Migrate or not to migrate to the U.S.

[stickers]

Grabe naman 70k is nothing na sa pinas? Grabe, engrandeng buhay na talaga gusto nyo. I'll take my 70k here with less pressure kasama ko pa pamilya ko.

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70k is good enough if you have a simple lifestyle. pero kung maluho kang tao, kulang pa talaga yan.

TS, if you're not happy and don't see your kids growing up here, you could pack up and leave and try your fortune sa US. But if you're contented with your lifestyle then stay and just make improvements. A business kapag nakaipon is a good start.

[asb75]

Life in the Philippines is not that simple. Struggle everyday. 70k in the Philippines is nothing. This should not be considered in your equation.

Try Australia.

70k in the Philippines is a stable income. It is a lot as long as spend wisely & put some on savings. Australia? Malaki ang tax deduction diyaan. At madami ding layoff of jobs diyaan sa Australia.To me im still wanna, settle down in the Philippines..

[CVT]

Agree with you on that bro. except MW.....

18.8k:dance1:

[the_wildthing]

Depende talaga kung anong priority mo sa buhay. Ito ang masasabi ko base sa aking experience:

1. Pinaka-maganda kung may trabaho ka nang dadatnan sa linya mo. Mahirap maghanap. Minsan titingnan nila ang relevant US-experience. Otherwise you may end up under-employed.
2. Boring/exciting depends on your perspective and your location. If you crave for city life and move to some small town in Idaho, you will get bored. Pero kung outdoor person ka, you might enjoy Idaho. Otherwise, stay in the big cities on the coast.
3. Find a support group - family, friends, church, what have you. You will be surprised at the generosity of these people (yun lang kung mapili ka sa gamit, wag na. Pero laking tulong ng libreng dining table at sofa sa nagsisimula).
4. Mag-ingat din sa mga inggitero.
5. Mahal ang cost of living sa big cities. Check out www.glassdoor.com for comparative salaries. And Google 'cost of living'. Sperling's and CNNs are the first ones that show up.
6. You will indeed miss your extended family.
7. Hindi ako lumaki ng may yaya/katulong kaya sanay akong gumawa ng gawaing bahay. Pero hindi rin ako maruning mag-karpintero. Yun ang mahal pag may ipagagawa ka sa bahay mo. Unless you rent. In which case sagot ng landlord.
8. Kung napalaki mo ng maayos ang mga anak mo, huwag masyadong mag-atubili sa "liberal" na environment. Pag-lipat mo, hanap ka ng area na maganda ang school district. Kung kaya naman ng budget, mag private school, or Catholic school. Again, pag sa major city, mahal, pag sa iba, mas mura ng kaunti.

[Balikpinoy]

To those that say that 70k is enough for a family with 3 kids growing up, plus maybe a one car household, can you guys state your monthly nut? With looming school tuitions and future college savings, housing (unless you are still living with your parents), daily food, and transport cost, 70k is pushing it for a family of five,

If you are single and have no expenses, 70k is more than enough...but with family in tow, a blooming career (which requires a higher standard of living), I'm not sure it's sufficient.

[donbuggy]

He won't go to USA.
On his mountain he would stay.
He doesn't care what people say.
He won't go to USA.

[shibby75]

Even without any outstanding loan for a car and a house, 70k be barely enough for my family with 2 elementary kids.

[yebo]

70k is what you would pay in monthly amortization for a P5M house over 7 years at today's current interest rates after a 20% down payment.
so wala nang kain-kain pag may utang ka sa bank.

[jaguarpw]

70K for me is enough, not that big, but enough for a decent living. Depends on how disciplined you are in spending and saving. I would think twice in migrating to US. Of course, when we look at the FB wall posts of our friends in the US, you'd get the impression that they are in nirvana.

My cousin who lives in the US was laid off, and still struggling, but it was her long-time dream to be a US citizen, so now she's very very happy. Like what others said here, follow your dreams.

But I like that the TS is bringing his entire family, if ever. For me, that's way better than you going there alone and leaving your family in the Phils.

[stickers]

To those that say that 70k is enough for a family with 3 kids growing up, plus maybe a one car household, can you guys state your monthly nut? With looming school tuitions and future college savings, housing (unless you are still living with your parents), daily food, and transport cost, 70k is pushing it for a family of five,

If you are single and have no expenses, 70k is more than enough...but with family in tow, a blooming career (which requires a higher standard of living), I'm not sure it's sufficient.

Like I said, 70k is enough but it depends on how you live your life. Give that 70k to the people living for just php200 a day and it will make them survive for almost a year. Take note that most of these people also has a minimum of 3 kids. But if you spend 15k on monthly rent, another 15k for car amortization, another 15k for food, 10k for utilities, and 30k for education... then you still need 15k to make both ends meet.

70k is what you would pay in monthly amortization for a P5M house over 7 years at today's current interest rates after a 20% down payment.
so wala nang kain-kain pag may utang ka sa bank.

precisely, if you live a luxurious life then don't expect 70k to be enough.

[Gumusut_Amige]

bro, if you are having a close-knit family bond sa atin better stay put. daming mga pinoy na gustong-gusto umuwi every year or 2-yrs but can't do it coz they can't afford. re:70k per month... as others say it's really enough but always depend on family lifestyle. kung puro SC ang nasa isip, kahit doblehin mo pa yan ay kulang na kulang pa din!

[bmacavanza]

have you decided Zenon?

kung risk taker ka, then go

[Ry_Tower]

To those that say that 70k is enough for a family with 3 kids growing up, plus maybe a one car household, can you guys state your monthly nut? With looming school tuitions and future college savings, housing (unless you are still living with your parents), daily food, and transport cost, 70k is pushing it for a family of five,

If you are single and have no expenses, 70k is more than enough...but with family in tow, a blooming career (which requires a higher standard of living), I'm not sure it's sufficient.

Depende kasi sa location mo yan bro. Standard of living ika nga. Kung mega-city, parang sakto lang nga.

*Gumusut_amige: tama ka dyan bro. Family bond, weekly gimmick with childhood friends, relatives etc are just so unbelievable happy so mahirap tapatan ng pera yan.

[Gumusut_Amige]

Depende kasi sa location mo yan bro. Standard of living ika nga. Kung mega-city, parang sakto lang nga.

*Gumusut_amige: tama ka dyan bro. Family bond, weekly gimmick with childhood friends, relatives etc are just so unbelievable happy so mahirap tapatan ng pera yan.

kaya nga before christmas last year, nung nagpaalam yung anak ko na nasa new zealand para magbakasyon... ako na ang nagpadala ng tiket para lang makapiling namin. kaso nung nasa atin na, hay puro lakwatsa ang ginawa kasama ang BF at mga kaibigan.

[ab_initio]

Depends on the kind of visa that will take you to the US. If H1B, even if specialty occupation, the accompanying spouse cannot work. Hence, wifey cannot help you financially but she can help you in taking care of the kids, can give you a relaxing home, can drive your kids to school, etc. You have a stay-at-home super wife.

If you are not a nurse or if you will be given a job that's clerical, it's hard to survive. H1B cannot guarantee you a greencard, just look at our Filipino teachers in the US. Their renewed H1B will be expiring soon, but the petitioning school has not filed for their greencard yet. They have no more life back in the PH because they sold everything as soon as they got their visa.

Female teachers asked their husbands to quit from their jobs to join them in the US with the kids. Now, without the greencard, they have to make an exit and allow another year to elapse before they can reenter, that is, if these jobs are still there after a year.

OT (but might give you the idea, although might not be true to all):

I have the chance to immerse in these places in the west:I like the diversity in CA, but I like the laidback life in WA and so with Oregon (shopping here is heaven, no tax). I find Vegas a material world. I don't like the vibe, although the houses are cheap nowadays. Most states in the Midwest are struggling, although MI is starting to feel the effect of stimulus fund (I dunno if really true). Although we also have to consider that some cities in CA are declaring bankruptcy. In the east, Pinoys I've known opt to live in NJ and work in NY. CT, even if it's a sleeping state, the standard of living is a bit high. But I like the population of the old and brilliant. I have not heard anyone honking his horn unlike in NY and CA. I cannot say much about the District of Columbia, I was there for about a week to observe one US Supreme Court's en banc session. I just spent my days visiting the memorials, capitol, and the gate of White House (hehehe).

In terms of food security, even the hobo has something to fill his tummy. He can take the bus without paying.

With medical services, what I don't like is the appointment procedure in the US. I would rather wager in the PH-considering that buying a medical insurance in the PH is also expensive-I can choose my doctor. My friend pays 200USD for each child/month for medical insurance but cannot choose her doctor. My other friend cannot choose her OB-Gyn, she was assigned a male doctor (que horror). I still like SLMC.

Yes, I agree with yebo(?), most kids in the US don't seem to have any other life except to look forward to be in a relationship. I still would like my child to be a Filipina. If she'll insist on engaging in hazardous activities, we'll see if she's gonna survive without the diploma. I would like my child or children to imbibe the importance of hard work, good education, and the culture of excellence-just because we lack so many.

My cousins in the US finished college through scholarships because they kicked ass during high school and graduated valedictorians. My aunts explained to them the dire need to excel because they are Asians and colored.

But this does not mean that I am no longer enamored with the so-called American Dream. I like America because it does not make me feel that I need to have connections just to be served.

RE: Pinoy marriages. I have met several Pinoys whose marriages have been in shambles. Men (those with blue passports) tend to be so helpful by marrying TNT Pinays, abandoning their respective wives.

70K (PHP) when in the NCR cannot give you a decent house. Although enough for a family of four that does not pay any tuition fees yet.

BTT: If you're offered a green card, then by all means take the risk. You just need to focus on the 5-year period and you'll get your citizenship. There are hardships, but these are just temporary setbacks, you'll get back on your feet eventually. When trials rock your marriage, just go back to your sole consideration in chasing that American Dream: a great or grander future for your family. Don't be lost in the madness of this material world. It's always nice to hold hands with the person who helped you decide in chasing that dream-from the moment you set foot in the US till you draw your last breath. Ride the roller coaster holding each others' hands. Just pray that wifey thinks this way too. hehehe.

[x_outpost]

Very nicely worded.

The US is, as they say, the land of opportunity. If you work hard then you'll get somewhere.
I work as IT in a company who pays for my medical insurance, trainings/certificate courses and even pays for my graduate school tuition fees.
Not to mention, they also contribute 10% to my retirement funds automatically (doesn't matter if I contribute or not). Am I saying that all companies are like this? Of course not. In fact, me and my wife started by renting a one bedroom apartment, shared one car and we can't even afford to go to the movies.
That was more than 10 years ago. The past few years, I had the privilege to work for the Navy and other companies in DC.

Now, if you choose to stay in the Philippines, ask your self this question - "Where do I see my self in 10, 15 and 20 years?"...."Am I still going to make that kind of money?"

One last thing - the older you migrate, the harder for you to blend in and adjust to the lifestyle and culture here.

Depends on the kind of visa that will take you to the US. If H1B, even if specialty occupation, the accompanying spouse cannot work. Hence, wifey cannot help you financially but she can help you in taking care of the kids, can give you a relaxing home, can drive your kids to school, etc. You have a stay-at-home super wife.

If you are not a nurse or if you will be given a job that's clerical, it's hard to survive. H1B cannot guarantee you a greencard, just look at our Filipino teachers in the US. Their renewed H1B will be expiring soon, but the petitioning school has not filed for their greencard yet. They have no more life back in the PH because they sold everything as soon as they got their visa.

Female teachers asked their husbands to quit from their jobs to join them in the US with the kids. Now, without the greencard, they have to make an exit and allow another year to elapse before they can reenter, that is, if these jobs are still there after a year.

OT (but might give you the idea, although might not be true to all):

I have the chance to immerse in these places in the west:I like the diversity in CA, but I like the laidback life in WA and so with Oregon (shopping here is heaven, no tax). I find Vegas a material world. I don't like the vibe, although the houses are cheap nowadays. Most states in the Midwest are struggling, although MI is starting to feel the effect of stimulus fund (I dunno if really true). Although we also have to consider that some cities in CA are declaring bankruptcy. In the east, Pinoys I've known opt to live in NJ and work in NY. CT, even if it's a sleeping state, the standard of living is a bit high. But I like the population of the old and brilliant. I have not heard anyone honking his horn unlike in NY and CA. I cannot say much about the District of Columbia, I was there for about a week to observe one US Supreme Court's en banc session. I just spent my days visiting the memorials, capitol, and the gate of White House (hehehe).

In terms of food security, even the hobo has something to fill his tummy. He can take the bus without paying.

With medical services, what I don't like is the appointment procedure in the US. I would rather wager in the PH-considering that buying a medical insurance in the PH is also expensive-I can choose my doctor. My friend pays 200USD for each child/month for medical insurance but cannot choose her doctor. My other friend cannot choose her OB-Gyn, she was assigned a male doctor (que horror). I still like SLMC.

Yes, I agree with yebo(?), most kids in the US don't seem to have any other life except to look forward to be in a relationship. I still would like my child to be a Filipina. If she'll insist on engaging in hazardous activities, we'll see if she's gonna survive without the diploma. I would like my child or children to imbibe the importance of hard work, good education, and the culture of excellence-just because we lack so many.

My cousins in the US finished college through scholarships because they kicked ass during high school and graduated valedictorians. My aunts explained to them the dire need to excel because they are Asians and colored.

But this does not mean that I am no longer enamored with the so-called American Dream. I like America because it does not make me feel that I need to have connections just to be served.

RE: Pinoy marriages. I have met several Pinoys whose marriages have been in shambles. Men (those with blue passports) tend to be so helpful by marrying TNT Pinays, abandoning their respective wives.

70K (PHP) when in the NCR cannot give you a decent house. Although enough for a family of four that does not pay any tuition fees yet.

BTT: If you're offered a green card, then by all means take the risk. You just need to focus on the 5-year period and you'll get your citizenship. There are hardships, but these are just temporary setbacks, you'll get back on your feet eventually. When trials rock your marriage, just go back to your sole consideration in chasing that American Dream: a great or grander future for your family. Don't be lost in the madness of this material world. It's always nice to hold hands with the person who helped you decide in chasing that dream-from the moment you set foot in the US till you draw your last breath. Ride the roller coaster holding each others' hands. Just pray that wifey thinks this way too. hehehe.

[Ry_Tower]

kaya nga before christmas last year, nung nagpaalam yung anak ko na nasa new zealand para magbakasyon... ako na ang nagpadala ng tiket para lang makapiling namin. kaso nung nasa atin na, hay puro lakwatsa ang ginawa kasama ang BF at mga kaibigan.

I think I'll have the same scenario in 15yrs time the soonest. Makikiusap na sa anak na magbakasyon dito. Gusto mag-work ng son ko sa ibang bansa eh. Kapag nanalo si Nognog, I'll definitely push him in that aspiration of his.

[CVT]

Am actually offering my eldest son to study college either in the US or Australia, so that he won't see us everyday for as long as he secures partial scholarship.... Ayaw!!!

18.8k:dance1:

[zenon]

appreciated all your replies guys. until now no decision pa rin. if ever I will be bringing my family and immigrant ang visa natin. my work is in IT field (microsoft/network/vb/scripts). lumaki ako sa province, I am very content living a simple life same with wifey and the kids. sa ngayon si wifey ang bahala sa lahat ng bills (water/electrical/broadband/yaya) while sagot ko lahat ng groceries and amortization. on top of that meron pa rin kaming savings for kids' future. we always see to it that our bonuses (wifey and I) will go directly to savings.. matipid kami masyado hehehe.. we were able to pay in cash ahead of the enrollment time ang tuition ng mga bata to avail the discounts.. ganyan ang buhay namin napaka simple but we are happy..

the reason I am thinking of migrating is because of the kids' future. I think kaya naman naming pag-aralin sa decent scholl ang mga bata but would it be better if kids are in the U.S. looking for a decent job than here in the Phil..

another dilemma is if we migrated then we will start all over again.. no choice but kailangan kainin ang pride pagdating U.S. kahit siguro anong trabaho papasukin just to survive the first year.. so we will need family support. sadly wala kami maaasahan na family support since malayong kamag-anak ang mga naduon sa states. we have friends to accommodate us may be on the first few weeks.. but what if after 6 months wala pa kami stable jobs.. hayy hirap mag decide...

yes i've been to U.S. several times. less than a week gusto ko na bumalik sa pinas agad.. pag may U.S. trainings hindi nako nag eextend uwi na agad.. honestly ayoko duon but being a father I have to think for my kids' better future..sigh...

[yebo]

being in the US does not guarantee your kids will have a better future. wala na sananng mahirap na amerikano kung US citizen ka e sure ball na.

sa ating mga pinoy na nagma-migrate sa ibang bansa (US, Canada, Australia, etc) pinakamalaking dahilan ng success e yung education. so sa mga 1st generation immigrants tama yan, malaki ang chances of success kasi karamihan e college educated. pero paano kung hindi ganun kaganda ang buhay na mahanap mo dun, lalo na ngayon bagsak ang US economy. paano na yung 2nd generation? alam mo ba kung magkano ang cost ng college education sa US? will they qualify for an scholarship? will they be able to compete for entrance in the better universities? yung saying na "inumpisahan ni lolo, pinalago ni tatay, winaldas ng apo" also applies to education. nagpakahirap ang tatay mo na pagaralin ka sa college tapos pupunta ka sa US kung saan di mo kayang pagaralin mga anak mo. sabagay yung iba ginagamit ang utak. punta sila sa US as family, then pag college age na ang mga bata pinapauwi ang anak sa pilipinas para magaral. yan e kung gusto pa umuwi ng anak.