Despite the rising popularity of work-from-home jobs, the majority of the Philippines’ working population still prefer to work in an actual office, particularly in Metro Manila. And while they do want an office job, they want one that’s near their home.
This poses a problem among individuals living in far provinces or those located far from central cities. But despite the challenges they would have to face, many Filipino workers still grab job opportunities in the big cities in the metro. They are willing to sacrifice time with their family to earn more and get to live more comfortable lives.
The Daily Struggles
Aside from being away from family and friends, the average worker here experiences the following struggles.
- The daily commute is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.
- The prices of commodities keep rising.
- Pollution keeps getting worse.
- The population keeps blowing up.
How to Survive
So, how do you survive being a corporate worker in Metro Manila? Here are some steps you can take.
- Rent or buy a property near your workplace – One of the best ways to combat your draining daily commute is to look for a property near your office. Condominiums built by property developers like Eco Global Development Corp. are now everywhere, so you can easily find one that fits your budget, needs, and preferences. Make sure to stay in a property that you can call home even if you’re living far away from your family.
- Follow a strict budget – Another practical option to survive is to keep a strict budget. Make sure that you monitor your monthly expenses. List down all your basic needs and come up with a realistic budget for each category, including food, transportation, rent or mortgage, and utility bills. Make sure that you don’t spend more than what you earn. If you think you don’t earn enough, try finding a new job or think of an additional income opportunity.
- Open a savings account separate from your payroll – Did you know that only 15.8 million adult Filipinos have their own bank account? If you’re working in the corporate world, you probably have an account to your name — but that’s payroll. This won’t suffice as a savings account. Open a separate account and make yourself commit to consistently deposit money in it every month. Set aside at least 20% of your monthly income for savings. Take note that this savings account should be reserved for future use. You should only withdraw from it for emergencies or a new investment opportunity.
Aside from these tips, you should also consider taking a break every now and then. Visit a new place alone or with a couple of friends. Schedule a trip back to your province. Make sure that you find time to enjoy and de-stress. Don’t spend your entire life being too focused at work that you forget the simple joys of life. Keep in touch with your loved ones. After a quick break, you can continue with your busy life as a corporate worker in the modern world.
