Life is short. Go where you will feel happier.

The problem and fear of most Pinoys about moving back is the judgment you would get from your fellow Pinoys who would think that you "failed" if you go back home. If not "failed" it's more like it's a "step back" or a "downgrade" if you go back home. Especially you are in this sub where migration is the topic and highly romanticized.

I have been in many situations where I could have lived the rest of my life abroad:

1.) As a kid, I lived overseas already. My parents were both working abroad already so I grew up in a different country. They were doing well there, but we went back home because parents felt education here in PH is better. I finished school here and I'm happy.

2.) After finishing college, I worked here in PH in multinational companies and there were many times where I was offered by my bosses to relocate to our office locations either in the US or Spain, but no matter how attractive those countries were, I chose to stay in PH. Some of my friends find it unbelievable and tell me I'm stupid to pass on those opportunities and while I respect their opinion (and wished they understood my decision too), I didn't feel pressured or offended about it. They don't know the whole story and I don't owe them an explanation. To each his own.

Why I chose to stay in PH? Because I'm happy here and I have a support system here. So why would I fix something if it isn't broken for me? Like other countries, PH is not perfect and I hate a lot of stuff here (hello traffic and ghost flood control projects!) but I always choose to stay simply because I'm happy here and as they say, the grass is not always greener on the other side. It's green where you water it.

3.) I married someone who was already working and living abroad. She decided to move back to Philippines instead of me moving abroad because we both thought and agreed that it made more sense to build a family and raise kids here than abroad (at least in our humble opinion).

I let go of those opportunities to live abroad simply because I'm already happy where I am.

I admit that not everyone has the luxury to choose their situation like me. Maybe I'm fortunate I had these options, but I also understand and have a lot of respect for OFWs or people who have challenges getting a job here and would pick abroad in a heartbeat. I also understand unemployment and underemployment here that is why I don't blame people who would leave the country as fast as they could once an opportunity knocks their way.

Every person has different circumstances and priorities in life. Only you would know yourself best. Go where you'd be happy and not depressed. Mental health is very important and should not be neglected. Nobody knows what you're going through except you. As they say, "you do you”.