CHIBIHOLIC || bablih.com

One question raised on iSTORYA.net that got me ranting now is this: "If mo sweldo mo sa Cebu or nearby areas, 50k per month, mo abroad paka?"
(If you are earning Php50,000.00 per month in Cebu or in nearby areas, would you still want to work abroad?)

Working abroad once crossed my mind before (those times when we were so down), yet thinking of the sacrifices I have to make, the thought never went through.

With my online job, I am earning more than 50k (tax free), in Cebu, and at the comfort of my home wearing pajamas. The thought of going abroad still lingers in my mind, but the reason is now different—not to work, but to have fun.

For me, working abroad can never be compared to working-at-home regardless of the salary. Imagine, you simply work at home with no uniforms needed. No need to wake up early since you can work any time during the day, and any day of the week (you have all the time in your hands). No transportation expenses, and going to and fro is such a hassle. No boss monitoring around your back. No nagging supervisor. No chismosas (gossipers). No need for make-ups, and no tax. So, thanks Sam! :) But most of all, I can be with my family always. And I love the slower pace of life here in Cebu, especially here in the province. Another factor is the cost of living. Your 50k per month will go a very long way if spent well and wisely. If you want more income, you can always invest and start up a business.

Though it also depends on your lifestyle, and how much you spend to feed your vices. Others could easily get lost, and would end up spending a lot because they can now easily afford it. Most of them would even start on getting bank loans and credit cards, and 50k per month will never be enough for them. A wage increase sometimes means a lifestyle increase to other people. While we stay on our toes, and still live a simple life, our number one rule is: DON'T SPEND THE MONEY YOU DON'T HAVE. And even if we can afford it, we don't buy stuffs we don't need. Just like why we don't have an expensive phone, simply because we don't need one, but we bought a car because we need one! We only have a Nokia 1110 for as long as I can remember.

We are living a frugal life, my hubby taught me this, and I have learned a lot from him, and I hate it when people call him "tihik" (stingy). We value things, and we value money, so every single cent counts since we worked for it. That's why we don't spend it like turning the faucet on.

In the end, it all comes down to this: "IT'S  NOT HOW MUCH YOU EARN, BUT HOW YOU SPEND IT."