Living and working in The Philippines
Wouter Zijlstra
Journey Maker leading technical talents to global success at CC.Talent
About a year ago I wrote an article regarding my immigration to the Philippines. In 2019 I found a job with the help of Oli who is the owner of LGC, and with that was I able to make the move. So what happened between August 5th 2019 and today!
The Journey
On August 4th, 2019 an emotional moment on Schiphol Airport, holding my daughter Anna strongly in my arms.
Until today we have not had the chance to hold each other again our arms, hopefully, soon she is able to fly to the Philippines with our cousin to visit us.
We chat every day via WhatsApp, so we know what is going on, on the other sides of the planet.
August 5th, 2019, arriving in Manila after a long flight with some hurdles (buy always a round trip even when you don't have plans to go back soon. Or make sure all arrival Visa's to enter without roundtrip are settled.) my new journey started.
The First Weeks
When you travel and arrive in a new area, the first days is just exploring the neighbourhood and trying to find your way again. So this was the area we explored together with my wife:
Legazpi Village!
Living near the park, work around the corner (uPraxis) and several shopping malls nears us. And great places for good coffee like Antipodean.
The Job
SQA Manager at uPraxis on the project JustPayroll, an amazing team that we build to a complete hybrid task force that is able to do every single task within the combined teams. SQA for JustPayroll as well as Production Support for JustPayroll. Each member has a core area, and all are able to step in any other area without any issue. Our motto, our strength, 'Work Smart, Not Hard'!
Building a team on its own can be a challenge in your home country, so be aware abroad the challenges are even bigger. Culture, both business and local, management styles, building trusts, strong deep relations with each and every one of your team, and with each member of the company to make sure your mission will be a success.
I can say, I am proud of each and every member that worked with me in my combined teams. They are strong and knowledge, each and every one of them. Also the members of uPraxis other departments and projects, we are one family strong and dedicated.
STOP - LEGAL MATTERS
Okay, we almost forgot, when you live and/or work abroad, legal matters must not be forgotten. Arrange the proper Visa, no matter the cost!
In my case:
- Tourist visa to start with and extending per new period.
- The work permit, arranged by your employer. When this is done, make sure to apply for a work visa, since working with a tourist visa is not allowed. It is your responsibility but your employer should make sure to point on this also since you need their papers also in the end.
- I followed a different path, this since I am married in the Philippines with my Philippine wife am I now in the process of my 13A visa.
- Drivers license, in the Philippines you can drive 90 days with a foreigner license. When you go in and out of the country you are lucky since each time you return the counter is back to zero. In my case, why convert my license, I am not driving and will not buy a car. I can assure you, just go to the Main LTO office and arrange it.
The Change
Things change, COVID-19 is one of them that changed the world around us. Not just here in the Philippines bus globally. Changes are scarred in the opinion of many. I think changes are a way to grow ourselves, to enrich our lives and with that become richer in knowledge and more.
Also for us, things are chaining, moving out of Manila to Angeles. From a small studio to a single house in a subdivision. What else..? Just keep reading.
The Bayanihan Circle PodCast
To close this article, as mentioned the recruiter that helped me to step on board of my first job here in the Philippines invited me to do a podcast.
Paul Catherall and his business partner Oliver Lewis had this great idea of the Bayanihan Circle's Podcast wherein expatriates and local business owners explain how it is to live and work in the Philippines.
Since the PodCast is really a great and easy way to hear from other expatriates, sharing this with you all. Take your time and enjoy.
#BayanihanCirclesPodcast #Philippens #Expats #Work #Requitment #SharingStories #TheJourneymaker #Icasma