Hi Everybody! After a long self imposed exile im now back with a vengeance! Trying to straighten out what went wrong and will share the blessings of what went right.
I has been a tough struggle, the last two months was a nightmare...for those who remember me, I was a very passionate and a persevering person but the last 2 months in the US somehow challenge and change that. The great american dream is not that great anymore, but I will definitely make another try. " It's either I'll find a way or I'll make one. Lessons learned and Im sharing it with everyone and specially to my "kababayan"
1. Coming or migrating to America is not a "bed of roses". I know this is a cliche but Im giving this another meaning. Im not even touching the whole immigration process (I-140 to interview - visa). Im talking about actually living in the US. Even if you're succesful in your career here, it doesn't mean that you will be happy. So before you finally make your decision in going here, think about it a million times!Not just the financial aspect but EVERYTHING! Schooling of your kids, what kind of environment you want your kids to grow up, type of relationship that you want to have, with your family, neighbors and stuff. IT'S LONELY HERE!
2. US is not everything, but I know financial independence matters! Carefully think about your objectives in coming to america! These decision points are the only one that you will hold on to.
3. Disneyland and Empire State building is just another infrastructure! Hollywood is just another city and most of americans call it "Holly-weird" You'll find it out for your self!
4. There are more nice building and malls in Makati than in Los Angeles! :chuckle
5. I am taking back what I said before, look for the best employment agency if you can afford it, don't get any, get hired directly! And be careful with those agencies promising you heaven and earth...there's no good agency out there, your just choosing between lesser evil! Susan is right, get hired directly
6. If you foolishly decided to get an agency, better document all the items not included in your contract and other terms and conditions during your employment. Think about the "worst case scenarios". There's a saying the beggars cannot be choosers, but for god's sake we are not beggars, we're nurses!
7. I know its expensive, but I totally advise those who want to come here in the US...pass your NCLEX first! You'll have more option that way! For your husband and wife whose not a nurse, please tell them that it is not easy getting a job here, especially if you don't have a US local experience! But how can you get a local experience if they will not hire you in the first place!
8. For those Husband and wife whose earning already P25,000 and above in the philippines, think twice before you quit your job and readily join your Nurse spouse in the US...It's not easy getting a job here. Yes you can earn $7 dollars an hour and if you convert that to Phillipine peso it's a lot of money...only if your living in the philippines. Your earning dollars here but your also spending US dollars too! 1 big mac meal here will cost you 250.00 pesos! Follow to join is much better, settle your self first!
9. Staying with a relative is not that great! If your used to living independently in the Phils and you thought that "I have cousin or aunt living somewhere in the US so definitely I can survive", THINK AGAIN! Our relatives in the US also works and you'll be surprised if you find them also just making ends meets. You cannot go anywhere in CA if you don't have car!
10. Practice Nursing in the Philippines and get all the skills and info you can grab, you'll need it here!
11. Before you get that loan in the Philippines thinking that you can earn money easily here, think AGAIN!
12. I hate to be preachy, but you will never survive and will be depressed and frustrated without God!
Enough of the lessons and I am not being cynical, I m just giving you a sneek peek or what if scenarios!
As for me, Im out of my hybernation. Im trying to get out of my agency, Im trying to pass NCLEX, Im teaching my child how to cope up in school and explain the difference in cultures, Im trying to find a job... but Im not afraid because I have my God backing me up and winking at me. Telling me that everything will be all right.
Im currently here in CA and please don't ask why.....=)
Hi Suzanne! Hi PresC, Hael, Shaider, Silverdragon, Nurse Dependent, My good friends in India... Im back, and this time me and my God will make things right!
God bless!
