Work and How it feels to be away from home...

@selece (2357)
Philippines
November 26, 2009 12:29am CST
After months of job-hunting, I finally found one that I think I would really enjoy. I am now working as an anti-spam research engineer. But there's a catch, I live in a province and I had to relocate in the big city here in the Philippines. Also, I need to pass my training or else the company would have no choice but to let me go. I'm exerting extra effort right now, but somehow, I'm homesick. This is the first time that I had to stay away from my comfort zone. Luckily I found a good place to stay. I'm with a good friend of mine, along with her brother and another friend. She somehow make things a lot easier for me. I'm coping well I guess. I hope I get to keep this job. Could you share me your experiences regarding this topic? How did you cope with the situation? Was it hard?
10 responses
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
hello selece.. i am also from the philippines.. and yes i have the same experience.. but it wasnt work related.. when i was in highschool, i had to stay in the school dormitory coz my home is far from the school.. although its from the city, i get to ride about an hour coz of traffic.. so my parents and i decided that id stay in the dorm.. i must admit that there were times i was really homesick coz i cant see my folks coz on weekends i cant go home coz we have this subject "CAT".. you know what i did?? i kept myself busy for the whole day so as not to think about my parents.. and during the nightime, my mom and dad calls me up to check up on me whether im safe and doing well.. i also keep our family picture in my room in the dormitory so that when i miss them i just look at it and i would just think about home before i sleep.. i guess it kinda worked out coz i finished highschool with flying colors.. lol :) i guess i just inspired myself through my family so that i can do better in school.. let them be your inspiration and dont let them be your depression.. try to look at things the other way around.. :) be happy of the friends that you have there who helped you out.. goodluck on your job man.. have a nice day :)
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
"let them be your inspiration and dont let them be your depression.." that's a really good thought that you've shared here, man. Yes I'm trying to do that. The thing is it's so hard to get a good signal at my place so it's really difficult to contact my family. Although I still can keep in touch n random parts of the day when I'm not yet at the boarding house. All in all, despite the fact that I'm way, it looks like I'll be enjoying my stay. Good friends, good environment, you're right, I just have to look at the brighter side. Thanks a lot! I appreciate the thoughts you've shared.
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
no problem man.. at least now you can lighten up the load.. dont carry too much burden by being depressed coz you are already worrying about work.. do what makes you happy and just try to always look on the bright side even when things go wrong.. just remember to ask god for guidance.. so that you wont be lost.. lol.. glad i helped you out man.. just text or call them anytime then if there is limited signal on your place.. besides when you are in your boarding house, you have good people to share it with.. no worries..
• Philippines
27 Nov 09
Homesickness is normal. But if you let it get you it will deter you from reaching your goals in life. You have to strive to overcome it if you want to succeed. Leaving home is sometimes inevitable if we want to succeed in our endeavors. You can always visit your family if you have the time. Right now, I believe you need to overcome your homesickness and strive for the best. Sometimes, we really have to make sacrifices in order to get what we want in life.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
27 Nov 09
That's true. I am trying my best to do so. One day at time. Today is Friday and when I get out of the office by 6pm tonight, I can say that I truly survived my first week, Thank you so much for this response. Have a great day!
@chiumee (850)
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
lucky you my friend. i am not going to compete with you on your homesickness. but i said you are lucky you are still in the philippines. you can travel back to your home town a few hours or maybe 3 days onboard a ship if from manila to any part of mindanao for example. but hey, i traveled one day only. from philippines to egypt. how did i cope with homesickness, first i let it all out. though i am a guy, i cried a lot for just one time. i thought of the worst things and situations i am currently at. that thing happened as soon as i dropped all my things inside the place where i stayed first. then, i focused learning the job i was offered to do. got acquainted with our countrymen. selected a few of them to get along with. it is hard. crazy. helpless. and i even felt like i am a prisoner. thank God there is internet and it helps a lot. and i mean a lot. make sure you see your family on camera. and they see you as well. remember. it's not just you who went away who is feeling this homesickness. definitely, your family feels the same.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
27 Nov 09
I think you've made a very detailed response and I appreciate it. I can relate with you and the things you've said couldn't be more true. Well, it was hard to leave my comfort zone but I guess I have to find another comfort zone here. And I think I'm starting to find it. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate this response. Take good care of yourself there.
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
26 Nov 09
Selece! It's so good to see you again! When I saw your discussion in my email, I just had to pop in and say hi! You know, you can always come here to be with "family". We're all just one big happy family here, you know. Well, okay, there are some black sheep and troublemakers but, for the most part, everyone here is so wonderful. I can't even respond to your question because I've never been in that situation but I HAD to say hi. It always seems nicer when you're here. I'm sorry that you've had to relocate, though. I know how it is to be homesick. But, being the first time, you'll settle in a bit more and things will be easier, although visits home are always very nice. You aren't perhaps in Cebu now, are you? I have a very good friend here who lives in Cebu (neildc) and I've already told him that I would love to visit him and his family one day. It would be so awesome to meet you, too! This visit won't be for awhile because I just can't take the time for the traveling right now but, hopefully, next year I'll be able to make the trip. Here's wishing you keep your job! I know you have the intelligence to pass your training. I'm sure you have nothing to worry about but I can understand why you're worried. Try not to worry so much. You'll do fine.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
27 Nov 09
Hey! Good to see you too! I've been away for quite some time... again. Hehe. I've always tried to come back here but there were just too many things going on and I wasn't able to keep up. I yes I know, I have family here, with you guys, that's why I'm so happy to see you all again and that you've never forgotten about me. A lot of things have changed it seems? Did we just get more troublemakers and spammers? Anyway, I have a bit more time to spend here, while I'm in my cube here at work. In between my work load I take time to check MyLot. Oh I just missed taking to you and ll of our friends here. I'm a bit homesick but today's a Friday so I can visit home tomorrow. I miss my family so much. By the way, I'm here in Quezon City, it's far away from Cebu. I don't know how or when we'll have the opportunity to see each other, but meeting you would be great! Including neildc, he's also in my friends list. Someday, if you do get here, I'd really appreciate that. I think I'm starting to like this job. My teammates are really warm and nice. I'll do my best. Thank you for believing in me. I'll keep you updated once I know the results in a month! Hehe! See you around, dear friend!
@Jackie8 (127)
• China
26 Nov 09
Congratulation, Selece. A Job which you really enjoy is very great for everyone. about home sick, everybody will be whenever he or she leave the place he live for a long time. but you should know, when you are gowing up, becoming adult, earning for life is the most important thing you have to take care, you must always keep that in mind. your situtation is going too good, think about the people who have no job, or doing very hard job with very low income, you will make up you mind to face and fight to any trouble you meet in the future. Good luck, and happy thanksgiving day!
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
Thank you Jackie! I'm still young and I will fully realize that eventually. Thanks you for your kind response. I appreciate it.
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
Hi. I'm from Oriental Mindoro. I came here to Manila when I got an scholarship to study in PUP, Sta. Mesa. I was only 16 years old then. I grabbed the opportunity as I really want to finish my studies. Living miles away from home wasn't easy. This is most especially when you're sick or when you have financial or emotional problems. In my case, I just hold on to my dream of becoming a professional. After passing the board examination for certified public accountants, I was accepted as an external auditor in a Makati firm. My seven-year career with the company required me to do audit fieldworks all over the Philippines and on major cities/states in Asia and the United States. Personally, I enjoyed the life of being always on the go. The experiences were full of fun and excitement. My advise is, "bring your dreams anywhere you go and nothing will be unbearable."
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
27 Nov 09
"bring your dreams anywhere you go and nothing will be unbearable." Good thought here. I like it. You are right. I must say that you've been through a lot, and that you are a very successful person. I hope I'll get there too, someday. Congratulations on your achievements and thank you for the nice response. I appreciate it!
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
I'm sure you will feel comfortable with your new place. Homeasickness is just natural for persons who are not used to be staying away from their loved ones. But I tell, once you will become adjusted to it, you will be enjoying much more in the city. Congratulations on your new work. Have a good day.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
27 Nov 09
I guess so, and since I have the company of good people. I'll get used to it in no time. Thank you so much! Have a good day too!
• United States
26 Nov 09
Was it hard? I'm homesick. I need to pass my training. I had to stay away. Luckily I found good. The big city, how do you cope with the situation? ----These words I found in the original paragraph. I reconstructed them to make my own response.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
Huh? It doesn't make any sense. I'm sorry?
• Australia
26 Nov 09
Times like this will only make you stronger so hang in there. Your not alone, many people around the world, just as you read this are wondering the same thing. Should I just pack up my things and just get back to my "comfort zone"? But being out of your comfort zone will allow you to adapt to different environments in the future, will allow you to build stronger relationships with people you have just met, get closer to you family despite living far away from them. So stick it out and get registered by your company. Think of the future rewards. Perhaps in the near future, you will be able to transfer into a different location closer to your family. So stick it out and you will be better for it!
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
26 Nov 09
You're right! Thanks for the encouraging words! Let's pray I do get registered. Haha. We'll find out in due time. Thank you!
@SIMIRANA (45)
• India
27 Nov 09
Yes, It would really enjoyably for us. i like to go with my husband.if u are newly married couple then your honeymoon is one of the most memorable vacations you 'll ever take.it is the start of new life together with someone you love. this also a great reason to visit one of the most beautiful places in entire world.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
27 Nov 09
What the? Where did this come from? Can somebody tell me what's going on?