PICTURE yourself at a crossroads, holding two bags—one packed with hopes of higher paychecks and passport stamps, the other filled with the comfort of home-cooked meals and the sound of family laughter echoing at night.
Deciding whether to work abroad or stay in the Philippines goes beyond just job titles and pay grades; it’s an emotional struggle that numerous Generation Zs are beginning to navigate as they enter adulthood.
We often wonder—should we pursue global careers to support our families from afar, or remain close to home, earning less but present for every embrace, celebration, and moment that money simply can’t replace?
In today’s generation, it’s rarely a black-and-white answer—it’s a delicate balancing act of love, responsibility, ambition, and real-life concerns. But no matter the direction, one thing stays at the heart of it all: Family.
Team Pinas
Between these two choices lie two sides: Team Pinas and Team Abroad. For 24-year-old news analyst Ian Capati of Team Pinas, spending his adult years in the Philippines feels like the most ideal path to take.
“I’d honestly prefer to work here in the Philippines,” the 24-year-old Capati said, who got married just a few months ago. “I want to stay close to family, especially now that I’m starting my own.”
“The idea of building a life here, being present for milestones, raising kids in our culture, being part of the community, it means a lot more to me than just earning more abroad,” he went on to explain.
Although earning a high salary matters, Capati still thinks that other important factors should be weighed when making a major decision like working overseas.
“For me, it’s a mix of financial stability, work-life balance, and long-term growth,” he said. “Salary matters, of course we all want to provide well for our family.”
“But I also care a lot about time freedom, mental health, and being in a stable, hopeful environment. I think twice about jobs that give high pay but burn you out or pull you too far from the people you love,” he added.
Team Abroad
If there’s a Team Pinas, there’s also a Team Abroad. For 22-year-old graduating student Kaitlin Kibitiani, taking a chance overseas is a risk she’s ready to take. She believes there are more opportunities to grow abroad than by staying in the Philippines.
“I prefer to work abroad. I really think that in terms of the salary and opportunities, it is best to work abroad,” Kibtiani said, highlighting how leaving the country can open doors for her in several ways.
“Also, as someone who is still unsure of the path I wish to take in the future, I feel more optimistic in finding it or at least being able to be steered towards it if I work abroad,” she added.
For Kibtiani, it’s all about being practical. Reflecting on it, the Psychology student sees a good salary as a major factor, along with the opportunity to kick-start her career overseas.
“Honestly, some of the main factors that lean me towards working abroad are salary and growth opportunities. Considering ‘yong salary difference sa Philippines tsaka abroad, it’s really promising,” she said.
A Family Decision
For many years, the Philippines has seen countless Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) leave home in search of better opportunities in places like Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and across Europe and Asia.
Now, in today’s fast-changing world, Gen Zs are confronted with the same life-defining question that has shaped generations of Filipinos: should they remain in the Philippines or explore life abroad?
Despite their differing paths, both choices share a common thread—family. Whether one decides to stay or go, it’s clear that family remains the heart behind every decision made.
“Actually, it’s greatly influenced by my family. Both my parents are OFWs in Dubai, my brother is a seafarer. My entire family are basically OFWs, and it opened my mind to this idea,” Kibtiani said.
Meanwhile, for Capati, “My family is one of my biggest reasons to stay. I grew up surrounded by strong relationships and shared values, and I want the same for my own kids.”
“Being Filipino is a huge part of who I am. I don’t want to lose that or have to choose between my roots and my career,” he went on to explain.
Home Sweet Home
Given a scenario where Capati chooses to work overseas, he emphasized that the Philippines will always be where he wants to settle down for good, and returning home will forever remain his Plan A.
“If I had to go abroad for work, I’d still see it as temporary. The goal would be to save, gain experience, and come back to build something here. At the end of the day, home is home. And I want to grow old where I belong,” Capati said.
Meanwhile, Kibtiani echoes the same sentiment as her fellow Gen Z. While she believes that growth can be found beyond the borders, the country and the people she holds dear will always matter more in the end.
“As complicated as it sounds, yes and no. Sometimes I think of myself staying abroad and making a life out there. Pero kapag naiisip ko ‘yon, I remember the family I’m leaving behind in the Philippines,” Kibtiani said.
“Eventually my parents will be coming home, and if I were to really pick, I’d say yes. I’ll come home. The Philippines still holds all the memories and life I have lived and I don’t think I’m ready to let go of that easily,” she added.
In the end, whether they choose to soar across borders or stay on the paths they’ve always known, their choices are driven by one shared goal: to give back and uplift the family who shaped them. And that is what truly matters.
