Most Filipino workers are driven to work abroad because of the promise of a higher salary. But does a higher salary offer abroad always worth the sacrifice of adjusting in a foreign land and being away from loved ones?

What if you have a job offer in United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would let you earn USD350 a month? Is that amount enough to cover the cost of living in that country? And would that amount allow you to support your family and even save some money?

These are the same questions asked by a member of OFWGuide Forum bound to UAE. The forumer asked, “Kaya ko bang mabuhay sa UAE sa sahod na USD350?”

He further said that the USD350 salary offer comes with free accommodation. A fellow forumer replied to his query by saying that, if you will convert USD350 to Philippine peso, it is only equivalent to more or less Php15, 000. Regular employees in the Philippines can earn this monthly salary too without the need to be away from their family in the Philippines.

The downside though is that the Php15,000 salary in the Philippines would still have deductions from tax, Philhealth, Pag-ibig and SSS contributions. Oftentimes, one would also need to allot an allowance for food and transportation.

However, in the case of the forumer whose employer in UAE provides free accommodation, there is a big chance that he will be able to receive his salary in full. This is because UAE is a tax-free country and the need to allot money for savings may come easy too because he doesn’t need to spend much on food, housing and transportation.

In the end, the decision to work abroad is a personal and life-changing decision. The circumstances are not the same for everyone so what works for the others may not bring a positive result on you and vice versa.

So it is best to always carefully weigh the pros and cons and to keep in mind the opinion of others, particularly those who can comfortably say “been there, done that.”

One avenue where one can interact with experienced OFWs is the OFWGuide Forum. You can view and join the discussion on OFW concerns by logging in or signing up at OFWGuide Forum.

Meanwhile, you may want to check out the latest jobs in UAE