OK, let's be real.

How many times have your relatives, friends, and colleagues asked you:

When are you going abroad?

And how many times have you debated this with yourself?

As most of my friends and relatives leave the Philippines and make new lives for themselves abroad, I can't help but ask: why am I still here?

Should I Leave?

A huge part of our population is made up of overseas Filipino workers who toil day and night for their families back home.

Our OFW heroes have long been the symbol of prosperity and stability. They have high-paying jobs, live in large houses in the subdivisions and drive really fancy cars. They get to travel the world, see places and experience things you'll never have here in the country. They get to have opportunities you'll scarcely have here. And most of all, they'll have means to provide a great life for their current families and future ones.

God, it's tempting to leave. When I think of this, I want to pack that bag and leave.

But recent advances in social media have brought to light the harsh reality of being an OFW: it's not easy to be one.

There's always a trade-off. And for OFWs, it's the fact that you're away from your family so much. The homesickness gets real. They suffer the ire of racists and sometimes, unfavorable work conditions.

But that's not the worst part. When you're an OFW, people here at home think that you have it easy and that money abroad grows on trees--- that's the worst part. 

Let's be real.

OFWs have it tough, man. It's not just about wearing fancy winter outfits and going to Disneyland. The amount of effort and money that it takes to be one is not a joke.

Or should I stay?

On the other side of the argument are people saying that you can stay here and still be successful. These are the people who actually chose to stay and make a life here. Some of them run their own businesses. Some work 9-5 jobs. Some work freelance. Others do all of the above at the same time.

Carlo wrote a cool piece about spending time abroad, and still coming back home.

The ones who stay have to work twice as hard. Life is never easy where we're from. If you stay, you'd risk suffering through heavy traffic, floods, annoying public officials and other third world problems. But they're doing what they love. They get the bills paid. Sure, things can get tough but they are happy here. And most of all, they can be with their families and build a life without having to go away.

Make A Decision

So, what's it gonna be, millennial?

This is honestly one of the harder questions I've asked myself and surprise: I don't have an answer yet! It's a major life decision and not one to be taken lightly. Or answered in one blog post. :)

 But if you want my two cents, I think that the grass is greener wherever you water it. Whether you go out of the country, or stay here--- the important part is you hustle. Each scenario presents a different challenge. I guess you just have to set your heart to one thing, and see it through. :)

That's it for today's cray life advice and the third installment of #KFTI's Adulting Challenge. It's been so long since I wrote here! Let me know what you think!:)