Overcoming the Fear of Working Abroad (Overseas)

I began working abroad in 2005 and am still working abroad (2009). At the moment, I don’t know when I will cease working outside my own country, “The Philippines.” 

I’d love to work and share my talent for my country. However, my salary in the Philippines is insufficient to achieve my dreams.

During my stay abroad, I was saddened to realize with the most profound regret that I wasted my five (5) years working in the Philippines in terms of financial benefits. Though I am deeply frustrated that I waited a long time before I finally decided to work abroad, I am happy with joy in my heart that I’ve shared my skills during those five years, just after graduation from college, of working in my beloved country.

Actually, I was afraid to work overseas because of my thoughts that (i) I need at least 3-5 years of experience in my field, (ii) I need to learn everything related to my course, and finally, (iii) I have wrong notion that being an Engineer abroad needs to be a multi-tasking (jack-of-all-trade) like my work for the last 5-years in the Philippines.

                                 

It is funny to think that if I had worked overseas earlier, I would have earned more earlier. :) 

Well, without too much ado… 

Don't overthink. Working overseas is manageable. Anyone can do it. Don't worry about many things.

1. Your Knowledge after graduation from college is enough.

If you’re NOT applying for a managerial position (e.g., estimator, quantity surveying, accounting, administrative work, or any assistance/support level), what you’ve learned in school is sufficient. There's nothing to worry…

2. You don’t need a degree license (or passing a board examination).

Don’t get me wrong or misinterpret what I have just said above. Definitely, “You need to pass a board exam!” If your profession has that exam, I strongly encourage you to pass the board examination first. This is not to boost your confidence, but you need it when you practice your profession in the Philippines.

However, when working overseas, a foreign company never asks for your license or if you have passed a professional exam/board examination. They would ask you for your knowledge and experience in your field of specialization.

3. With or without experience is Okay.

Having local experience gives you the confidence to answer those questions during the interview (sometimes a panel interview). However, if you’re good enough, your knowledge from school could also be your key to answering those questions.

Just be calm and relaxed; interviews are pretty straightforward. Some foreign companies don't even require experience.

4.  You don’t need to be a multi-skill or jack-of-all-trade.

Working in the Philippines, particularly in small (medium-sized) companies, requires multi-skilled work in everything from scratch, such as CAD, Estimation, Procurement, Contracting, Construction Supervision, QAQC Inspection, and Turnover (Document Closure).

In Overseas, you will just be doing “One-Skill-Per-Man.” If you’re hired as an Estimator, your task is plainly estimating. If you’re hired as a Procurement Engineer, your tasks are those related to procurement, such as canvassing, negotiating, making Purchase Orders (PO), etc. (nothing more).

5.  Just be yourself.

Show that you have the “knowledge and skills” package to perform your task on time. Never delay your work. Be organized and learn to manage your time correctly.

6.  Be friendly & work with kindness and a smile.

Since you’re new in a foreign company, no big difference when you’re working in your domestic company, learn to adjust your mood with your co-workers. 

For your Manager, just be attentive. Listen carefully to every instruction or task that he/she has delegated to you. 

If you find your fellow countrymen (kababayan), don’t miss the chance to talk to and befriend them so that you won’t quickly get homesick.

7.  Leave it to G!

Ultimately, as long as you have done all your best, yet you still have missed one thing you think you can’t do anymore, you have two options: (i) Google it! But if still nothing, then (ii) Ask for God’s Guidance and Wisdom. Just pray to Him to give you the courage, skills, and knowledge for you to perform your unfinished task. 

To anyone reading this, Good Luck!!! 

I hope that your dreams come true when you go abroad.