My Freelancing Story

My Freelancing Story

I am prompted to write my freelancing story because there is $50 waiting for me! I am not kidding, lol, but more than that, it’s about a changed life. My life changed, and I am thankful I learned freelancing 8 years ago.

HOW I STARTED

I came to know the freelancing industry through Femalenetwork.com. I saw posts from a group of ladies discussing Odesk (now Upwork). I was curious, and then I just tried, and bingo, I hit it; I was so excited that Odesk was paying in $$$$$$.

 

MY FIRST PROJECT

I registered in Odesk (now Upwork) on August 23, 2008, and got my first project on October 6, 2008. That’s more than a month of applying for jobs. Guess what! The test project was $5.55 to research and create one Chapter (10 each ) of Algebra questions, and I needed to provide the solution.
Wait, copying was not allowed ???? If I do well, I will be hired for an hourly contract. And yes, after a week, I got my first hourly contract.

 

Upwork

 

I can still remember the feeling when I got hired. I was so happy why because I was earning $$$$. Who wouldn’t, right? The bad news is that I had no internet and computer from home, and an hourly contract requires a tracker.

What I did was talk to the owner of a computer shop and ask if I could have a dedicated computer to use, and thank them I was able to work on that hourly project. One more thing, I work on it after office hours, between 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm, and I travel from Ortigas to Imus, Cavite.

Can you imagine the difficult times? But it paid off. Finally, I could apply for an internet connection and had a used computer (the one in the horizontal model) for Php3000.00.

 

SUCCEEDING PROJECTS

I thought it was going well after the first one, yes, I was hired, but I was scammed. I was not paid $16.67! I waited again for over a month until I got the big break. I had a couple clients and worked for them for three years.

Contract Details2

 

TAKING THE LEAP

After two years of working part-time, I resigned from the corporate world. Yes, I was brave enough to challenge becoming a full-time work-at-home mom. The journey was not easy, but the fact that I’m writing my story today is good enough to know that it was worth it.

Eight years is good enough to tell that freelancing rocks. I don’t have benefits, no government benefits, health cards, sick and vacation leaves, but I survived.

MY PAYOUT PARTNER

So, after working hard, I deserve to be paid, right ? Payoneer’s Prepaid Mastercard has been my partner ever since I started freelancing, and that is almost 8 years now. Note: The charge is higher for the debit card vs. local bank withdrawal (connect Payoneer to local bank).

 

 

IMG_6404[2]

 

 

One thing I love most about Payoneer’s Prepaid Mastercard is that I can get my funds quickly and within 30 minutes after it is transferred.

BEYOND FREELANCING

Where am I now? I decided to go beyond freelancing and step out in faith on a different level, still with Payoneer. I’m slowly transitioning as a business owner and on my way to helping create jobs for the countryside through a homegrown BPO.

Yes, I DREAM BIG, START SMALL in pursuit of a life of FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY, and FULFILLMENT.

 

Payoneer3

Payoneer

 

There’s so much to discuss, but I’ll end it here. ???? But if there’s something I can help you with, email me at [email protected], and I will see how I can help you.

Before I forget, if you wish to use Payoneer, kindly sign up HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Earn by Working From Home

How To Earn By Working At Home

There are 2 primary ways to earn a living from home , be an ONLINE FREELANCER  or ONLINE ENTERPRENEUR. As an online freelancer, you can obtain jobs from job marketplaces. 

Job Marketplaces

There are various platforms where you can apply for jobs . The popular  job marketplaces are the following:

  • Upwork.com
  • Elance.com
  • Onlinejobs.ph
  • Freelancer.com
  • Guru.com
  • Remotestaff.com.ph
  • Myoutdesk.com
  • Virtualstafffinder.com
  • Easyoutsource.com
  • Outbounders.com

ONLINE BUSINESS

Just like online jobs, there are also a lot online business ideas you can build at home. Listed below are some of those ideas:

  • Selling your own product 5
  • Online Beading Store
  • Online Tutorial
  • Online Reselling
  • Selling Photos
  • Business Services
  • Medical Transcription
  • Information Marketing

Other Income Opportunities

Aside from the 2 primary means to earn at home, there are 3 other ways to earn at home, which I call it passive income opportunities.

Blogging

Blogging is writing a content and publishing posts on a topic of your expertise and gather an audience to read .

Affiliate Marketing

This involves promoting other products from other companies on the web for a fixed percentage of the sale price.

Is Working from Home Right For You?

Is Working from Home Right For You?

Working from home can be fun and fabulous because of its benefits. It can be a dream for many mothers, but it is not for everyone. Deciding whether this is good for you requires you to check things thoroughly. Before jumping into this innovative way of working things, consider pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

1. Flexibility

You are not bound to an 8 to 5 regular schedule. You can choose any day and time to work according to your needs.

2. Less Expense

Working from home costs little since you do not need to buy formal clothes and spend on travel and food expenses.

3. Independence

If you work from home, you are your boss. You will set your deadlines and work according to your convenience.

4. Enormous Opportunities

You can make money online in many ways and options. The Internet is full of opportunities. You only need to grab something which fits your personality and interest.

Cons

1. Distractions

All of the distractions at home can make it difficult to concentrate on the work. Other distractions may include household chores such as laundry, dishes, or even watching television. There’s one more thing your kids can also be a distraction :).

2. Health Care Benefits

Working at home often means working as an independent contractor, which means you are not an employee of the company. And usually, health care benefits are not being offered.

3. Government Benefits

There is no SSS and Philhealth shared contributions as such that will have to come out from your pocket.

4. Isolation

Everyone from the corporate world becomes accustomed to talking with  co-workers and discussing work and personal life. But when you work at home, you will need more social interaction. However, for some, it is replaced by chatting with others who also work at home. For some, the isolation may result in mild depression, so they will ultimately choose to be in an office environment.

Now that you know its pros and cons, assess what type of person you are and how you work best, and present your situation to turn its disadvantage beneficial to you. Is working from home right for you? Then, good luck on this journey. There may be challenges, but it is worth pursuing if you consider why you are doing it!

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions When Working From Home

Is it good for you to work from home?

Whether working from home is suitable depends on your preferences and circumstances. For some people, the flexibility and convenience of working from home can significantly benefit them, allowing them to balance work and personal life better.
However, for others, the lack of structure and separation between work and home can lead to distractions and difficulty focusing. It’s essential to consider factors such as job type, personality, and work environment when determining if working from home is a good fit for you.

How do you feel about working from home?

Opinions about working from home can vary widely among individuals. Some people enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working from home. In contrast, others prefer the structure and social interaction of a traditional office setting. Personal circumstances such as living arrangements, job responsibilities, and personal preferences can all influence how one feels about working from home.

Is working from home better for employees?

Working from home can offer several benefits for employees, including increased flexibility, reduced commuting time and expenses, and improved work-life balance. Additionally, working from home can help reduce stress and improve mental health, as employees may have more control over their work environment. However, it’s important to note that not all employees may thrive in a remote work setting, and some may struggle with feelings of isolation or difficulty managing their time and workload.

How successful is working from home?

The success of working from home can depend on various factors, including job type, personal preferences, and work environment. Remote work can be just as productive as traditional office work and sometimes may lead to increased productivity.

However, it’s essential to establish clear communication and expectations with employers and colleagues and develop practical time management and self-motivation strategies to achieve success while working from home.

How do I stay motivated to work from home?

Staying motivated while working from home can be challenging, as distractions and lack of structure can make it difficult to stay focused. Some strategies that can help include establishing a routine, creating a dedicated workspace, setting achievable goals, taking breaks, and staying connected with colleagues and supervisors. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance, such as setting boundaries and practicing self-care, is essential.

What are the problems of working from home in the Philippines?

Some of the challenges of working from home in the Philippines include issues with internet connectivity, power outages, and distractions from family or household responsibilities.

Additionally, not all jobs may be conducive to remote work, and some employees may struggle with feelings of isolation or difficulty collaborating with colleagues. Both employers and employees must establish clear expectations and communication channels to address these challenges and ensure success while working from home.

 

Journey to Death

Journey to Death

My Journey To Death

Today, I take a moment to ponder all that journey to death has taught me.

On June 29,2015, that was the longest day for me as I went home to catch up with my mom who was in a comatose stage. She was 61 and had a  fight with chronic kidney failure and liver cirrhosis. We knew it was coming but have never thought that it was only for 4 months.

I arrived at around 11:50 pm, my mom lying on the bed, catching her breath so fast, so thin, so pale, with her pupil almost gone and just the white part of her eyes. I just closed my eyes and prayed aloud.

I hugged her and whispered that I love her and it’s okay for her to leave us. Telling things in a manner of a joke was all I did. I need to be brave in front of her because I know she does not want me to cry.

No words, no reactions, nothing at all but a hard and catching breathing. On June 30 at around 1:02 am, her eyes suddenly opened, looked up for my father and slowly raised her hand towards my father, saliva coming out and eyes slowly closed.  

Having witnessed as she drew her last breath was so painful. My mom is gone and there is nothing that we can do but to face her death.

Being on this 4 months journey with my mom’s journey was so difficult. It’s a mixture of emotions and even financial struggle.

When she was diagnosed with her condition, I know it was difficult for her and struggled with it.

During those times, there was nothing that I could do but only see how she suffered and how she was in pain.

All I could do was to talk to her, encourage her and make her smile. And most importantly this journey is all about surrendering everything to God.

During this season, there are important lessons I learned in life.

1. Life is too short. Make the most out of it to honor, love and take care our parents no matter how busy we are.

2. God always chooses the best for us. While I want my mom to be alive but it is more painful to see her suffering.

3. Surrender and Being Strong are two big words but we should learn how to fully embrace the real meaning of it.

Thank you, Ma for helping me how to be strong and for teaching the most important lesson. I love you Ma.Just as you said before you die, that I should learn to accept things, be strong and continue to live life the way it is.



Celebrating 7th Year of Working from Home

Celebrating 7th Year of Working from Home

Wow, time flies so fast! On August 23, 2015, it will be my 7th year of working from home through Upwork (Formerly Odesk). How did I survive all these years working alone without company benefits? With these 7 years, my good memories with Upwork are worth sharing!

 

ODESK MEET AND GREET

 

I was part of the first-ever Odesk (now Upwork) Meet and Greet and was one of those who presented the Odesk Experience. 70 contractors volunteered and were fortunate enough to be selected as presenters. 

Here is the highlight of my presentation:” I would instead start my presentation with why I love Odesk very much! It is because Odesk created a significant impact on my life. For three years, Odesk has provided me with benefits and has been an instrument of the following aspects:

 

Financial

Having a better income from which I could not make it work for nine years in the corporate world as Fraud and Risk Analyst.

Motherhood

An opportunity to take care of my kids

Entrepreneurship

The mindset of not just being an employee but an entrepreneur.

Builds Relationship

My client and I became friends. We have been working together for 2 years and 1 month now.

The Value of Sharing

It has allowed me to be a blessing channel for some people. The blessing did not end with me. It goes beyond my relatives when I share it with them. We are 1 big happy family in Odesk. My husband, sister, cousins, aunt, and even my 57 years old mother had a chance to get a job.

Learning

It opened doors for my mother, who knows nothing about computers. Still, because of her interest, she finally learned how to use a computer. I am truly blessed because I have a client who is very kind to give my mom a job.

The Value of Helping Other People

In my small little way, I was able to offer a “small” job to new Odesk members.

Skill Building

Odesk helped me develop my writing skills. I track everything about how Odesk contributed to me having a better life at pinoywahmnewz.info

AND I WOULD LIKE TO END IT WITH: I LOVE ODESK BECAUSE IT VALUES PEOPLE!

 

It is a fact that working online will not give you stability, but no worries at all because our security relies upon GOD alone. The weapon I live with to achieve success is living and walking LIFE with GOD.

 

Leadership
Integrity
Faith in God
Excellence

Odesk

Thank you very much Odesk and may you continue to open doors of opportunity and make a big impact on someone’s life.

CONTRACTOR APPRECIATION DAY

Just having some fun with fellow  Odesk Freelancers.

 

 

 

 

I had the opportunity to take photo with Mollie Carter, Director of Customer Marketing

Working with Upwork has always been a blessing, and it is worth sharing that Upwork created a significant impact on my life. Thank you, Upwork, for this innovative way of working from home.