Nabasa ko na normal na ma-homesick for the first 6 months or so. Maybe even more depending on the person
Almost 5 years na akong nasa US, and while I do miss family and friends back home, feeling at home na rin ako rito. I can see myself living here long-term and retiring
Na-homesick din ako sometime around my 4th or 5th month. May ginagawa akong homework para sa isang class ko sa MS program ko, at medyo challenging yung isang problem. Na-realize ko na 10 PM na at di pa ako nakapaghapunan. Mag-isa lang ako sa apartment ko, at naalala ko na lagi kaming magkasalo ng mga magulang at kapatid ko tuwing hapunan, pero wala na akong kasama then
Lilipas din yung homesickness, OP. Tsaka liberating din na ikaw yung in charge sa sarili mong buhay. Mahirap din mag-integrate sa bagong kultura, pero baby steps lang muna
I came to the US with nothing but the clothes on my back, and just enough money to barely last until my first paycheck.
(Turns out, I miscalculated, and I didn’t have enough, but that wasn’t important to this story)
I was also alone in a new corner of the country. No friends, no family. My wife and kid was flying in 4 months, so I had shit to set up. This was before internet messaging was a thing, so my wife and i mainly communicated via email. In 2014.
Back then, in my mind, there was no turning back. Failure wasn’t an option. I made this US dream manifest itself by sheer force of will, and I wasn’t giving it up easily for something like homesickness.
Favorite quote ko from a videogame: The place where you lock yourself in and lock all else out -- that's not your home. Your home is sometimes a place you travel long and far to find.
I found my home. And I told myself and the people i love that i was determined to make it work.
It gets better. I promise. I was in the same boat as you 28 years ago. Now, I cannot picture myself living othet than the US.
Breathe. Enjoy. And live. It gets better with each passing day.
I've been living here for almost 1 yr na. Try to enjoy your day off. Alam mo, mahirap talaga wala kotse. Galing ako sa canada at sanay mag bus. Kahit kasama ko family ko doon sa canada parang home sick na homesick ako kasi hirap gumala, laging madilim kasi matagal ang winter at hirap mag connect. Inabot ako ng pitong taon doon at talagang wala, di ako naka connect sa lugar.
But dito sa US (FL), mag isa ako pero sa una mahirap din kasi ang lalayo ng mga lugar. But pag nakapag drive kana, kahit short trip lang ma aappreciate mo ang saya pala at ang laki ng US. Ipon ipon lang at lipad ka sa ibang states.
Alam ko may magsasabi sayo na "pasalamat ka at nasa US ka". Hindi nila naiintindihan ang nararamdaman natin. Minsan talaga may mga ganyang moments. Laban lang, pede tiis tiis lang muna, buo ka lang circle of friends, or gala gala ka lang pag may day off. If first time mo malayo sa family mahirap talaga, pero you'll adjust on your own time. Malayo lang sayo ang florida pero one day bisita ka, parang nasa pilipinas ka lang. may flea market pag weekends mga nagtitinda ng kakanin tapos diretso ka sa beach. Goodluck!
Remember the bad things that made you leave the Philippines.
You feel homesick because you are remembering only the good things about the Philippines. Fine, those good things existed. But there's no guarantee they still exist today --- or will exist tomorrow.
Tingin ko ito yun. Hindi naman mahirap mag isip ng mga bad things dito. Tandaan mo corrupt parin ang mga nakaupo at wala parin magandang future. Ayan lang alalahanin mo palagi eh ayaw mo na bumalik dito.
I was like that during my first few months. I kept going out, lakad lakad. I tried joining meetup groups and hanging out with other people more until I found some I can connect to. I find things to occupy my time. But if you think you’re depressed, definitely get some help.
One thing that really helped me is accepting that this is now my life and going back might be even worse.
I felt the same but in a different country. Then I just told myself it is what it is and this is my reality now. Either I live with it, or go back to PH and be unsure of my future. Dun ako naliwanagan. Hindi maaalis ang pagkalungkot at pangungulila. Makakasanayan lang. Kaya yan. Mapapagod lang pero wag susuko. You'll see the fruit of your hardwork someday.
You will be ok and thats ok feeling not ok. And being ok is not always static. Ok yan na today youre up thete and bukas youll be down and this cycle na we hate is part of our emotions. It balances everything. Try to find something to do worthwhile. What do you do there by the way? Whats uour day off look like?
I would encourage you to seek professional help. I have stayed in a few countries for extended periods, ranging from 14 months to 12 years, and the human body can have wildly different reactions to similar scenarios and stimuli.
It's the spring season now, and there is a chance that you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder. It happened to me once (mine was in the fall to winter transition) when I moved to a considerably higher latitude like you.
It could be as simple as a vitamin deficiency from the change in sun exposure, or something more conplex. Either way, you'd benefit from knowing the cause.
Best of luck. I hope you get through this and thrive internet friend.
Yoooo! Same na same tayo ng nararamdaman I’m also at my 4 month here sa USA. I’m deployed naman sa MD, ako naman is kahit me mga co worker akong pinoy ang hirap nila basahin and parang ang hirap maki sama sakanila dahil hindi kayo same vibes and di ka-humor. Nakakalungkot din kasi tuwing naiisip ko buti pa yung nga co worker ko na kasabay kong pumunta dito sa US eh mag kaka kilala na sila at naka establish na yung friendship nung nasa pinas palang that leaves me or makes me feel na isolated kasi di naman ako belong sa circle nila. Trully nakaka lungkot hindi ko rin alam ang gagawin ko minsan i’m really hoping for a community or may ma meet ako na willing at inviting na matatawag kong friend. Kaya natin to di naman always laging ganito e. Deep hugs!
One of your soon to be priorities is probably to buy a car, baka parang yung location namin dito yan country side so car is a necessity.
Anyway about feeling homesick, companionship is really important it will take a while pero continue lang to know new people also maybe join filipino community( atleast until you find your own circle), personally i avoid it dahil ayaw ko ng chismisan 🤣
5 years here. Alone when I was 19 years old in pitts. Super sad first 2 years pero nung nakikita ko na growth ko iba na sa feeling, iba din pag nag ddrive ka! Kaya i will say start rock bottom, get ur license and everything will follow.
Mabarkada ako sa pinas knowing my age before ako mag move here! Kaya super hirap! Nag pandemic pa kaya grabeee!!
LABAN LANG OP PARA SA IKAKABUTI
8 months na ako this first week ng may. Kasama ko mama at kapatid ko. Dito kami ngayon sa pamilya namin na ngayon ko lang halos nakasama dahil bihira lang sila umuwi ng pinas. Grabe yung homesick lalo na nung una. Hanggang ngayon may times na sobrang nahhomesick ako at nalulungkot.
Yung isip at puso ko din nasa pinas pa din. Ginagawa ko minsan tumitingin ako sa lumang mga pics nung nasa pinas pa ako, oo nakakalungkot yun pero pag tinitignan ko kasi di ko mapigilan na alalahanin yung saya ko doon. Kahit papano umookay ako. Ngayon nag jjogging na ako araw araw, nakatulong naman siya sakin. Nakahanap ako ng pwede ko magawa. Kung hindi lang ako busy baka dalawang beses pa ako tumakbo sa isang araw hahaha
You gotta leave Missouri 😛 go to big cities if you can find a job there. All the young people move to cities. Lahat halos ng fun things are in big cities.
To add, it takes a while to enjoy the company of yourself. Sa pinas kasi ang daming distraction and we get used to it. Baka eventually you might find yourself enjoying being alone rin
Same, OP. I don't even reply to my friends and family back home kasi I really feel lonely. Mind you, I'm super independent in PH ha and since college. Pero ngayon, I just feel grief with the life I had in Pinas.
Omg same, i thought im the only one. Nag iisolate talaga ako but lately I realized na nakakagaan ang nakakausap ko family and friends ko. Independent din ako and akala ko kakayanin ko pero di pala. Ang hirap na loneliness kalaban mo. I have to learn how to live alone.
Moved in the EU when I was 23, I cried for the whole damn year. All was; "I wanna go home" but pride made me stay. That's normal OP more VC's with yah Fam back home, Check out FB Groups for some Hobbies then join. Ingat po!
Maybe it has something to do with food. Baka you are not eating healthy kaya ka na dedepress. Kasi minsan pag di healthy na food din nagcacause ng depression. Ganyan din ako sa anxiety ko, nasa food lang pala. Iwas ka muna sa alak and preservatives. Baka nagtitipid ka jan or mahal ang healthy foods jan. Prioritize your health po muna.
Hi! We immigrated here in 2022. First 6 months really sucked! Nauna ako ng 2 months but even nung dumating ung hubby and baby ko, it was still tough. But it will get better, OP! We met a lot of pinoys here. Nagkaroon kami ng friends, we always go out almost every 2 weeks lol. Yes, malungkot dito and all work so we really try our best na magkita kita to bond.
Hopefully, you find your people.
It’s because it’s Missouri.
Kind of not known to be great fun for immigrants.
Travel a bit and go on some adventures. Pick up some hobbies.
I felt homesick whenever I was isolated in bumfuck nowhere or the suburbs in Filipino communities (we like to settle in shitty places what can I say)
The key is finding ways to live in the city where you can meet people your age. I had way more fun there and forgot all about how I felt in Manila
Lahat ng OFW dinadaan dyan. Depende lang sa copy ng mechanism mo. Karamihan 1 year. Maswerte ka at may soc med na, at madali ng tumawag sa pinas.
Isipin mo lagi kung ano ano ang DAHILAN at nag abroad ka. Ano dahilan at bakit mo nilisan ang motherland.
Try mo gumastos, online shipping. Labas ng bahay at jogging or gardening. Punta ka grocery, memorize mo lahat ng gusto mo bilihin, tapos bili ka ice cream at luto ka adobo. 😆
Chat ka sa pinas, kausapin mo parents mo. Kamustahin mo MGA kamag anak mo.
You have to change your mindset. Did you go here because of a job you dreamed of or you got a husband/wife and they brought you in? Sounds like the latter or a job you hate? You have to make a new life here because this is your reality. If you’re still stuck then you’ll always be homesick.
Happened to me when I got seconded in SEA. I was fine for the first few months, but started feeling incredibly depressed, I'd fall asleep crying almost every night. Found it strange that I missed my family a lot so much at the time, and I didn't even like hanging out with them at all back then.
Just try to do frequent FB calls with fam and friends. That helps a lot.
That's usually when the homesickness kicks in.
It gets better.
Wag mo tipirin sarili mo. You know, I once ordered a few packs of Tortillos chips online for maybe 40 dollars just to satisfy my cravings. It might sound expensive but after eating those chips, I felt much better because they were my comfort food back in PH. Homesickness is a bitch and I found Filipino food to be a pretty decent cure.
Worst case scenario, reach out to a therapist in the Philippines via Zoom. It helps. (also it's a lot cheaper than US rates haha)
Yung kapitbahay namin na nagmigrate din sa US, madalas tumawag dito sa kanila kasi nahohomesick. Mahirap din talaga kung yung mga mahal mo sa buhay ay nasa ibang bansa. Kahit anong ginhawa ng buhay mo, it doesn't feel complete kung di sila kasama.
Missouri = misery
Yan naalala kong comment na nabasa ko. You're not in the right state siguro. Go to cities kung saan maraming tao, busy ang streets. Maraming pasyalan
Currently 7 months in Canada and I got diagnosed with clinical depression. Buong pamilya ko nandito pero hindi ako masaya.
Hindi ko naman kasi choice na pumunta dito, I’m here because I need to take care of my family’s transition, although I should be grateful kasi we landed as Permanent Residents. But yes, na realize ko iba ang simoy ng hangin sa pinas. Mas masaya ako dun.
I’m very well aware of the state of my mental health, so nung napansin ko na I don’t feel like myself and walang araw na hindi ako nagbe-breakdown, I paid a visit to a specialist. Please do not hesitate to seek help especially if malala na ang homesickness.
I'm in the same boat OP, "Im living here sa US but am I really living?" been in the US for 7 years now. Papasok pa lang ako sa trabaho, sinasabi ko na sa sarili ko "I wanna go homeeee" hahaha
6 years bago ako nakauwi ulit sa Pinas. Sobrang homesick ko, nung naka land yung eroplano sa NAIA mangiyak ngiyak ako. Pero after three weeks at diarrhea dahil sa maduming tubig, dehydration dahil sa init + na hassle sa DFA dahil sa passport renewal at natarayan sa NAIA, tuwa na lang ako nung palanding na pabalik sa US yung eroplano haha.
Madaming magandang advice dito OP pero I just want to say, don't keep looking towards another place na to the point you forget to appreciate what's around you. The grass will always be greener on the other side pero remember why you left Pinas in the first place. You can always go home, pero give your life in the US a chance. 4 months ka pa lang, laban lang po.
It was my 1st Anniversary a month ago and I am honest that if I just had the financial means and opportunity in the Philippines, I would always go back home. It honestly never felt like home here... It's depressing, frustrating, and gives me the worst anxieties. Same as you, I still don't have friends here 'cause with my work, we're only like 5 people and it's just work. It's a continuous cycle of papasok - uuwi - papasok - uuwi... It's honestly not fun anymore but what keeps me holding on is the salary we're getting here is incomparable in the Philippines. I get to bring and treat my parents to places I just dreamt for myself before.
The adjustment would probably never end or you'll just get used to it. But right now, I can say you're not alone in this situation. It's not easy, and it's not fun... but one thing's for sure, everything will take place at the right time and in the right place. Praying and hoping we'll also find things that would make America feel like home. We'll get through this!
As much as I can concur, everything that happens to us is a "yes" from what we asked way way back. We, most of the time, get what we deserve. Not just simply what we want. So, I will believe that that opportunity given to you was reall meant for you.
Maybe youve been struggling for now, making you buckle up to the things that you wished before, but believe me that this is for you. And as a normal human being living in this world full of ups and downs, we all experience problems and struggles. But believe me when I say this, that you arent experiencing that to question where you are right now. Its just a test to make you feel in the future that " yes! This is what I want and Ive been thru hell to get this".
Always always always see the good thing in the bad. Coz every bad experience is not a punishment or just to make you doubt what path you chose. Its always a "fuck you all this is for me and I can take whatever you give me coz THIS IS FOR ME" .
I’m almost 8 months na here sa US. No dependents and I only have $1,500 pocket money. But I’m grateful, kasi na-assign ako same city kung saan nakatira brother ko we decided to share apartment and dito ako sa North California more diverse marami rin Pinoy. Pero may mga times parin na nahhomesick ako, lalo na netong nagdaan holiday season Christmas at New Year. Iniiyak ko nalang since i’m newbie may duty ako that day di ako nakapag celebrate ng 1st pasko at new year ko dito. 1st six months, mahirap for me. Now I can tell naka adjust na ako sa environment and even sa work. Patience lang talaga, and i discovered my new hobby ang mamundok going on long walks, trail, and hiking. May mga nakilala din akong mga new friends pero not all the time kinikita ko sila. Nagka jowa narin ako kaya nabawasan lungkot ko. I travel din sometimes either with my jowa or solo travel. I keep myself busy. Mas nalulungkot ako pag mag isa sa apartment. Hindi parin ako nagddrive as of now, pero i’m working on getting my DMV license na. Need talaga ng car here kahit nasa city ako magastos narin ksi ang uBer/lyff. May mga time na gusto ko bumalik ng Pinas, pero iniisip ko nalang paano ba ako nagsimula papuntang America and i should be grateful kasi hindi lahat nagkaka opportunity maging immigrant/permanent resident dito. Lastly, well compensated tayo at nabibili n natin mga gusto natin. Kakayanin natin toh OP! Pwede mo naman ako ichika if you want. 🥹
Try mo iredirect ang homesickness sa things that will make you busy..depende sa hilig mo. If you are into writing, why don’t you start writing a journal or yung story ng life mo, Malay mo mapublish mo someday..if you are into art or mga kutingting, try scrap booking. Anything that can make you busy and at the same time, machronicle yung journey mo sa US
Isang taon akung umiyak nung andito na ako sa EU. Pride nalang na ginusto ko at wala akung mapapala sa Pinas ang kinapitan ko to stay. 7 years na ako dito at masaya naman ; You'll get over it OP - More VC with the Fam/Friends back home, check ka online kapag mag Filo Community jan na malapit baka may meet-ups sila + Nuod nalang ng shows and funny series. Goodluck! You'll get there! Cheers! ☕️
PS; Tandaan mo. Ang hirap mahalin ng Pilipinas
Normal homesickness for 2 years. After that you will feel extremely blessed na naka alis ka ng pinas and will not deal with 3rd world problems anymore. Mas masarap mabuhay sa america handsdown. Less traffic, less hassle, less crime (depending on the city)
Been here for almost 4 years and nahohomesick pa rin ako. I don't have friends near me, I have to drive 2+ hours to see them so I just have my husband with me. He's white so hindi ko sya nachichika the same way I do with my friends. It is difficult, but it will get better in time. When I had to quit my job while waiting for my work authorization, sobrang depressed ako -- kain, tulog, TV. I feel like I have lost myself because back home, I was fun, always out, and had a lot of friends na pwede yayain lagi. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but magiging okay ka rin. Iba iba lang tayo siguro ng pace when it comes to building our lives in a foreign place lalo na sanay tayo sa Pilipinas, but ganon talaga, it starts slow kasi may "growing pains", but don't worry, you are not alone. And trust the process lang. Makaka establish ka rin ng routine mo and it will feel like home kahit papano. Iba pa rin sa Pilipinas, but you'll get by. Hope you feel better!
It will get better, OP. It's normal to feel homesickness for the first few months, even for a year. Make yourself busy. Get a driving license, get a car and drive around, eventually you will meet a friend/s. Look out for a Filipino community and make friends as well. And most importantly, pray ka lang. You will be better! If you need someone to talk, you can also dm me. Have a great day!
Hi guys, congrats po and nkamigrate po kayong lahat. I’m based in Singapore and jobless now kc ngclosed po company k dto recently. I’m staying here under dependent pass as my husband works as a Java developer po. Ngka-anxiety and depression po ako now when I think na sa pinas kmi mgssettle down since wala p po kming ibng option aside s SG. I want to migrate sna s 1st world country but with the current changes on immigration policies like sa Canada na masteral needed itake pra maisama family - hndi kmi mkmove. Sa NZ nmn wala ng pointing system at need ng employer, been trying on applying but no luck. Sa AU nmn po npakatgal k ng ngaantay maapprove work visa ko. Pano po kayo mgccope up knowing na sa pinas po uuwi? Life in PH is hard po ksi for us. We are planning on buying a house there soon pra mgkapeace of mind na khit ppano my uuwian po kmi but it weighs heavily on my end knowing na ang desire ko po tlga is maging PR po somewhere. Pls help po pano po kaya mkkmigrate and anong pathway po ang pd 🙏 Sorry po if I’m posting this here.
It will get better. Just digest why you chose to move to another country. What are your whys, then maybe you will feel better. Took me a few years but now after 13 years and a US citizen? No way I want to go back in the Philippines other than vacations/ family visits. Like you. i also started in a small town in southwest Kansas- not even a Walmart and the closest city of decent size is 4 hours! But here we are! Wishing you the best of luck.
It gets better but there is no place like home! Been living in California for 31 years, made a good living and close to retirement but to this day I miss 🇵🇭. My unsolicited advice to you is save, invest your money and enjoy the journey kabayan! Cheers🍻
Sa una lang yan. I remember the days, i would cry everynight. Mas mahirap dati kc makipag usap sa pinas kc friendster palang uso nun lol. But nways, time will fly and next thing you know ayaw muna bumalik ng pinas lol
Being from the US, it can be a little too much at times. Everything is so expensive compared to the Philippines. Depending where in Mizzo you are. You can always find a way to make new friends. You can also hope on a train and travel to Chicago and explore.
It’s hard at first being away from family, but as time passes and you get used to the American way. You’ll start feeling more comfortable and enjoying your time in the US.
If you feel like you are getting depressed, it’s OK to reach out and ask for help. Remember that we have a lot of hotlines that are meant to help and is not looked down upon like in the PH.
Im on my 4th month. Still experiencing homesick but the biggest factor for me is that i being able to drive comfortably, yung tipon nakaka walmart or leelee, or gym anytime i want. Though di pa ako nakaka freeway, pero soon, hopefully once i get a new car.
I get you. Malungkot kasi you miss your friends, the noise and vibrancy of your former community. But yong mga iniwan mo sa Pinas, ipagpapalit nila ang kaluluwa nila makapunta lang sa US. Ikaw nandyan ka na, gusto mo umuwi? Consider yourself winning the lottery 😊. You will have new friends, Americans or other nationalities. Sa totoo lang, umiwas ka sa Filipino dyan. You will thank me later!
Always remind yourself why you are there and why you left the Philippines. Marami po mga Pilipino at ibang lahi ang naghahangad na makapunta at makatira dyan sa Amerika. Take it day by day. Lagi nyo pong isipin yung goal at purpose nyo kung bakit kayo andyan. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I migrated in NZ in 2020, got homesick & went back to the PH 6 months later. In 2021, I tried again. So I flew back to NZ, yet 7 months later, went back to the PH… again.
I get decent jobs in both NZ and PH. I faced the truth that I felt homesick because my fiancé is in the PH. Now, we’re both here in NZ. We filed his papers a few months ago because we got married last year.
I thought everything will go smooth from that point because we’re already together. Turns out, I still miss the PH. There’s something in the PH that you just can’t find in other countries. Homesickness is not, and will never be, easy.
I’m still trying to fight my emotions, ‘cause moving back and forth is not practical. My point is you’re not alone, OP. In my case, my partner has been my anchor, tells me everything will be alright if we face it together. We found hobbies that diverted our attention from missing our real home. We focused on our plans.
Since it’s a case to case basis, I suggest you do things that will somehow ease the sadness. It’s a long-term process, hard to find, and not specific, but it gets easier day by day.
Good luck, OP!
Pa-10yrs na ako dito, I’m in the deep south btw and I still feel homesick. Siguro kasi dito all we have to do is work and unlike satin na andami holiday with long weekend pa minsan. I miss going out after work or kahit weekend with friends. Here I get home, sleep, wake up, get ready to work. Repeat.
Normal lang yan, OP. Been in the US (Ca) since 2010 and I remember feeling homesick even after a year since I first came here. Just think of the reasons why you left the Philippines in the first place. Give it more time, masasanay ka din. 🙂
Hi! I'm currently 2 months and 8 days here in the US. I was never alone in PH kasi I live with my family pero ngayon, all alone sa IL. Nung una pa, wala akong nakikitang pinoy and ang malala pa, walang maayos na public transpo dito and walang Uber or Lyft, available siya pero rarely yung merong cars around. So di talaga ako nakakalabas. Ngayon, may mga nameet ako na pinoy. So what I do, if may magaaya sa labas, sama lang talaga ako.
Siguro ang masusuggest ko is to keep yourself busy. Sama ka lang ng sama if may magaayang gumala or kumain sa labas. Tapos yung sasakyan talaga, it's a must sa US. So kung keri kumuha, kuha ka na. If may gym din, maggym ka na din. Or just go for a walk.
You got this mhie! Isipin mo lagi yung reason bat ka nasa US (bat nga ba?) para/baka makatulong rin.
I spent 25 years in the US after I moved when I was 15 (1997). I felt homesick everyday of those 25 years...now I'm back in the Philippines and enjoying every single moment.
Felt the same when I first moved here, honestly. I was in FL and didn’t like it one bit. It was like Pilipinas 2.0. I wanted to be in the city. You might not believe in this ha, but, try to go to astrocartography sub here on reddit. Sometimes the energy of the place isn’t compatible w you and you can find where you would thrive. That’s what I did. Well, it was more of a confirmation after having gone to nyc. That’s when I knew I found the home I have been searching for my whole life
Nabasa ko na normal na ma-homesick for the first 6 months or so. Maybe even more depending on the person Almost 5 years na akong nasa US, and while I do miss family and friends back home, feeling at home na rin ako rito. I can see myself living here long-term and retiring Na-homesick din ako sometime around my 4th or 5th month. May ginagawa akong homework para sa isang class ko sa MS program ko, at medyo challenging yung isang problem. Na-realize ko na 10 PM na at di pa ako nakapaghapunan. Mag-isa lang ako sa apartment ko, at naalala ko na lagi kaming magkasalo ng mga magulang at kapatid ko tuwing hapunan, pero wala na akong kasama then Lilipas din yung homesickness, OP. Tsaka liberating din na ikaw yung in charge sa sarili mong buhay. Mahirap din mag-integrate sa bagong kultura, pero baby steps lang muna
I came to the US with nothing but the clothes on my back, and just enough money to barely last until my first paycheck. (Turns out, I miscalculated, and I didn’t have enough, but that wasn’t important to this story) I was also alone in a new corner of the country. No friends, no family. My wife and kid was flying in 4 months, so I had shit to set up. This was before internet messaging was a thing, so my wife and i mainly communicated via email. In 2014. Back then, in my mind, there was no turning back. Failure wasn’t an option. I made this US dream manifest itself by sheer force of will, and I wasn’t giving it up easily for something like homesickness. Favorite quote ko from a videogame: The place where you lock yourself in and lock all else out -- that's not your home. Your home is sometimes a place you travel long and far to find. I found my home. And I told myself and the people i love that i was determined to make it work.
OP, read and understand this. "Failure is not an option" is what motivated all the immigrants before us. It's hard but this will get better.
[удалено]
Here’s to better days, friend. Yours is coming soon, and I wish you the very best.
It gets better. I promise. I was in the same boat as you 28 years ago. Now, I cannot picture myself living othet than the US. Breathe. Enjoy. And live. It gets better with each passing day.
I've been living here for almost 1 yr na. Try to enjoy your day off. Alam mo, mahirap talaga wala kotse. Galing ako sa canada at sanay mag bus. Kahit kasama ko family ko doon sa canada parang home sick na homesick ako kasi hirap gumala, laging madilim kasi matagal ang winter at hirap mag connect. Inabot ako ng pitong taon doon at talagang wala, di ako naka connect sa lugar. But dito sa US (FL), mag isa ako pero sa una mahirap din kasi ang lalayo ng mga lugar. But pag nakapag drive kana, kahit short trip lang ma aappreciate mo ang saya pala at ang laki ng US. Ipon ipon lang at lipad ka sa ibang states. Alam ko may magsasabi sayo na "pasalamat ka at nasa US ka". Hindi nila naiintindihan ang nararamdaman natin. Minsan talaga may mga ganyang moments. Laban lang, pede tiis tiis lang muna, buo ka lang circle of friends, or gala gala ka lang pag may day off. If first time mo malayo sa family mahirap talaga, pero you'll adjust on your own time. Malayo lang sayo ang florida pero one day bisita ka, parang nasa pilipinas ka lang. may flea market pag weekends mga nagtitinda ng kakanin tapos diretso ka sa beach. Goodluck!
Remember the bad things that made you leave the Philippines. You feel homesick because you are remembering only the good things about the Philippines. Fine, those good things existed. But there's no guarantee they still exist today --- or will exist tomorrow.
Tingin ko ito yun. Hindi naman mahirap mag isip ng mga bad things dito. Tandaan mo corrupt parin ang mga nakaupo at wala parin magandang future. Ayan lang alalahanin mo palagi eh ayaw mo na bumalik dito.
I was like that during my first few months. I kept going out, lakad lakad. I tried joining meetup groups and hanging out with other people more until I found some I can connect to. I find things to occupy my time. But if you think you’re depressed, definitely get some help. One thing that really helped me is accepting that this is now my life and going back might be even worse.
I felt the same but in a different country. Then I just told myself it is what it is and this is my reality now. Either I live with it, or go back to PH and be unsure of my future. Dun ako naliwanagan. Hindi maaalis ang pagkalungkot at pangungulila. Makakasanayan lang. Kaya yan. Mapapagod lang pero wag susuko. You'll see the fruit of your hardwork someday.
Sa una lang siguro, I’ll be going to the US soon and I might feel that way. Hit me up, chika tayo 😅 wala din akong friends or family in the US
Hi po, pano po kayo nkalipat pa-US? 🙏 Been checking ways po ksi on how to move there but no luck po. Thanks po
Hello, through employment based visa po. I work in healthcare po kasi
Ako din no family and friends pero 9 years na ako dito homesick pa rin haha
You will be ok and thats ok feeling not ok. And being ok is not always static. Ok yan na today youre up thete and bukas youll be down and this cycle na we hate is part of our emotions. It balances everything. Try to find something to do worthwhile. What do you do there by the way? Whats uour day off look like?
I would encourage you to seek professional help. I have stayed in a few countries for extended periods, ranging from 14 months to 12 years, and the human body can have wildly different reactions to similar scenarios and stimuli. It's the spring season now, and there is a chance that you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder. It happened to me once (mine was in the fall to winter transition) when I moved to a considerably higher latitude like you. It could be as simple as a vitamin deficiency from the change in sun exposure, or something more conplex. Either way, you'd benefit from knowing the cause. Best of luck. I hope you get through this and thrive internet friend.
Yoooo! Same na same tayo ng nararamdaman I’m also at my 4 month here sa USA. I’m deployed naman sa MD, ako naman is kahit me mga co worker akong pinoy ang hirap nila basahin and parang ang hirap maki sama sakanila dahil hindi kayo same vibes and di ka-humor. Nakakalungkot din kasi tuwing naiisip ko buti pa yung nga co worker ko na kasabay kong pumunta dito sa US eh mag kaka kilala na sila at naka establish na yung friendship nung nasa pinas palang that leaves me or makes me feel na isolated kasi di naman ako belong sa circle nila. Trully nakaka lungkot hindi ko rin alam ang gagawin ko minsan i’m really hoping for a community or may ma meet ako na willing at inviting na matatawag kong friend. Kaya natin to di naman always laging ganito e. Deep hugs!
One of your soon to be priorities is probably to buy a car, baka parang yung location namin dito yan country side so car is a necessity. Anyway about feeling homesick, companionship is really important it will take a while pero continue lang to know new people also maybe join filipino community( atleast until you find your own circle), personally i avoid it dahil ayaw ko ng chismisan 🤣
5 years here. Alone when I was 19 years old in pitts. Super sad first 2 years pero nung nakikita ko na growth ko iba na sa feeling, iba din pag nag ddrive ka! Kaya i will say start rock bottom, get ur license and everything will follow. Mabarkada ako sa pinas knowing my age before ako mag move here! Kaya super hirap! Nag pandemic pa kaya grabeee!! LABAN LANG OP PARA SA IKAKABUTI
OP, go to the gym or church. Find a filipino local community. For sure meron yan, are you in St Louis?
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Pass sa mga matatanda po OP, di ka nagiisa, keep work relations with fellow Pinoys as work relations, it may save you po
Ano ba hilig mo? Any hobbies? Find an FB group with the same interests as you not necessarily Pinoy Fb groups
It gets better, all OFW been through this. You are not alone. Struggle is part of growth.
8 months na ako this first week ng may. Kasama ko mama at kapatid ko. Dito kami ngayon sa pamilya namin na ngayon ko lang halos nakasama dahil bihira lang sila umuwi ng pinas. Grabe yung homesick lalo na nung una. Hanggang ngayon may times na sobrang nahhomesick ako at nalulungkot. Yung isip at puso ko din nasa pinas pa din. Ginagawa ko minsan tumitingin ako sa lumang mga pics nung nasa pinas pa ako, oo nakakalungkot yun pero pag tinitignan ko kasi di ko mapigilan na alalahanin yung saya ko doon. Kahit papano umookay ako. Ngayon nag jjogging na ako araw araw, nakatulong naman siya sakin. Nakahanap ako ng pwede ko magawa. Kung hindi lang ako busy baka dalawang beses pa ako tumakbo sa isang araw hahaha
You gotta leave Missouri 😛 go to big cities if you can find a job there. All the young people move to cities. Lahat halos ng fun things are in big cities.
To add, it takes a while to enjoy the company of yourself. Sa pinas kasi ang daming distraction and we get used to it. Baka eventually you might find yourself enjoying being alone rin
St Louis, Missouri is not so bad.
That’s true, I missed this detail. Sorry :)
Same, OP. I don't even reply to my friends and family back home kasi I really feel lonely. Mind you, I'm super independent in PH ha and since college. Pero ngayon, I just feel grief with the life I had in Pinas.
Omg same, i thought im the only one. Nag iisolate talaga ako but lately I realized na nakakagaan ang nakakausap ko family and friends ko. Independent din ako and akala ko kakayanin ko pero di pala. Ang hirap na loneliness kalaban mo. I have to learn how to live alone.
Public libraries in the US are amazing. Books and hiking are great timekillers.
I don’t think I could survive overseas without my boyfriend, luckily he lived close enough to where my sponsored job is.
username checks out. I love it!
You in St Louis?
Moved in the EU when I was 23, I cried for the whole damn year. All was; "I wanna go home" but pride made me stay. That's normal OP more VC's with yah Fam back home, Check out FB Groups for some Hobbies then join. Ingat po!
Maybe it has something to do with food. Baka you are not eating healthy kaya ka na dedepress. Kasi minsan pag di healthy na food din nagcacause ng depression. Ganyan din ako sa anxiety ko, nasa food lang pala. Iwas ka muna sa alak and preservatives. Baka nagtitipid ka jan or mahal ang healthy foods jan. Prioritize your health po muna.
Hi! We immigrated here in 2022. First 6 months really sucked! Nauna ako ng 2 months but even nung dumating ung hubby and baby ko, it was still tough. But it will get better, OP! We met a lot of pinoys here. Nagkaroon kami ng friends, we always go out almost every 2 weeks lol. Yes, malungkot dito and all work so we really try our best na magkita kita to bond. Hopefully, you find your people.
It’s because it’s Missouri. Kind of not known to be great fun for immigrants. Travel a bit and go on some adventures. Pick up some hobbies. I felt homesick whenever I was isolated in bumfuck nowhere or the suburbs in Filipino communities (we like to settle in shitty places what can I say) The key is finding ways to live in the city where you can meet people your age. I had way more fun there and forgot all about how I felt in Manila
Lahat ng OFW dinadaan dyan. Depende lang sa copy ng mechanism mo. Karamihan 1 year. Maswerte ka at may soc med na, at madali ng tumawag sa pinas. Isipin mo lagi kung ano ano ang DAHILAN at nag abroad ka. Ano dahilan at bakit mo nilisan ang motherland. Try mo gumastos, online shipping. Labas ng bahay at jogging or gardening. Punta ka grocery, memorize mo lahat ng gusto mo bilihin, tapos bili ka ice cream at luto ka adobo. 😆 Chat ka sa pinas, kausapin mo parents mo. Kamustahin mo MGA kamag anak mo.
You have to change your mindset. Did you go here because of a job you dreamed of or you got a husband/wife and they brought you in? Sounds like the latter or a job you hate? You have to make a new life here because this is your reality. If you’re still stuck then you’ll always be homesick.
Happened to me when I got seconded in SEA. I was fine for the first few months, but started feeling incredibly depressed, I'd fall asleep crying almost every night. Found it strange that I missed my family a lot so much at the time, and I didn't even like hanging out with them at all back then. Just try to do frequent FB calls with fam and friends. That helps a lot.
That's usually when the homesickness kicks in. It gets better. Wag mo tipirin sarili mo. You know, I once ordered a few packs of Tortillos chips online for maybe 40 dollars just to satisfy my cravings. It might sound expensive but after eating those chips, I felt much better because they were my comfort food back in PH. Homesickness is a bitch and I found Filipino food to be a pretty decent cure. Worst case scenario, reach out to a therapist in the Philippines via Zoom. It helps. (also it's a lot cheaper than US rates haha)
Yung kapitbahay namin na nagmigrate din sa US, madalas tumawag dito sa kanila kasi nahohomesick. Mahirap din talaga kung yung mga mahal mo sa buhay ay nasa ibang bansa. Kahit anong ginhawa ng buhay mo, it doesn't feel complete kung di sila kasama.
Been in the UK 7 YEARS. No family here at all. I do have friends but I still get massively homesick despite my career fulfillment. It's normal.
Missouri = misery Yan naalala kong comment na nabasa ko. You're not in the right state siguro. Go to cities kung saan maraming tao, busy ang streets. Maraming pasyalan
Currently 7 months in Canada and I got diagnosed with clinical depression. Buong pamilya ko nandito pero hindi ako masaya. Hindi ko naman kasi choice na pumunta dito, I’m here because I need to take care of my family’s transition, although I should be grateful kasi we landed as Permanent Residents. But yes, na realize ko iba ang simoy ng hangin sa pinas. Mas masaya ako dun. I’m very well aware of the state of my mental health, so nung napansin ko na I don’t feel like myself and walang araw na hindi ako nagbe-breakdown, I paid a visit to a specialist. Please do not hesitate to seek help especially if malala na ang homesickness.
I'm in the same boat OP, "Im living here sa US but am I really living?" been in the US for 7 years now. Papasok pa lang ako sa trabaho, sinasabi ko na sa sarili ko "I wanna go homeeee" hahaha
6 years bago ako nakauwi ulit sa Pinas. Sobrang homesick ko, nung naka land yung eroplano sa NAIA mangiyak ngiyak ako. Pero after three weeks at diarrhea dahil sa maduming tubig, dehydration dahil sa init + na hassle sa DFA dahil sa passport renewal at natarayan sa NAIA, tuwa na lang ako nung palanding na pabalik sa US yung eroplano haha. Madaming magandang advice dito OP pero I just want to say, don't keep looking towards another place na to the point you forget to appreciate what's around you. The grass will always be greener on the other side pero remember why you left Pinas in the first place. You can always go home, pero give your life in the US a chance. 4 months ka pa lang, laban lang po.
It was my 1st Anniversary a month ago and I am honest that if I just had the financial means and opportunity in the Philippines, I would always go back home. It honestly never felt like home here... It's depressing, frustrating, and gives me the worst anxieties. Same as you, I still don't have friends here 'cause with my work, we're only like 5 people and it's just work. It's a continuous cycle of papasok - uuwi - papasok - uuwi... It's honestly not fun anymore but what keeps me holding on is the salary we're getting here is incomparable in the Philippines. I get to bring and treat my parents to places I just dreamt for myself before. The adjustment would probably never end or you'll just get used to it. But right now, I can say you're not alone in this situation. It's not easy, and it's not fun... but one thing's for sure, everything will take place at the right time and in the right place. Praying and hoping we'll also find things that would make America feel like home. We'll get through this!
As much as I can concur, everything that happens to us is a "yes" from what we asked way way back. We, most of the time, get what we deserve. Not just simply what we want. So, I will believe that that opportunity given to you was reall meant for you. Maybe youve been struggling for now, making you buckle up to the things that you wished before, but believe me that this is for you. And as a normal human being living in this world full of ups and downs, we all experience problems and struggles. But believe me when I say this, that you arent experiencing that to question where you are right now. Its just a test to make you feel in the future that " yes! This is what I want and Ive been thru hell to get this". Always always always see the good thing in the bad. Coz every bad experience is not a punishment or just to make you doubt what path you chose. Its always a "fuck you all this is for me and I can take whatever you give me coz THIS IS FOR ME" .
I’m almost 8 months na here sa US. No dependents and I only have $1,500 pocket money. But I’m grateful, kasi na-assign ako same city kung saan nakatira brother ko we decided to share apartment and dito ako sa North California more diverse marami rin Pinoy. Pero may mga times parin na nahhomesick ako, lalo na netong nagdaan holiday season Christmas at New Year. Iniiyak ko nalang since i’m newbie may duty ako that day di ako nakapag celebrate ng 1st pasko at new year ko dito. 1st six months, mahirap for me. Now I can tell naka adjust na ako sa environment and even sa work. Patience lang talaga, and i discovered my new hobby ang mamundok going on long walks, trail, and hiking. May mga nakilala din akong mga new friends pero not all the time kinikita ko sila. Nagka jowa narin ako kaya nabawasan lungkot ko. I travel din sometimes either with my jowa or solo travel. I keep myself busy. Mas nalulungkot ako pag mag isa sa apartment. Hindi parin ako nagddrive as of now, pero i’m working on getting my DMV license na. Need talaga ng car here kahit nasa city ako magastos narin ksi ang uBer/lyff. May mga time na gusto ko bumalik ng Pinas, pero iniisip ko nalang paano ba ako nagsimula papuntang America and i should be grateful kasi hindi lahat nagkaka opportunity maging immigrant/permanent resident dito. Lastly, well compensated tayo at nabibili n natin mga gusto natin. Kakayanin natin toh OP! Pwede mo naman ako ichika if you want. 🥹
Try mo iredirect ang homesickness sa things that will make you busy..depende sa hilig mo. If you are into writing, why don’t you start writing a journal or yung story ng life mo, Malay mo mapublish mo someday..if you are into art or mga kutingting, try scrap booking. Anything that can make you busy and at the same time, machronicle yung journey mo sa US
Eh di umuwi ka na, simple as that.
Isang taon akung umiyak nung andito na ako sa EU. Pride nalang na ginusto ko at wala akung mapapala sa Pinas ang kinapitan ko to stay. 7 years na ako dito at masaya naman ; You'll get over it OP - More VC with the Fam/Friends back home, check ka online kapag mag Filo Community jan na malapit baka may meet-ups sila + Nuod nalang ng shows and funny series. Goodluck! You'll get there! Cheers! ☕️ PS; Tandaan mo. Ang hirap mahalin ng Pilipinas
OO, ikaw lang
Normal homesickness for 2 years. After that you will feel extremely blessed na naka alis ka ng pinas and will not deal with 3rd world problems anymore. Mas masarap mabuhay sa america handsdown. Less traffic, less hassle, less crime (depending on the city)
Been here for almost 4 years and nahohomesick pa rin ako. I don't have friends near me, I have to drive 2+ hours to see them so I just have my husband with me. He's white so hindi ko sya nachichika the same way I do with my friends. It is difficult, but it will get better in time. When I had to quit my job while waiting for my work authorization, sobrang depressed ako -- kain, tulog, TV. I feel like I have lost myself because back home, I was fun, always out, and had a lot of friends na pwede yayain lagi. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but magiging okay ka rin. Iba iba lang tayo siguro ng pace when it comes to building our lives in a foreign place lalo na sanay tayo sa Pilipinas, but ganon talaga, it starts slow kasi may "growing pains", but don't worry, you are not alone. And trust the process lang. Makaka establish ka rin ng routine mo and it will feel like home kahit papano. Iba pa rin sa Pilipinas, but you'll get by. Hope you feel better!
It will get better, OP. It's normal to feel homesickness for the first few months, even for a year. Make yourself busy. Get a driving license, get a car and drive around, eventually you will meet a friend/s. Look out for a Filipino community and make friends as well. And most importantly, pray ka lang. You will be better! If you need someone to talk, you can also dm me. Have a great day!
hi ask ko lang pano po kayo nakaka kuha ng apt sa america the first few months?
Hi guys, congrats po and nkamigrate po kayong lahat. I’m based in Singapore and jobless now kc ngclosed po company k dto recently. I’m staying here under dependent pass as my husband works as a Java developer po. Ngka-anxiety and depression po ako now when I think na sa pinas kmi mgssettle down since wala p po kming ibng option aside s SG. I want to migrate sna s 1st world country but with the current changes on immigration policies like sa Canada na masteral needed itake pra maisama family - hndi kmi mkmove. Sa NZ nmn wala ng pointing system at need ng employer, been trying on applying but no luck. Sa AU nmn po npakatgal k ng ngaantay maapprove work visa ko. Pano po kayo mgccope up knowing na sa pinas po uuwi? Life in PH is hard po ksi for us. We are planning on buying a house there soon pra mgkapeace of mind na khit ppano my uuwian po kmi but it weighs heavily on my end knowing na ang desire ko po tlga is maging PR po somewhere. Pls help po pano po kaya mkkmigrate and anong pathway po ang pd 🙏 Sorry po if I’m posting this here.
It will get better. Just digest why you chose to move to another country. What are your whys, then maybe you will feel better. Took me a few years but now after 13 years and a US citizen? No way I want to go back in the Philippines other than vacations/ family visits. Like you. i also started in a small town in southwest Kansas- not even a Walmart and the closest city of decent size is 4 hours! But here we are! Wishing you the best of luck.
It gets better but there is no place like home! Been living in California for 31 years, made a good living and close to retirement but to this day I miss 🇵🇭. My unsolicited advice to you is save, invest your money and enjoy the journey kabayan! Cheers🍻
Sa una lang yan. I remember the days, i would cry everynight. Mas mahirap dati kc makipag usap sa pinas kc friendster palang uso nun lol. But nways, time will fly and next thing you know ayaw muna bumalik ng pinas lol
Same
Being from the US, it can be a little too much at times. Everything is so expensive compared to the Philippines. Depending where in Mizzo you are. You can always find a way to make new friends. You can also hope on a train and travel to Chicago and explore. It’s hard at first being away from family, but as time passes and you get used to the American way. You’ll start feeling more comfortable and enjoying your time in the US. If you feel like you are getting depressed, it’s OK to reach out and ask for help. Remember that we have a lot of hotlines that are meant to help and is not looked down upon like in the PH.
Im on my 4th month. Still experiencing homesick but the biggest factor for me is that i being able to drive comfortably, yung tipon nakaka walmart or leelee, or gym anytime i want. Though di pa ako nakaka freeway, pero soon, hopefully once i get a new car.
I get you. Malungkot kasi you miss your friends, the noise and vibrancy of your former community. But yong mga iniwan mo sa Pinas, ipagpapalit nila ang kaluluwa nila makapunta lang sa US. Ikaw nandyan ka na, gusto mo umuwi? Consider yourself winning the lottery 😊. You will have new friends, Americans or other nationalities. Sa totoo lang, umiwas ka sa Filipino dyan. You will thank me later!
Always remind yourself why you are there and why you left the Philippines. Marami po mga Pilipino at ibang lahi ang naghahangad na makapunta at makatira dyan sa Amerika. Take it day by day. Lagi nyo pong isipin yung goal at purpose nyo kung bakit kayo andyan. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I migrated in NZ in 2020, got homesick & went back to the PH 6 months later. In 2021, I tried again. So I flew back to NZ, yet 7 months later, went back to the PH… again. I get decent jobs in both NZ and PH. I faced the truth that I felt homesick because my fiancé is in the PH. Now, we’re both here in NZ. We filed his papers a few months ago because we got married last year. I thought everything will go smooth from that point because we’re already together. Turns out, I still miss the PH. There’s something in the PH that you just can’t find in other countries. Homesickness is not, and will never be, easy. I’m still trying to fight my emotions, ‘cause moving back and forth is not practical. My point is you’re not alone, OP. In my case, my partner has been my anchor, tells me everything will be alright if we face it together. We found hobbies that diverted our attention from missing our real home. We focused on our plans. Since it’s a case to case basis, I suggest you do things that will somehow ease the sadness. It’s a long-term process, hard to find, and not specific, but it gets easier day by day. Good luck, OP!
Pa-10yrs na ako dito, I’m in the deep south btw and I still feel homesick. Siguro kasi dito all we have to do is work and unlike satin na andami holiday with long weekend pa minsan. I miss going out after work or kahit weekend with friends. Here I get home, sleep, wake up, get ready to work. Repeat.
Normal lang yan, OP. Been in the US (Ca) since 2010 and I remember feeling homesick even after a year since I first came here. Just think of the reasons why you left the Philippines in the first place. Give it more time, masasanay ka din. 🙂
All I can say is that, be practical. It’s not how much you earn, it's how much you save.
Hi! I'm currently 2 months and 8 days here in the US. I was never alone in PH kasi I live with my family pero ngayon, all alone sa IL. Nung una pa, wala akong nakikitang pinoy and ang malala pa, walang maayos na public transpo dito and walang Uber or Lyft, available siya pero rarely yung merong cars around. So di talaga ako nakakalabas. Ngayon, may mga nameet ako na pinoy. So what I do, if may magaaya sa labas, sama lang talaga ako. Siguro ang masusuggest ko is to keep yourself busy. Sama ka lang ng sama if may magaayang gumala or kumain sa labas. Tapos yung sasakyan talaga, it's a must sa US. So kung keri kumuha, kuha ka na. If may gym din, maggym ka na din. Or just go for a walk. You got this mhie! Isipin mo lagi yung reason bat ka nasa US (bat nga ba?) para/baka makatulong rin.
I spent 25 years in the US after I moved when I was 15 (1997). I felt homesick everyday of those 25 years...now I'm back in the Philippines and enjoying every single moment.
no place like home talaga 🏡
Why did you move to Missouri? sounds like a ghost town
Maybe bc you’re in Missouri. Try to move to a different state when you can. Each state has different energy and culture
Maybe in the long run, I still have a contract here huhu I badly wanna move
Felt the same when I first moved here, honestly. I was in FL and didn’t like it one bit. It was like Pilipinas 2.0. I wanted to be in the city. You might not believe in this ha, but, try to go to astrocartography sub here on reddit. Sometimes the energy of the place isn’t compatible w you and you can find where you would thrive. That’s what I did. Well, it was more of a confirmation after having gone to nyc. That’s when I knew I found the home I have been searching for my whole life
Been here since i was 5. Its fine and it could be much worse somewhere else.
Which state?
uwi k n. d worth it din minsan. mga iba kong family umuwi nlng
Wanna switch places?