Title: Kwentong Kalibugan: The Unseen Struggles of OFW Work
Here are survival strategies gathered from seasoned OFWs who have managed 10+ years without breaking their vows:
- The Struggle is Real: Many OFWs work long hours for low pay, with limited benefits and no job security.
- Homesickness: OFWs often experience homesickness and loneliness, especially during holidays and special occasions.
- Cultural Shock: Adapting to a new culture can be challenging, from food to customs to language.
- Resilience: Despite the challenges, OFWs are resilient and resourceful, finding ways to survive and thrive in a foreign land.
- Community: OFWs form close-knit communities, supporting each other and finding ways to make the most of their situation.
An analysis of the language (Taglish) used in these stories.
Introduction
OFWs face numerous challenges while working abroad. Some of these challenges include:
A domestic helper in Hong Kong might share a tiny cubicle with three other women. A construction worker in Dubai lives in a labor camp 40 kilometers from the city’s glittering lights. A nurse in the UK works night shifts in a freezing hospital, coming home to an empty flat.