09/08/2025
Growing up in the Philippines, I used to think that anyone living in AMERICA was automatically well-off.
After all, 1 American dollar is around 57 pesos-how could they not be rich?
But now that I live here, I've seen the truth.
Yes, we earn in dollars-but we also spend in dollars.
Rent, food, transportation, taxes, insurance... everything is expensive. And for many of us, just getting by takes every dollar we make. Some even work multiple jobs just to cover the basics.
It hurts when family or friends back home ask for help and I have to say no. Not because I don't care-but because sometimes, I genuinely can't afford to. And I hope they understand that.
As the breadwinner of my family, I shoulder the responsibility of supporting everyone back home.
That's why I can't even save up for myself-not even for a quick holiday to spend time with them.
Living in America isn't always the dream it seems to be.
It's not always beaches and barbecues.
Sometimes, it's just surviving-day by day, paycheck to paycheck.
So if your loved one abroad can't give, please don't assume it's a lack of love.
It might be that they're already giving their all-just to keep going.
CTTO: