After seven years of working in Singapore, Joy Tagle-Sarte, a business intelligence professional, reached a turning point. Married for two years, she and her husband were ready to move back in the Philippines to kick-off a new life. However, the decision to return home came with its own set of challenges — particularly when it came to her career.
Like many professionals working abroad, Joy worried about finding a role that would match the pay and perks she enjoyed on foreign land. “Of course, I had my hesitations,” she admits. “I was hoping I wouldn’t need to give up the level of compensation and benefits I was already enjoying from my work in Singapore.”
Her concerns were quickly put to rest when she was introduced to Robert Walters Philippines’ Balik Bayan Programme, a campaign aimed at helping Filipino professionals transition back into the local workforce. What she initially thought would be a difficult process turned out to be far smoother than expected.
“I believe there is a common perception among overseas Filipino professionals that returning to the Philippines for work means compromising on career opportunities or benefits,” Joy explains. “My experience with the Balik Bayan campaign has, however, proved that this isn’t always true.” The support of Robert Walters reassured her that returning home didn’t have to mean giving up the career she had worked so hard to build.
From the start, Joy received personalised attention through a designated international candidate manager and a consultant. “They were very accommodating, and they made sure that my minimum expectations were met with every opportunity they linked me with,” she says. This thoughtful approach took the pressure off her job search, allowing her to continue focusing on her work while the team at Robert Walters handled the rest.
One of the standout aspects of her experience was the quality and efficiency of the job opportunities presented to her. “They were able to find me companies that had the budget to afford my asking salary and, at the same time, work opportunities that really matched my skills and experience,” Joy shares. This level of attention gave her peace of mind that she wasn’t just being placed in any job, but in one that truly aligned with her professional goals.
“The quality of opportunities shared with me were all good. They really did their homework — matching me with roles that fit my expectations as well as my experience and skills.”
She also notes how quickly and seamlessly everything fell into place. “It didn’t feel like it took a year; it was definitely less than that, or at least it felt that way. It was really fast and efficient, and I felt that Robert Walters was there to make it happen.”
Beyond the professional support, what made the process even more meaningful for Joy was the personal connection she built with her consultants. The warm, genuine care she received gave her confidence throughout the entire process, making what could have been a stressful experience feel manageable and even enjoyable. “I didn't realize that such a kind of relationship and service actually exists,” she says.
Today, Joy has progressed further in her career and is no longer with the company that she was initially placed in. However, her experience with Robert Walters left a lasting impact. “I have and will continue to refer my friends to Robert Walters,” she says, knowing firsthand the importance of having a supportive partner during a major career transition.
Ultimately, Joy’s story is a testament to the fact that moving back to the Philippines doesn’t have to mean sacrificing what you’ve worked hard to achieve abroad. With the right guidance and support, it’s possible to continue thriving professionally while reconnecting with life back home. As Joy’s experience shows, great opportunities are out there — you just need the right people to help you find them.
