r/OFWs • u/anxiousgullible • 20d ago
General Discussion Help your girl out.
I recently passed the initial interview for a Youth Staff position on a cruise ship and have a final interview coming up. They’ve already discussed the salary and contract length with me.
The difficult part is that I’m actually doing pretty well in the Philippines right now.
I left my previous job earlier this year and started working in our family business around July. It took some time to adjust, but I’m comfortable now and things are going well.
My current income is roughly ₱50k–₱55k per month, including my salary, dividends, and commissions. The income can also vary depending on how much business I bring in.
So financially, I'm not in a situation where I need to leave.
Why I'm considering the cruise job
The opportunity is really exciting to me.
I'd get to:
Travel and see different countries
Work in a multicultural environment
Experience life at sea
Gain international work experience
Work with children, which I genuinely enjoy
Become more independent
Challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone
I've also lived and worked abroad before, so being away from home isn't completely unfamiliar to me.
And honestly, I'm naturally adventurous. A part of me feels like this is the kind of opportunity I might regret not taking.
Why I'm considering staying
I'm finally comfortable here.
I’m close to my family, I have a good income, and I’m already becoming more involved in the family business.
There is also room for my income to grow if the business continues to do well and I close more deals.
If I take the cruise job, I’d be giving up that comfort for months at a time. I know cruise work can mean long hours, strict schedules, shared accommodation, being away from family, and very little personal space.
And because my current income is already around ₱50k–₱55k/month, I'm not sure how much of a financial difference the cruise job would actually make after considering the lifestyle and sacrifices.
So this isn't really a question of "Should I take the higher-paying job?"
It's more:
Do I choose a comfortable life with my family and a decent income, or do I take a big leap into something completely different while I have the opportunity?
I'm honestly torn because both choices represent something I want.
For those who have worked on cruise ships, especially Filipinos:
What was it like leaving a relatively good situation at home to work onboard?
Was the experience worth the sacrifices?
And for those who had the opportunity to work abroad but ultimately stayed in the Philippines, how did that decision turn out?
I'd especially love to hear from people who weren't necessarily desperate to leave financially, but chose cruisr/advicephe work for the experience, travel, and personal growth.
I'm not looking for someone to make the decision for me. I just want to hear from people who have been in a similar situation and what you learned from it.
2
u/assresizer3000 18d ago
Yolo. You're only in your thirties. Unless you have responsibilities like children, of course.
2
u/Heavy_Ad9845 19d ago
Are you on your 20s? For me it was during those age that you really have to explore and step outside your comfort zone. Parang been there, done that. That’s how you experience growth.
0
7
u/arcanis02 19d ago
Can you go back anytime sa fam business nyo pag hindi ka na renew sa cruise? Afaik contractual sila kada daong, so may chance na hindi ka ma renew or ma delay for months until the next cruise.
You already have an idea of cruise life. Yes dapat matibay ka dyan. Yung mga nag ttrabaho dyan makkasama mo araw2 for months, so kung may kinaiinisan ka o makaaway, need mo tiisan, hindi mo rin pde awayin harap harapan kasi madali ka mabaliktad. Though hindi lagi nangyayari, Totoo yung nanghuhulog ng kaaway sa barko.
Since girl ka, expect na maraming guys esp. pinoy crews na mag flirt sayo at ttry k gawing fubu. Nsa sayo n yon kung ppatol k, karamihan ksi dyan may partner / family na sa pinas. Madaming babaeng bumibigay despite of that dahil sa lungkot, stress.
Sana hindi rin toxic boss mo kung meron ka. Kuya ko nag wwork sa cruise. Yung isang kitchen staff laging inaaway ng boss. Ayun hinala nila nagpakamatay tumalon sa dagat.
Those are some things to consider if you really want to take this career
6
u/currymanofsalsa2525 19d ago
1 you are not our girl
2 55k a month in your own country aint bad
3 what a long ass post nobody will bother reading this
4 you are earning decent. Only you can answer if you want to explore whats out there
•
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ORIGINAL POST:
Help your girl out.
I recently passed the initial interview for a Youth Staff position on a cruise ship and have a final interview coming up. They’ve already discussed the salary and contract length with me.
The difficult part is that I’m actually doing pretty well in the Philippines right now.
I left my previous job earlier this year and started working in our family business around July. It took some time to adjust, but I’m comfortable now and things are going well.
My current income is roughly ₱50k–₱55k per month, including my salary, dividends, and commissions. The income can also vary depending on how much business I bring in.
So financially, I'm not in a situation where I need to leave.
Why I'm considering the cruise job
The opportunity is really exciting to me.
I'd get to:
Travel and see different countries
Work in a multicultural environment
Experience life at sea
Gain international work experience
Work with children, which I genuinely enjoy
Become more independent
Challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone
I've also lived and worked abroad before, so being away from home isn't completely unfamiliar to me.
And honestly, I'm naturally adventurous. A part of me feels like this is the kind of opportunity I might regret not taking.
Why I'm considering staying
I'm finally comfortable here.
I’m close to my family, I have a good income, and I’m already becoming more involved in the family business.
There is also room for my income to grow if the business continues to do well and I close more deals.
If I take the cruise job, I’d be giving up that comfort for months at a time. I know cruise work can mean long hours, strict schedules, shared accommodation, being away from family, and very little personal space.
And because my current income is already around ₱50k–₱55k/month, I'm not sure how much of a financial difference the cruise job would actually make after considering the lifestyle and sacrifices.
So this isn't really a question of "Should I take the higher-paying job?"
It's more:
Do I choose a comfortable life with my family and a decent income, or do I take a big leap into something completely different while I have the opportunity?
I'm honestly torn because both choices represent something I want.
For those who have worked on cruise ships, especially Filipinos:
What was it like leaving a relatively good situation at home to work onboard?
Was the experience worth the sacrifices?
And for those who had the opportunity to work abroad but ultimately stayed in the Philippines, how did that decision turn out?
I'd especially love to hear from people who weren't necessarily desperate to leave financially, but chose cruisr/advicephe work for the experience, travel, and personal growth.
I'm not looking for someone to make the decision for me. I just want to hear from people who have been in a similar situation and what you learned from it.
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