They say being a seafarer—or an OFW in general—means living life in reverse. We spend more time away than at home. More birthdays missed than celebrated. More video calls than real conversations.
And if you measure life purely by time spent under one roof… then maybe, just maybe, it looks like we’re building something we barely get to use.
Recently, I came across a post online—one of those “financial advice” threads. It said that investing in a big house isn’t practical for people like us.
The logic?
“You won’t even get to enjoy it. By the time you retire, your kids are gone. You’ll be left with a house that’s too big for your needs.”
On paper, it sounds smart. Efficient. Even logical. But life isn’t lived on paper. Because here’s the part they don’t see.
That house? It’s not just for me to stay in. It’s for my family to live well in—even when I’m away. It’s the comfort my family feels every day I’m not with them. It’s the space where my kids grow, laugh, fight, and become who they’re meant to be. It’s my presence… even in my absence.
Will it feel too big when the kids have their own lives?
Maybe. But I don’t build house just for square footage. I build them for peace of mind. For pride. For security. A reward I can actually live in. A place I can call mine—not just for a vacation, but for something to come home to after months at sea.
So the real question isn’t just:
“Is it practical?”
Maybe the better question is:
“Is it meaningful?”
For me, the answer is clear.
A dream house may not always be the smartest investment on paper.
But for an OFW…
it can be one of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make.
Seafarer and Family Man
I'm Dexter— a seafarer by profession, a traveler by passion, and a homebody by choice.
Feel free to browse my posts, or leave a comment. Whether you’re here for a quick read or to follow along for the long haul, thank you for joining me.
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