[Trending Now] 19 Photos That Describe Overseas Filipino Workers' Struggles

Most of us have a family member or a friend working abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker. 

Knowing that their income is much higher than regular, some expect that they are rich and that they just make money easily. This insensitive perception causes so many misunderstandings when it comes to the actual struggle these OFWs are suffering.

In reality, here are 19 photos that would reveal the unknown pain behind their labor:

1. They wish they really have that ton of cash every one believes they do

Whenever they come home, people always joke them for a "pautang" or a "blowout" because they think they carry tons of cash with them home. 

2. They buy "pasalubongs" for you but they don't buy anything for themselves

Just to get you that Nike shoes or those imported chocolates, they forgot to buy for themselves.

3. Life abroad is not of Kings and Queens

Just because they live abroad, where food tastes better, doesn't mean they always get to eat good food. Some are just eating 2 meals a day.

4. They constantly crave Filipino food

While you're at home cursing your plate because "adobo nanaman ang ulam", your OFW is craving for that meal so bad.

5. Those "padalas" and "balikbayan boxes" are product of hardwork 

Filling those boxes is not an easy ride. Those stuff are products of sweat and sleepless nights.

6. The Filipino "teleseryes" are not accessible that much and they want it so bad

They want so bad to feel at home that they want to watch and be updated of the latest shows in the Philippines but odds are not always in their favor.

7. They keep their good health because no one is there to watch over them

OFWs can't afford to get sick because nobody will be there to take care of them if ever. 

Solution is: tons of vitamins.

8. They take uncalled for "extreme jobs"

In their strife to earn more, OFWs take second jobs that they didn't usually signed up for.

9. They work extra long hours for extra pay

Even if it means not having proper sleep, they will work for longer hours just for extra pay.

10. They do every thing by themselves

After a long and tiring day, they still need to deal with household chores when they get home.

11. They want so bad to join family events

All those birthdays, holidays, and even fiestas are events they don't want to miss but had to.

12. They missed their children/siblings growing up

It is with great pain to like the photos of their children and siblings grow one by one.

13. Holidays feel incomplete because they're away

Holidays spent with family is irreplaceable. OFWs are left hopeless as they have to spend it with only themselves.

14. They're lonely most of the time

Unlike when they're back home, OFWs deal with their free time all to themselves because there would be no sister to talk to, no mother to "lambing". 

15. They hate self-pity

No one is there to take pity on them especially on tough times in the Philippines when they can't do anything about it.

16. Unending home-sickness and separation anxiety

Everyday they wake up alone, take meals alone, go through conflicts alone. 

17. Skype and long distance calls would never be enough

As they say "bye!" or whenever they click the red button to end call, all the loneliness and longing kicks in.

18. It's not their choice to leave families behind

As much as they want to just stay in the Philippines to be with the people they love, desperate measures call for desperate moves and their choice to work abroad is almost a no-choice.

19. They just can't wait to go home

Even if they just went back from a vacation in their hometowns, they can't wait again for the next one to come.

Distance is always a big enemy to fight, but OFWs prove that they will do whatever it takes to provide a good life for their families and they will always strive to defeat such enemy.

Source: TNP, Buzzfeed