Initially, working abroad was not part of Lot Lisondra’s plans. He loves working in the Philippines as an Accountant and is contented with what he has. However there are opportunities in life that you can’t afford to pass and one of them is a chance to start an international career that offers higher salary.
The one in a lifetime chance made Lot decide to leave the Philippines and try his luck abroad. Lot got his current job when he applied at a job opening for Accountant at the Aboitiz Jebsens International Manpower Solution website. Fortunately, he passed all the pre-employment screening of the agency. The employer was impressed with his credentials and was chosen for the job position.
Though he was immediately hired, Lot waited for his employment contract and working visa before he filed for resignation from his job at that time. The processing period took almost two months. This is because Lot was hesitant at first to go to Riyadh due to some negative news and feedbacks he heard about working in Saudi Arabia. What really made him decide was the thought that working overseas would greatly help his family financially.
He arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia February 16, 2007. Lot said that it was a straight and long flight. Upon arriving, a company representative together with 1 Filipino employee fetched him at the airport.
Fate has been good for Lot during his more than one year stay at Riyadh, as he had not experienced much difficulty. He is happy because aside from the good salary, Lot also had the opportunity to deal and work with people of different nationalities.
He was especially glad to find that SFC-Singles for Christ has a chapter in Riyadh. Lot was amazed because as an SFC member in the Philippines, he never expected to find SFC in an Arab Country. Lot felt blessed to meet and get to know fellow Christian and OFWs which greatly helped in easing homesickness. Of course, Lot misses the Philippines very much. His family, his girlfriend, the Christmas season are just some of the things he misses.
His message to all OFWs around the world? To all those OFW's around the world, I can say that we are truly indeed modern day heroes in our own ways. We know for a fact that we help sustain the value of our Philippine Peso throughout these years and we should be proud of it. I will encourage everyone of us, whatever field you are to strive hard and always do our best in everything and likewise try to excel in every respective line of work so as prove to our employer and to other nationalities that Filipino's are indeed "World Class Professionals". Be proud to be Pinoy kabayan!
