology, allowing them to explore the internet and obtain more knowledge.
This became an opportunity for them to reflect on what they actually want in life and the type of lifestyle they want to pursue in the near future.
“Mataas ang kanilang personality na openness to experience sa mga Gen Zs na nagmo-motivate sa kanila to try something new,” said the clinical psychologist, explaining the statistical findings.
Aside from that, Generation Z now understands that better living conditions exist in other countries. One of the main reasons they choose to work overseas is for economic reasons.
“Better pay na trabaho. Dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin at hindi pagtaas ng sahod,” Ladic explained.
Furthermore, because they must be away from home when working abroad, they will have more time to explore their independence. This also works for them, as they feel stressed and frightened when working in groups.
“The mere fact that their work will be observed and evaluated so they feel all the more anxious working with groups. Working in groups, may not show yung skills na meron sila kasi always in group yung nakikita,” said Ladic.
“So gusto din ng Gen Zs nama-maximize yung freedom and this includes yung pakiramdam na nadi-direct nila sarili nila and they could achieve this by working independently,” he added.
Working overseas has many advantages, but it is not without obstacles. OFWs may experience social isolation, cultural adaptations, and, in certain cases, exploitation or abuse in foreign nations.
Separation from family can cause emotional and psychological distress for both workers and their relatives. Despite these obstacles, the economic imperatives and the prospect of a better future continue to motivate many Filipinos to seek employment abroad.
Understanding these dynamics is critical for establishing solutions that promote Filipino workers’ ambitions while reducing the negative effects of labor migration.
Original Article by Republic Asia Media