Who is The Great Filipino Worker

I’m sure you already know that Filipinos are all over the world working in various industries to support their family back home. I knew this even during college, but this fact has been emphasized to me when I went to study a foreign language (Francais) in a school nearby.

It was weird for me to hesitate before telling people the main reason why I wanted to study French, which is “I just feel like it”, because everyone else has a more noble reason (in my point of view) for doing so. Some want to work in the French speaking districts in Canada, some wanted employment in Toronto hotels, some want to marry a European and kiss under the Eiffel tower in Paris.

Without a doubt, Filipinos can’t wait to go out of the country because life here isn’t as good for them as they imagined. I understand the feeling. The good thing is that there are a lot of factors that make Filipinos suitable for any type of job, anywhere in the world.

1. We know our place, most of the time.

In the Philippines, teeners and kids are always being reminded to act accordingly when in a specific place. Like our parents tell us that “home behavior” is not accepted anywhere else because it makes other people feel affronted. This “eager to please” attitude translates well when we go to other countries to work. It’s rare for Filipino employees to complain when there’s work to be done (and money to be had), and this is mostly because we know and understand our place in the scheme of things.

2. Work is work

Unless the workplace is really shoddy that a rat will not dare live in it, Filipinos will not complain about work. Work is work, and while some rankle at having to do work that’s “beneath them”, most filipinos who go abroad don’t feel this way. I found out the reason when I talked to a friend who is a doctor. He told me he took on menial jobs abroad for five years and he feels great about it despite his many diplomas because he kept himself focused on the BIGGER picture, which is of course, the welfare of his family and his future career.

Work shouldn’t consume you, the over-all goal should always be in place. And taking pride in what you do means being happy with the fact that you’re working, no matter what kind of work it is.