I had a friend who helped me apply in Country X as an English teacher – you know, sorting out papers at DFA and even crafting the video intro and demo the agency wanted. Sent it all in, and then it was the waiting game.

While waiting, I decided to explore opportunities in different countries, tossed in some applications, and bam! Scored a job in Country Y. Fam told me to keep it hush-hush, learned from past experiences. My sister kept on reminding me about the evil eye. But honestly, felt a bit guilty for not spilling the beans to friends, especially the one who had my back for Country X. Got the OEC sorted for Country, but Country X program was still MIA. Kept waiting, exploring other options. Meanwhile, my buddy was also hustling for her OEC for Country X.

Here's where I probably messed up – only spilled the beans to my friends about leaving on the actual flight day, mid-air, and already at the airport. They were thrilled about my achievement, but my friend helping with Country X? Not so much. No idea if it's because I got a job elsewhere, or I beat her to working abroad, or just because I didn't say I was bailing on Country X. No calls from Country X, no plans to wait. I badly need good paying job.

Fast forward, I'm here in Country Y, job's kicking off, and Country X finally woke up. They sent me an interview schedule – too late though. Still, I'm stoked about where I am now. My family's all happy, and I'm learning tons, not just being independent but the whole cultural shebang. But those early days after leaving the Philippines, my friend wasn't happy. Her messages were a bit of a gut punch. She felt betrayed, and while I get where she's coming from, it's not like I set out to hurt her. Did this for my fam and me, you know? I tried to explain everything to her, sent her the longest messages I could ever send, but she did not even read them.

Started work, vibes are good, but my messages, she ain't still reading them. Still connected on Facebook and Instagram, but it's kinda awkward now. Then, outta nowhere, checked her Insta – follow status, and wham! I didn't unfollow her, so what's up? Checked her followers, and I'm out. Same on Facebook, unfriended. I was really hurt. We go way back, since 2014, and now it's all messed up. Kinda wish we could still be friends. Maybe if we talked it out and understood this ain't some high school drama, it's real life, work, adulthood. Hoping she'd get that, but I guess this is where the friendship stops. I am willing to humble myself because I want to fix our nine-year friendship, but she's the one who cut ties.

Hit me up with your thoughts. Was I wrong? Yeah, I messed up, but did it really have to end our friendship? Bummed out 'cause she's one of the best people I've known.