Some people are still deciding whether or not it is a good idea to marry an OFW or Overseas Filipino Worker. There’s sort of financial stability as they earn dollars. There is also the risk of an unstable relationship emanating from the fact that husband and wife are likely far apart for a significant amount of time.
There are actually thousands who have had better experiences by choosing a spouse away from home. Here are some reasons to marry an OFW.
An OFW earns higher wages and builds savings
Let’s look at the obvious. Basically, OFWs earn in dollars or currencies that have a higher exchange rate than the Philippine peso. You can expect bigger savings and be able to afford the necessities and more such as a house, car, and holiday vacations. Compared to someone who works in the Philippines whose salary isn’t enough to provide the comforts of life, this reason is a strong indicator you should marry an overseas Filipino worker.
Although not every OFW earns much and even more are unable to save money, they are likely to receive a fatter paycheck. If they are financially disciplined, they’re even better candidates for marriage.
More time for yourself (and the kids)
Since your spouse will only be home for a few weeks over the course of 1 to 3 years, you have a lot of free time to take care of yourself or indulge in work or studies. There are couples who credit their long and happy marriage to being able to stay independent of their spouse.
As the spouse is away making a living for the family, the one left at home takes care of the well-being of the family: focus on kids’ studies, help manage finances, and other things that require attention.
Exposure to new opportunities.
Being married to an OFW opens up new opportunities. That includes new cultures, food, language, best practices that may not be common to Filipinos.
OFWs will learn several words or even the full language of the foreign place where they’re working. You have the opportunity to improve your language skills, making you highly versatile. Later on, you can apply for work abroad and be more qualified compared to other applicants without an OFW spouse.
It can also open to new learnings, more network connections, and opportunities for business and partnerships.
Added fondness for each other.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder according to many spouses of OFWs. Since you only get to see and be with your loved one a few short times, marriage becomes more blissful and passionate. It also means fewer quarrels and problems in managing the household. What’s important is how couples maintain relationships despite the distance.
Fewer expenses.
Having one spouse working abroad means one less head to feed and take care of. The hardworking member of the family abroad has to handle his own needs independently. The budget then is allocated to the remaining members back in the Philippines.
Vacation opportunities abroad.
Your spouse can also take you on a vacation to the country where he or she is situated. It will be easier to get a visa depending on the base country. You don’t have to worry about accommodations, transportation, and food. An OFW spouse will take care of you.
Opportunity to work and live overseas.
Some couples decide to work abroad together after a few years. You can transfer and bring the entire family to a country and migrate permanently. This means a more financially stable family, a time to bond together after years of being far apart, and open more opportunities for each member in the long term.
Marrying an Overseas Filipino Worker can be quite challenging but many people realize that the benefits far outweigh the consequences.