More and more Filipinos are becoming aware of this Industry even though it has been here for a couple of years. The safe answer is because of "the internet". The Internet have awaken / woke the Filipino work force especially this year. Media tried to make this relevant also. A lot of media outlet features stories of freelancers having high paid salaries equivalent to an Office Executive. But does media also creates a false advertisement of the said field?
Common misconception about freelancing or freelance work is that it's easy. Since I have been a full time freelancer starting May this year, this topic is really close to my heart. Freelancing is only going to be easy when you have the skill and you choose your projects that is easy for you. But that is not always the case. Before being successful (Naks!) Well, honestly I really wouldn't label me successful, We could just say that I already had the rhythm and grasp of the freelance setup that I want it to be. Yes, you've read it correctly. I setup this situation to be easy and workable for me. Freelance is able to do that. That's the whole concept of freelancing, working on your own conditions. But it is not and I would love to put an emphases this, it's NOT just clicking and being able to use the internet. It's funny when I see post or questions on groups in facebook if they can do work by just using their cellphone. Honey, if that job only requires you to use your cellphone - better check if that's real work, it might be a scam.
Basically, in order to be a freelancer you have to have a particular skill. Me, it's designing. I'm an artist basically any business who looks for anything art related I can offer my services. I would love for someone to hire me on writing but I lack the portfolio, that's why I am also doing blog. You guessed it, I can use this as a portfolio in order to book some writing gigs. Skills that I am talking about it's just limited to a digital format. You can be a freelancer if your good at cooking. You can do some food bazaar and in order to have some street credit or just start sells in front of your house. If it's good food people will buy it. Freelancing is synonymous to side hustle jobs. I began freelancing as early when I was in college, My first client was a Chinese-Filipino, He wanted some gift wrapping design. That first hustle bought me my first desktop and my first sip at Starbucks. I am one of the lucky ones that leave their 9 to 5 jobs and now work at home. But it was not a easy choice, I went through a lot before landing here and a lot of connections from Advertising Agencies here in Manila. Some pay me on time, some payed me a little. My freelance work pay is based on projects so, my portfolio and street credit to deliver is my weapon. Some people have a steady client that pays them per hour. I haven't tried that yet, I have just scratch the surfaced. And my current projects are already paying me well that's why I haven't look for other opportunities.
The only thing that you would like to consider before diving into this world is that you have to personally pay for your taxes and other government dues, unlike on a regular office. And mostly freelance work are project based if the projects are not coming, you better have an enough saving in the bank. As for me, this setup works because my husband still has a regular job but he works from home. That's another type of job, work from home. He is a regular employee but doesn't need to go to the office regularly. He only goes to the office when they have meetings. Do not mistake this for a freelance job. Freelance and Regular work from home (that means 9 to 5 time in) isn't the same. Regular work from home = Regular office work. Confuse? I might save that topic for another post. But for now, that's Freelancing 101 for the Dummies. Before making a fool out of yourself on forums and groups on social media sites, please, do some research first. Everything is just a click away.
