Last updated on August 10th, 2021 at 08:04 am
I started a series on Instagram called “American standards we don’t have back home.” Yes, there are things I dread to deal with before, but I appreciate now.
Apart from the culture, food and weather, there are also some day-to-day things a Filipino immigrant like me have encountered at some point.
This is not to compare, rather to point out how much convenience this country has, that even I slowly but scarily take for granted. So here’s to more appreciation of the things we have on a normal day. Here’s some back story for fun.
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Technology
Each country is different, from social media channels to apps and messaging platforms people use. When I was in the Philippines, Joe and I would chat forever on Skype (or message each other through Catholic Match) and chat through Facebook.
When I moved here, apparently people are more inclined to be active on Instagram, which I don’t know how to use. Learning to use it was such a headache, especially when I started my account for the blog. And just like anything, if you want to learn it, you have to spend time with it.
I can proudly say that I’m a fan of Instagram now, and ironically more active on there than FB.
It was also a grand switch for me from my then-fancy Nokia E series qwerty phone (hello throwbaaack!) to a touchscreen phone. I am not a fan of touchscreen phones due to my fat thumbs, and I hated not being able to close my eyes and “feel” what I’m actually typing. (Kindly explain this to the youngsters please). But by the time I arrived here in 2015, sadly there’s not much choice left but to do the switch. I found myself uncomfortable and feeling the inconvenience of trying to learn something new.
Needless to say, I appreciate that my phone has good camera features and that the communication with my parents has been more consistent.
Nowadays, everyone has a phone, probably a laptop, an electric notepad, and maybe an extra set of headphones. We may leave and forget our wallets at home but definitely not our phones. Isn’t that something?
Standard home appliances
My first week here consisted of learning how to use all.the.things. There were some appliances that are a staple here in the U.S. but definitely non-existent or unheard of at the time back home. My mother-in-law taught me how to use the dishwasher, washer and dryer, even the oven. I felt spoiled, truth be told.
Oh, and let’s not forget the ever-loving vacuum cleaner that comes in different sizes, shapes, forms, and attachments. I have never felt so spoiled in my life! What do you mean I can just plug this thing and whizz the carpeted apartment in its whole entirety and not worry about my baby choking on dust as he crawls around? Yes please! Ironic though because at the same time it makes me too comfortable, and lazier to clean. But for some reason, I still opt for a daily manual broom in my kitchen and dining floor and some live-action mopping, haha!
Lack of Personal Interaction
Although technology helped me to survive the first 6 months in the U.S, my husband goes to a 9-5 job, which made me alone for the most part of the day. It was my first time being away from my family after marriage (and waaay far away from home at that). It was my first time living in an apartment, not knowing anyone. I realized how people here just keep to themselves most of the time, and due to work schedules, no one has the time to say hi and chat.
I remember calling my parents or friends back home almost every day, I was homesick and clueless on what to do with big chunk of free time. But I gradually eased in with this precious “alone” time, as my new state of life begin.
It gave me a new sense of self, learning to create a new routine, soak in the accomplishments and wins of small daily tasks.
I remember being irked calling on the phone, because I don’t want to hear those machine queues. So automated it asks you to say your information, and “talks” back to you as if its a real person. It also takes too long before you’re able to speak to an actual representative. Add that up to the stress of not understanding the American accent.
Endless Opportunities
One of the perks of being a Resident Alien (aka Green Card Holder or Permanent Resident) in the US is that you are allowed to work and stay as your card indicates.
I’m always in awe how many “We’re Hiring!” signs I see within a mile of where we live.
Having a steady job in the Philippines for almost 10 years meant that I have lost my edge in job hunting. I was skeptical of being able apply at a job of my choice, given my age and experience.
The labor force in the Philippines is so vast and manpower is abundant, with individuals getting a college degree as early as 20 years old. Having a solid work experience in a specific field is a must, and moving up the corporate ladder is much more difficult. In the banking field (where I was), you better get that promotion by 35 years old or so, or else you’ll be stuck, probably retire in that same position unless you get lucky.
“..it’s enough for me to realize that this country is indeed a land of opportunity.”
@yourpinaymomma
It took me a good month to build a new resume format, and my husband helped me outline some basic answers to commonly asked interview questions.
To my surprise, it took less than a month to get a call, get interviewed, and started a job in.. guess what? A bank. 5 minutes away from our apartment. It was crazy!
Although the contract only lasted 6 months, it’s enough for me to realize that this country is indeed a land of opportunity.
I was halfway pregnant with Vince when I got the remote customer service job, and worked for a year in the comfort of my own home, with my proud Filipino English accent.
As Vince grows, I quit the demanding night schedule and found a gig as a grocery shopper, and enjoyed it for the past 2 years until Covid hit.
It may not be the most ideal, highest-paying job I can get, but the option of being there for my child whenever he needs me is outright priceless.
Apart from the physical and financial aspects of moving here, the emotional effects of being a migrant are immeasureable. These conveniences and standards that we have and use can either be helpful or destructive, depending on how we use them.
And just like anything else in life, we just need to keep on learning and moving forward.
