Greener Grass

Someone once told me that the grass was much greener, on the other side..

Any young professional (like me!) would do anything within his reach to get to the greener, other side. Who wouldn't want greener pastures & brighter future?!

Many people here in the Philippines are doing everything -- selling their rice fields & livelihood to pay recruiters and international agencies, taking up 6 months to 2year caregiver courses, shifting from Medicine to nursing, engaging on on-line dating with foreigners -- just to get to, where else, abroad, the land flowing with milk & honey. Some would be willing to make radical changes in their careers (the childhood dream of becoming a doctor to becoming a senior carer on a foreign land, marrying someone you knew only on-line, leaving your family, friends & career). They believe that only on those foreign lands we are not familiar with, were we will always be second class citizens, that our dreams of good life will become a reality. And I, with the job offers from eastern & western coasts of America and a valid visa on hand, is having second thoughts of taking that big step to the other side. Anyone, except me I guess, would take that offer at any time. I don’t have any thing to leave here anyway. I practically don't have any reason to stay but have all the reasons to fly away and make my dreams (or is it my mom's??) become a reality. So, why still having second thoughts???

I am insanely in love with my native land even if politics here is somewhat synonymous to showbiz or even though life is pretty tough here. I would always opt to stay put & continue thriving for my bright future -- maybe not as bright(er) as the others but bright enough for licensed professionals like me.

I am afraid of change. I'm scared of having a completely different life. For 26 years , I only have left this country once. I’ve never felt so alone all my life til that day. My apprehension of going beyond my comfort zone (my life Pinoy style) is one reason keeping me here and not taking the job…or at least not yet!

I am happy & contented with my life, Pinoy style. I may be technically a licensed bum, but I live. I may be working only once a week (that means less pay), but I live. I may not be able to buy high end gears, but I live. I may not be able to spend much, but I live. And simply living makes me happy. SIMPLE LIVING makes me happy.

Years from now, situations will definitely change, concerns & priorities will be different. I might start living on my own, providing for my selfish needs (my own pad, my own car, gimmick here & there, etc), starting a family, etc. With the rate I'm going, I don't think I'll be able to live up to it. Sooner or later I have to face my fears and not content my self with a simple life. What I stand for right now (not taking the opportunity of working abroad) is illogical & impractical. Yah, I think so... but,

till further notice, I'm in between. From where I am standing, my grass is green.

*the first & last lines are the opening song of my fave cartoon, As Told by Ginger
*I just made few tweaks from this old post and the essence still hold true!