I'm Back with a vengeance! My US experience

Rep · Jan 27, 2006

I am glad that you are back. Regarding your post, yes, I agree with your observations.

But many of us, has already made decisions that would affect and change our destiny and future. Regarding what is awaiting us there, we are all ready for that the moment we signed our I-140 appliation forms.

I myself as a former rep ( have resigned two weeks ago) earned as 6 figures salary and yet I decided to immigrate. I have several reasons that I can cite, one reason I can cite is the law, I am law abiding person and even during a slow traffic I will stop on a red light and what do I get in return, drivers behind my car will blast their horns and shouted me to go.

As a med rep I learned first hand that people at the DEpt Of Health used goverment funds to buy their own personal medicines. During bidding, they award those companies that will give them rebates. And they also sell the medicines to wholesalers/private pharmacies and that medicines are intended for the poor.

I want to live in a land where the rule of law prevails. Not this land of the PHilippines. You can see everywhere. Everybody is breaking the law, our congress, our police, our soldiers and our government. Corruption is everywhere, at least in the US they can send politicians to jail for that but here NO. Look at the Marcoses, the Binays, Romualdez, Cojuancos, the Arroyos,the Estradas and other politicians, the Garcias in the military. are they in jail?

I can not stomach these things so my wife and I decided to leave so that our children will have a better future.

As I said, we have our own reasons to leave the philippines and immigrate to the US and no matter what are waiting there for us are much better than what we have here in the Philippines otherwise we won't be leaving at all.

I will be moving to California where there are a lot of Filipinos and my children can practise the good values we have as Filipinos. Like kissing the hands of elders and respecting them.

Good luck and wish you the best of everything. And thanks for sharing us your experiences which could help us prepare once we get there.

Rep

Btw and off topic, , the only thing that will make me go back is when there is a change wherein all those corrupt people are going to jail and this is not happening unless there is a bloody revolution which I know won't happen at all.

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!

dhel28 · Jan 27, 2006

I am glad that you are back. Regarding your post, yes, I agree with your observations.
But many of us, has already made decisions that would affect and change our destiny and future. Regarding what is awaiting us there, we are all ready for that the moment we signed our I-140 appliation forms.
I myself as a former rep ( have resigned two weeks ago) earned as 6 figures salary and yet I decided to immigrate. I have several reasons that I can cite, one reason I can cite is the law, I am law abiding person and even during a slow traffic I will stop on a red light and what do I get in return, drivers behind my car will blast their horns and shouted me to go.
As a med rep I learned first hand that people at the DEpt Of Health used goverment funds to buy their own personal medicines. During bidding, they award those companies that will give them rebates. And they also sell the medicines to wholesalers/private pharmacies and that medicines are intended for the poor.
I want to live in a land where the rule of law prevails. Not this land of the PHilippines. You can see everywhere. Everybody is breaking the law, our congress, our police, our soldiers and our government. Corruption is everywhere, at least in the US they can send politicians to jail for that but here NO. Look at the Marcoses, the Binays, Romualdez, Cojuancos, the Arroyos,the Estradas and other politicians, the Garcias in the military. are they in jail?
I can not stomach these things so my wife and I decided to leave so that our children will have a better future.
As I said, we have our own reasons to leave the philippines and immigrate to the US and no matter what are waiting there for us are much better than what we have here in the Philippines otherwise we won't be leaving at all.
I will be moving to California where there are a lot of Filipinos and my children can practise the good values we have as Filipinos. Like kissing the hands of elders and respecting them.
Good luck and wish you the best of everything. And thanks for sharing us your experiences which could help us prepare once we get there.
Rep
Btw and off topic, , the only thing that will make me go back is when there is a change wherein all those corrupt people are going to jail and this is not happening unless there is a bloody revolution which I know won't happen at all.

Same reasons why I left the Philippines, just anticipate the worst case scenarios. There are a lot of Filipinos in CA, but they will be the last people who will say hi and smile to you.

I don't want to be the doomsayer, I just want everyone to see the other side of the fence.

Expect for the worst and hope and pray for the best. I just hope that we all be the "next generation" of filipino immigrants.

Just found out, as much as possible, filipinos here do not want to work in a hospital where there are a lot of filipinos working, you'll find out why. Please, kababayans, for the new breed of filipino immigrants, let's change that thinking.

God bless to all of us.

God

senju · Jan 27, 2006

Hi dhel,

I know where you're coming from. It took me several visits to the US before I have decided to file my papers. My first 2 visits there were overwhelming. I was all over. I went to NY, California, Chicago, Michigan, San Francisco, Las Vegas, etc.... But my friends said visiting is different from living and working there. So on my 3rd visit, I stayed longer (almost 6 months). It was the loneliest 6months of my life. Yes, money can be easy if you are an RN but before you you can put a smile on your face, major adjustment needs to be done. It's a totally different culture. Philippines is a very laid back country so it's very hard to adapt to their system. On top of that, you don't have family and friends whom you can call anytime if you need help.

Now the question is, What made me decide to process my papers? I can also say that my compensation and my lifestyle is already good here in the Philippines. So many people are asking, why will I migrate? Why will I leave my job here? First, that's because my husband is also a nurse. Second, I want to secure the future of my family. Here, everything is so hard to achieve. If you are poor in this country, you are really poor and If you are rich, you are really rich and yes you can stay here if you are. Third, my parents. I can start a family in the US at the same time giving support to my parents here. One of my biggest fear is that if they get sick and I am still here, my income may not be enough knowing how expensive it is to be hospitalized here, most medical insurance doesn't cover 70 years old and above. My parents in 5 years time will be 70. Lastly, when I was there, it was hard but I believe that I can survive. I tried taking the bus, subway, path train and even driving there by myself. It took a while before I get the feel of it but eventually I made it. I love mapquest. You can get driving directions if you want to go places. We can afford to buy the food that others are buying unlike here. There, even if you pay high taxes, at least you know where it's going, here it goes to corruption. So, I know you can do it. I guess that's the best thing about Filipinos. We are exposed to a lot of challenges, those challenges made us a better person.

Goodluck to you and to your family. KEEP BELIEVIN'

FreshRN05 · Jan 27, 2006

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!

my heart goes to you...

hael171972 · Jan 27, 2006

dhel,,you made me cry.. :crying2:

"when you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look...you most likely turned your back on the world.."

goodluck friend!!keep your hopes high and believe!!!

hael:)

nrswnabee · Jan 27, 2006

i think dhel's post is very timely to many of us eagerly waiting for our ticket to the land of milk and honey. yes, there are more opportunities but to think that the us is without corruption, lawlessness and other ills we've long wanted to "escape" from our home country could be disappointing. i'm pinay too and i know how frustrating and damning it is to live in a society run by a handful of families, to see poverty that's only "imaginable" to others and be lorded over by crooks in authority. to some degree, these evils could be present in the us, too, and for whatever we may be missing when we ultimately get to the us will only be replaced by another evil or two. say, how do you raise upright, God-fearing children when they go to school that has banned prayer and they have classmates who tote guns for "kicks" ?...how do you deal with people who just can't (or won't) take you seriously because you're brown and you have an accent? (not everyone but there are still many around...everywhere)

the thing is we shouldn't paint a too-good picture of the us because in fact it isn't. having lived here for 2 years, i must say that it's important not to expect too much. there's always something to give up inorder to gain another. if we had accepted it as such, then we are on our way to a better, more solid ground.

nurseMargo · Jan 28, 2006

I can understand everybody here.

I also struggled a lot and faced many many difficulties in this country. Life's been hard.

But I love US. This country gave me freedom, and that is priceless to me.

I can go to school if I want to, get a job, drive a car, earn money, spend it the way I want to. I can do anything. Sky is the limit. I'm independent and FREE:balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

I feel this is my home and I'm ready to serve it and love it forever.

I hope things get better for all foreign people that are struggling in America!!!

Good luck everyone!

angeldust · Feb 7, 2006

Hi Dhel!

Glad to hear you are back. But I am sorry to hear about your experience. I hope everything is OK by now. I guess, all those comes along with living in a new environment. But I feel pretty bad about your housing accomodation. You deserve better than that. Anyhow, just hang on. Your messages are indeed valued very much as our pointers on what to expect. I am still here in the Phils, I have my employer interview last Nov. I was made to choose which state I prefer to work and stay. And they wanted me to be an RN before flying to USA. So, currently I am preparing for the NCLEX and my agency is doing all the paperworks and fees. So far, as far as my agency is concerned I heard good feedbacks about them. Well, keep on posting about your experiences. It is very realistic and helpful on our part. God bless!

Angeldust

eznal · Feb 11, 2006

hi dhel,

Im a newbie here. I was so touched by what you posted. I really hope and pray you're doing okay now.....

theatre9 · Feb 11, 2006

hi dhel,

i am so sorry to hear about your experience i salute you for being so honest about the whole thing. i have been working abroad for the past 14 years and it's just natural to compare the country to your own but give yourself some time. i just got my immigrant visa a couple of days ago and i am hoping to be in san diego in april and i hope and pray that things will out for me without any hitch.

anyway, things can only get better.

theatre9