Benefits and challenges of transitioning from working from home in Metro Manila to the province
The COVID-19 lockdowns in the Philippines triggered a mass movement of people out of Metro Manila, with many heading back to their hometowns and quieter areas. But even after restrictions loosened, it continued, with residents choosing to stay outside the capital.
This shift is evident in online communities like the Facebook group Home Buddies, where members are sharing their experiences of transitioning their work-from-home arrangements from Metro Manila to their provinces.
While these "virtual kapitbahays" acknowledge the significant shift in the work environment for those relocating to the provinces for WFH, they also highlight the trade-offs involved.
If you find yourself in a comparable situation, here is a list of the highs and lows of working in the provinces to help you make an informed decision.
HIGH: It is a conducive place for concentration and relaxation
Provinces generally offer a more tranquil atmosphere compared to cities. This can be conducive to concentration and relaxation and is ideal for remote work or unwinding after work hours.
One Home Buddies member said they came from Pasig and "found peace" in Marilao, Bulacan.
Another one said the province is more peaceful and the "stress level is very minimal" compared to the metro.
Meanwhile, one member quit her job when her company required them to report to the office after the pandemic.
"Best decision ever bumalik sa probinsyang kinalakihan. Nagpa-onsite na company namin pero ng resign ako at naghanap ng work at home pa rin. And I can say I am living peacefully," one virtual kapitbahay explained.
This also rings true for one user, "I've lived/worked in [M]anila for almost 50 years. I came home to Pangasinan to [live/work] permanently because of my family and parents. Life in the province has never been better. Very simple yet satisfying, peaceful, and stress-free. No regrets in coming home."
HIGH: The slower pace of life in the province
While some sought peace and quiet, others were captivated by the provinces' scenic beauty and connection to nature, offering a simpler way of life. Provinces often boast beautiful landscapes that offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying nature.
"From QC then Santa Rosa Laguna. Almost same vibes, nakakapag-walking as an exercise since may view naman and mapuno before reaching Nuvali," a user said.
"WFH ako since 2019 and I moved from Manda to Cavite. [P]ayapa sa gabi kasi 'di kami tabing kalsada, tahimik, pa-kape kape lang ganyan," one member commented.
"2022 when we decided to settle in Nueva Ecija kahit pa hybrid na kami pareho ng husband ko. Mas pinipili namin tyagain yung pagbiyahe paminsan kapalit ng peaceful at simpleng buhay namin dito. Dito sa [Pangasinan] presko ang hangin at sariwa yung mga pagkain. May malawak na laruan yung mga anak namin compared sa Manila na 40 sqm lang yung ginagalawan namin," another member added.
Others also found a better work-life balance in the provinces while working from home.
A user said: "Masarap mag road trip dito [Pangasinan] kahit sa mga bayan-bayan, ganda ng mga ibang daan na mapuno pa sa magkabilang side ng daan, o kaya may mga view ng rice or corn fields, or may view ng mountains, sobrang relaxing."
"Sa'n ka makakakita ng ganito 'pag sa [M]aynila lol. Dito, mag bayan bayan ka lang, di ka mawawalan ng greenery sa paligid," a member also commented.
HIGH: Traffic is bearable
Life in the province tends to move at a slower pace compared to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas. This can provide a chance to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle and reduce stress, especially when dealing with traffic.
For one user who moved back to Guimaras from Makati and Ortigas, they "love the slow-paced life and not worrying about heavy traffic just to work."
Likewise, provincial traffic tends to be less stressful and more manageable than in cities, offering a different driving experience. Hence, commuters in provinces do not need to worry about the preparation time before their official working hours to avoid being late.
"From BGC to Plaridel, Bulacan WFH since March 2020. Wala na yung hassle of waking up 4 hours before my shift. [Wala na 'yung] struggle sa pag-commute," a user shared.
Another shared the same sentiment, adding that they get more time to sleep.
LOW: Electric outage and internet stability is an issue
While provincial life offers a better work-life balance, setting up a WFH environment requires planning to overcome potential challenges like power outages and internet stability. Careful preparation is key to ensuring a productive and enjoyable remote work experience.
This can be reflected in the case of one virtual kapitbahay who said they transferred from the province to Cavite because of the "hassle" of working due to the power outage.
"From province lumipat kami [C]avite. Napaka hassle ng outage tulad ng brownout ang dalas. Tapos kapag walang kuryente sabay din walang tubig. Same price din ung mga wet and dry goods," he shared.
Another user echoed this. While the quality of life working in La Union is better than in Quezon City, he noted that an electric outage is "traumatic," especially for a remote worker like him.
"[The] downside, jusko ang brownout, parang 8-10x a month ata. Konting ulan, brownout. Nakakatrauma lalo WFH ka. Kaya ngayon nag-iipon ako pambili ng generator. Kumukulog pa lang, ngccharge na ko ng mga flashlight. Ganun siya katraumatic. 'Pag may scheduled brownout, jusko halos buong araw walang kuryente," a member shared.
Internet infrastructure in the province can be unreliable, with connectivity varying greatly depending on location. To ensure a smooth WFH experience, planning for reliable internet access is crucial. This may involve researching local providers and potentially investing in backup solutions.
HIGH: WFH setup in provinces promotes health and well-being
According to some virtual kapitbahays, the provincial environment may offer cleaner air, less pollution, and more opportunities for outdoor activities, which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
"Kapag luluwas na ako ng Manila naninibago [ako] sa hangin, malagkit pag-uwi mo parang puro alikabok na mukha mo. Naiingayan na rin ako haha. Nature heals talaga our mind and body. Tanim-tanim sa bakod para may gulay kana," a user wrote.
"Lower (by a bit, almost the same lang naman sa grocery and palengke) cost of living, walang mausok and hassle na commute, lower stress levels, more time to get outside and enjoy nature, better mental health!" another contributor shared.
HIGH and LOW: Less 'luxurious' lifestyle
Leaving the fast pace of the metro behind for a provincial life often means embracing a simpler way of living. Priorities shift as you might have to adjust your expectations for things like on-demand food delivery or having several options for food and shopping.
"Wala nang open na store pag gabi wala ng magdedeliver di tulad sa Makati na 24 hours pwede mag-order sa Grab or Food Panda," one contributor wrote.
"Baka mamiss mo dami ng 24/7 na available sa FoodPanda sa Manila. Dito [as Pangasinan] limited lang available pagdating ng gabi, 'pag madaling araw naman eh lalong wala. [D]ati kasi suki ako ng North Park at Yellow Cab nung sa Mandaluyong pa ako at madaling araw at nagugutom," said another member.
"Ang layo namin sa kabihasnan kaya every other week ang gala since pupunta lang kami ng mall ilang oras ang byahe namin. [M]insan mapapahanap ka ng cravings mo pero wala dito pero ayos naman para iwas gastos din.. peaceful at stress-free compared nasa Makati ako at may kapitbahay na halos araw-araw nagwawala," one user wrote in the comment section.
Several contributors pointed out the significant cost savings associated with a less luxurious provincial lifestyle compared to working in Metro Manila.
"Mura ang cost of living sa probinsya pero yung sweldo hindi provincial rate. So malaki ang savings. Nakabili din kami ng house and lot na half lang ng price ng condo namin sa Pasig pero 4x yung size. Pero syempre wala masyadong luxuries dito. Walang mahal na restos or hotel buffets, maraming cravings na wala dito. Mas simple lang yung pamumuhay."
Craving a taste of provincial life while working remotely? This article, Green House: Amazing Alternatives for a More Eco-Friendly Home, offers inspiration for bringing the outdoors in, even in your urban space.
Watch out for our Home Buddies features every Saturday.