#1 2012-05-13 08:38:08
- Onward
- New member
- From: Aberdeen
- Registered: 2012-05-13
- Posts: 2
Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hi there,
I'm a 25 year old guy born and bred in the UK. I'm hoping to find long term employment in the Philippines. I know this may be a futile pursuit, but I see no harm in asking around - It's certainly more productive than waiting for an opportunity to fall into my lap! 
A bit of background information:
I've traveled in the Philippines extensively over the past 3 years, and have well and truly fallen in love with the country, culture and people.
My most recent visit was in December 2011, where I spent 3 months in Manila. Whilst there, I rented a room for 4,000 php monthly in a communal home in Tandang Sora. This home was shared by around 14 people, with myself being the only 'foreigner'. It was a brilliant little place to stay, and I had a great time befriending the other Filippino families and workers who were also renting there.
The purpose of my stay was to educate myself as much as I could about life and work in the Philippines, and hopefully find employment. Again, I'll reiterate that I'm aware of the general lack of work for Foreigners in the Philippines, but opportunities do exist, even if they can be extremely hard to find!
I traveled extensively, almost daily, around Manila in search of Filippino and Foreign businesses. Where possible, I spoke to the business owners and politely made inquiries as to work availability. Unfortunately (and unsurprisingly), I was unable to secure employment.
To that end, I'm back in Britain, finding my bearings and planning for the future. At this point I want to clarify that I'm not seeking a working holiday. I fully intend and hope to completely relocate and settle down in the Philippines for the long term future, and I'm willing to work hard to realise this dream.
I'll try to avoid tones of desperation, but I should mention: Absolutely all work offers will be considered. I'm experienced in IT and extremely proficient in a multitude of office and administrative tasks; from software development, graphic design and audio production to data processing, transcription and writing. Additionally, I have experience working in the construction industry, and thus I'm more than comfortable working outdoors in physically demanding roles. Yes, even in the often dizzying heat of the Philippines! It might also be worth noting that I recently invested in some filming equipment and would absolutely be interested in providing unique travel and cultural video footage / documentaries of life in and around the Philippines.
Issues of salary are completely negotiable. I require only enough for the basic comforts of food, shelter and a bed. I will travel to and work in any region of the Philippines, excluding perhaps Mindanao.
I'm ready and willing to leave the UK at a moments notice and never look back.
I don't want to sound arrogant, and I'm aware that this is a public forum - But please refrain from telling me how slim my chances of success are. I do sincerely appreciate the concern, but I'm not oblivious to the scale of my goal - I realise it myself, and have been reminded of it several times by many expats!
Many thanks in advance, and I look forward to all replies!
Last edited by Onward (2012-05-13 08:38:55)
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#2 2012-05-13 09:46:50
- blueoakey
- Contributor

- From: Naga City
- Registered: 2011-10-21
- Posts: 110
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hi
u seem to have ur head on straight, jobs are hard to find for foreigners, business is ur only choice I feel.
I just wont to tell u we have two Brits here in Naga that are in the process of going broke or have gone broke, living in the streets, their mistake, putting their life savings into a business. my advise always keep a cunning kit in England,
Business is hard here but not impossable, just do ur research 1st
Pete
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#3 2012-05-13 18:59:58
- DaveWood
- New member

- From: London
- Registered: 2012-04-02
- Posts: 5
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Without the money to start your own business your going to struggle. Filipinos are highly educated and paid very little compared to Western countries, so any company will not even consider you. Do you really want to work for around 5 pounds a day?
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#4 2012-05-14 01:34:18
- dhnindc
- Serial expat
- From: Makati
- Registered: 2010-09-06
- Posts: 309
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Try finding a job in a UK IT company that has mfg or call centers in Philippines. After a few years hard work, you could either transfer or have more skills. Your 25 y/o and experience is only valued if you have a few grey hairs. We wont hire anyone until over 30, thats a culture issue.
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#5 2012-05-14 08:12:53
- Aurélie
- Team

- From: Pamplemousses
- Registered: 2012-05-02
- Posts: 19782
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hello Onward.
Welcome to Expat Blog.
For your job search, you can try to post an advert in the Jobs in Philippines section. It can be useful.
Good luck in your projetcs,
Aurélie
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#6 2012-05-15 09:58:43
- CharlesHarman
- Contributor

- From: Lapu-Lapu City
- Registered: 2010-05-14
- Posts: 132
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Typically jobs for non Filipinos are very hard to find anywhere in the Philippines. Most Foreigners who come here without a pension or Social Security as Americans have, create a business for their income. There are any number of businesses that will work. One could create a brick and mortar business like a restaurant, store or business center. I personally know one Brit who owns an all you can eat buffet style restaurant here in Cebu see it here: http://tongsrestaurant.com/
I know of others doing the same especially in Bantayan Island several good restaurants there, French, European to name a few.
stores are also good in the right location. One British guy owns a 250 man call center here in Cebu City. I knew one who owned a bus company. My family has a internet cafe and business center that has been in business around 12 years now, makes as much as 60,000 per month.
You can also look into online business several MLM types of business here or you could write a eBook and sell it.
I have known an American who taught at a university in Cebu as all college classes are in English.
Personally I do IT (Information Technology) work here, website development, Virtual Assistant, post content to peoples blogs and so on.
We have an expat here completely out of money and too young (51) for pension. He tried hard to find work finally gave up and his wife found a job working at the SM.
If I were you I would be looking in that direction for your income. 
Last edited by CharlesHarman (2012-05-15 10:01:32)
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#7 2012-06-02 09:11:29
- Krista
- New member

- From: Manila
- Registered: 2011-02-08
- Posts: 8
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
I think your best bet is to start out in a call center or as an English teacher. It will be very difficult for you to find work while still in England. Most places won't hire you unless they can see you in person. Don't get discouraged! Everyone told me it would be difficult to find work here, and I have had several job offers. I secured a job within 2 weeks of applying. If you want some pointers on teaching positions when you arrive feel free to contact me. Good luck!
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#8 2012-06-05 07:54:48
- cookeymuncher
- Active member

- Registered: 2012-02-28
- Posts: 71
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
hi onward! Krista is right on that, you would have to be here personally if you'd like to find work. They need that for the interview and employment process.
Try maybe 1 month or so and see if you are really decided on living and working in the Phils. And within that span of time, use that time to find a good place to stay and for job searching around here. You're young, I bet you can find a job here, you also have a background in IT. You may want to contact first through email the companies and ask them if they can help you with the work permit.
Be prepared to bring enough funds to sustain yourself. And might be wise also to leave some savings back home in the UK. 
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#9 2012-06-09 03:03:04
- Onward
- New member
- From: Aberdeen
- Registered: 2012-05-13
- Posts: 2
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hello everyone,
Thank you all for your comments and thoughts - I really appreciate it! I've read all of the comments, but I don't have time to reply to each individual post right now. I just wanted to say thanks very much for all of the advice.
To everyone who has sent me a message via PM, I will try to respond by Monday.
Many thanks!
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#10 2012-06-13 05:04:20
- wildsail
- Active member

- From: Manila
- Registered: 2012-06-12
- Posts: 56
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Best options:
1.Better check companies that are based in UK with branch office in the Philippines.
2.Do call center job.
3. Open a business ( Make sure you do research first)
Good luck!
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#13 2013-05-09 18:11:15
- juliekruhse
- New member

- From: molino
- Registered: 2013-05-09
- Posts: 1
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hello my names Julie from Auatralia, my mum is a philippino from the island and my father is a latvian from riga. I now live in the philippines, run my own businesses and take care of my baby girl. If you would like a free stay in , free food and wages job call or txt or e-mail me so we can chatt about what work i can give you. I used to be happy in my own town but have a 6 room house with a room/ ac/ tv avalable. anyway lets talk and see how you feal about working with me
jkruhse[at]hotmail.com
I run a bakery at the front of my home, a forin tour guide around philippines, booking tickets on line/ outlet and i sell swimming pools. im needing a person to manage my business and books and have many jobs i could offer. you can also easyly google my name julie-anne kruhse and see im always on line and my profile with pics. never let anyone put you down im a young lady and doing good for my age in the philippines so you can too!!!!
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#14 2013-05-09 19:23:04
- tambok17
- New member
- From: Angeles
- Registered: 2013-01-13
- Posts: 3
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hi, poster,
I was in that situation many times. Here is one option:
You can teach English online thru Skype to Russians and the Chinese. This pays USD 9-12 per hour ( 45-50mts).I have written a book about it and will send you a free copy.
Earnings vary from USD 800-1400 a month. I will show you how and where to get students.
Online work is the best when in the Philippines.
This is no BS because I made about P 50,000 on average every month. And that is enough to live on.
Add me on FB: neorenartstudio[at]yahoo.com or send me an email to the same email address and I will instruct you on how to do it. There are thousands on students in China and Russia. They will feed you alright!
If you actually want to work, this company was hiring two years go and they were looking for native speakers- they pay $35,000 a month minus tax.
hr_winglish[at]yahoo.com
Send them your resume.
There's also a company called Future Perfect- Google them with a tag "Manila" attached to it. They were looking for English teachers.
Tambok
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#15 2013-05-10 01:40:00
- MULLIGAN
- New member

- From: manila
- Registered: 2013-02-01
- Posts: 3
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hello, I read the post u sent to onward. I was recently in the Philippines for 6 months traveling with my gf (pinay) . I would like to settle down there and live and work there. My name is Dean I am 30 y.o originally from the U.K but have lived in the U.S for several years. I have experience in many fields and I'm a strong hard worker. I do have money saved and I was thinking of starting a small business in the Philippines. My only problem is I have no idea what to do. I would be willing to work for you no problem. I've traveled to many parts of the Philippines, which part do you live and work. Please email me back and we can discuss things more. Have a nice day.
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#16 2013-05-10 11:51:32
- Christine
- Administrator

- From: grand baie
- Registered: 2008-09-29
- Posts: 23522
Re: Young Brit seeking work in the Philippines
Hello > just to inform you that this is an old thread. I would suggest you to start a new topic on the Philippines forum.
Thank you,
Christine
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