In the first month of the pandemic, two of my clients paused their contracts, but I didn’t give up. I knew that some businesses and industries will find a way to rise about the current challenges. And I was hoping they'd let me be part of their approaches.
With some luck, a lot of contest, and a revamp of my profile, I got a job and a lot of invitations. Businesses were cutting cost and it was a sad time for office-based employees as a lot of companies were transitioning to hire remote workers. And yes, they still are and that's why it's not too late for you, yes, YOU!
However, let's be honest; building an online profile isn’t that easy. It took me years to have the guts to start working from home, let along almost 7 years to have the guts to trust that the freelancing industry will strive. But the good news is IT’S POSSIBLE.
The question now is, how do you start working from home when everybody is doing it?
The short answer is because you can, but remember that freelancing, just like any decisions in life, should start with a plant.
If you’re unsure of where and how to start planning, here are some experiences I want to share with you - yes, YOU!
Internet and a Laptop or a Desktop Computer to Start Working from Home
I couldn’t stress this enough that before you start applying or considering for a job, make sure that you have the tools.
Please do not apply for any job if you only have a phone with you. I don't discourage you from applying for jobs where you view videos or other similar activities, but if you're serious then start right.
Internet
Let’s face it; we have a crappy Internet in the country. In fact, we have one of the slowest internet speeds globally, but our freelancer market is growing steadily!
However, you don’t have to start with a whopping 3,000Php internet connection. I started doing writing gigs is where I started, and I only had a laptop and Globe Broadband Tattoo which is still alive.
Laptop or Desktop
The majority of online work requires you to track your time using apps that will only run in a desktop or laptop, and that’s why you need either of the two, here are some recommendations from Yogatech.com.
Assess Your Skills and Be Honest
Be honest and ask yourself what you are good at or what services you can provide to clients online. There are a lot of work from home jobs that you can jumpstart with.
Some of these jobs include the following:
- Data Encoder
- Content Writer
- Social Media Manager
- Online English Teacher
- Customer Support Specialist
So, how will you know what jobs can you do? Here are some things you should consider:
- Try applying for a job that suits your skills. You don’t always have to try something new because, well, why fix it when it isn't broken, right?
- Look at your curriculum vitae and focus on your previous work experiences and ask yourself: Are there any online jobs related to your past work experiences? Are there industries that will need my skills even if I work remotely? What enterprises need my skills part-time?
- What skills have you been hiding? What are your hobbies that you're really good at but just didn’t had the opportunity to shine or work in a related industry?
Then, use the answers as key terms when searching for work from jobs. For example, if you have a call center experience in the past, you can apply as an online teacher or customer support. Now is the time to bring that out!
If you’re good at writing, then you can start searching for content writing jobs. Also, if you love crunching numbers, you can start with data entry or even accounting jobs.
Do you know how to use AutoCAD? Are you proficient in video and photo and editing?
Honestly, almost every job that can be done remotely is online - employers are looking for you, so start building your portfolio now!
Build Your Online Portfolio
Many of those who want to start freelancing often complicate this step, and I get it. We all want to land a job, and we believe that the only way to impress our prospective clients is to have an impressive portfolio.
However, that’s not ALWAYS the case.
Again, I know it was a very different time ten years ago, but I landed my first freelancing gig by using some parts of my thesis as a writing sample.
I sent an application on Freelancer.com, and I got this reply.
I’m feeling a bit nostalgic reading our emails and look at how far I’ve come and how far I want to go as a freelancer.
Okay, enough with the nostalgia, here are some tips on how and where you can build your portfolio for free:
- Blogger.com - This is a free blog-publishing service by Google, which I recommend, especially if you want to start as a writer. I’ve been using this since 2011, and I love how user-friendly Blogger is. Also, they’ve just updated their user interface and is now mobile-friendly, too!
- Social Media Accounts - You can host your work on your social media accounts, especially if you create a Facebook page for your brand and build your LinkedIn profile. I also see a lot of visual artists using Instagram to share their content.
- YouTube and Vimeo - For animators and video editors, you can upload your original work on these platforms for free. You can check out my LinkedIn or view some of the content in my blog so you get an idea of how to build your online portfolio for free!
Learn to Find Jobs on Reliable Platforms
I hadn’t tried applying to all freelance platforms when I started looking for work from home jobs in the Philippines. However, I got lucky on these platforms, and here’s why:
- Freelancer.com - I landed my first writing gig on this platform, and I don’t regret it. I started with $1 for 250 words and, though it may sound really low, I’ll always be thankful to Sarah (see screenshot above) because, without her, I wouldn’t be freelancing now.
- Onlinejobs.ph - This is where I got my first full-time job right before we move back home. The website is legit, and I still am getting some invitations and some writing gigs from here.
- LinkedIn - Yes, you can land a job on LinkedIn, especially if you have a complete profile. You can also apply for jobs on this platform and look for vacancies within your industry.
- Upwork.com - Another popular platform, and a personal favorite platform, is Upwork. The thing that I love here is security. The platform’s standard pay starts at $3, and even with the 20% deduction, I still prefer working here because they are fair when treating both employers and contractors.
Dedicated Workstation
But don’t get me wrong, I started working on my side gigs in my boarding house, which is just slightly bigger than our bathroom now (SERIOUSLY). It has a double-deck bed, a tiny closet, and a foldable table, and that’s it.
However, I was able to work there because I do my day job or full-time job, in the office.
So, I hope you get my point. It isn’t easy to start working from home, especially if you don’t have a dedicated corner where you can concentrate on working.
I recommend that you find a small space outside your bedroom if possible, that’s also a bit far from the kitchen and living room. Currently, this is my small corner:
It’s a few steps from the bedroom, so I’m always tempted to slack off. But I still manage to do work, sometimes 8 - 12 hours a day, as long as I follow my system.
Setup a Payment Method
By now I know you’ve heard of Paypal , Ria, Payooner, Remitly, and everything money transfer related, but here’s the first thing you should do:
- Get a valid ID - I cannot stress this enough, GET A VALID before starting to find a home based job in the Philippines because you need this. It would be best if you had this to open a bank account, to validate your online profiles, and even to validate your payment methods.
- Paypal - Setup your Paypal and make sure that you use your complete name when opening an account because sooner or later, you’ll be asked to validate it with a valid ID.
- Bank Account - Some money remittances in the US for work from home jobs in the Philippines allows direct bank payments, such as Ria and Remitly.
The bottom line, in payment, the most crucial aspect of setting up whatever payment method you agree with your client is your valid ID. So, get one ASAP. Make sure to get a UMID, Driver’s License, Postal, or Voter’s ID. A passport is also a valid document you can use.
Create a Daily System or Routine
Working from is more complicated than working in an office. There are a lot of distractions in your house, and you have to fight yourself from giving in from these distractions.
However, I learned that the only thing that can keep you from focusing on work is a system. So, here's what my typical day looks like.
- 8:00 AM - coffee, breakfast, and muni-muni ;)
- 10:00 AM - quick exercise, rest, take a bath and work.
- 11:00 AM - start grinding on the keyboard.
- 1:00 PM - lunchtime!
- 3:00 PM - start grinding again, take quick breaks to stretch, and end my day at
- 11 PM or 12 MN depending on my deadlines.
Find Your Why
Always find your 'why' because a life without a why is an x.
If you know your reasons or you are motivated to pursue any freelancing job, then you’ll be motivated to get up and grind as you do in an office job, but with the added benefits.
You get to work in your home's comforts, which can either be a good or bad thing.
So, you have to be firm in your decision, and I talked a bit more about it when I shared how to increase your freelancing rate in a webinar.
Because if you want and love what you’re doing, your motivation will relly bring you far but close to your dreams. If you have any questions about freelancing, please add it in the comments, and I will try to answer it as detailed as possible.
Remember, I’m here right now because I wanted to be here and if you want it, you can do it, too!
So, picture this, you’ve been with a company for as long as you remember. You have great pay, a fantastic workspace, amazing colleagues, and a promising future!
BUT then you’re forced to stay at home to take care of your loved ones. Some of us feel exhausted with the daily commute, which takes more or less 4 hours a day. Or worse, we’re hit by a pandemic, and we’re left jobless.
What are we going to do now?
That's where working from home comes in. According to recent research, those who are working as freelancers are more satisfied with their lifestyle and pay.
And I really cannot complain and that's why I highly recommend that you work from home
Just like you and everyone else reading this right now, I also got tired of working and living from paycheck to paycheck. It was exhausting to walk for an hour to go home because of the traffic and to wake up at 5 AM to get to the office at 8 AM.
"I dont have to live our lives like this," I told myself.
And so we went on and chose to from home.
However, it was and still is, never easy.
You also have to understand that work from home, even part-time jobs online is not for everyone, but that’s a story for another day.
There are LOADS of ways to work at home, but some of them are just too good to be true, which is why I’m here to show you which ones are legit!
Full Time or Part Time?
You have quite a few options if you’re looking for both full time and part-time jobs. The best part? These jobs are usually similar to office jobs, so if you’re looking to have it part-time, it won’t be too different from what you’re used to.
Virtual assistants and programmers aren’t the only jobs that pay you full-time while you work at home! There are also customer service representatives, freelancers, technical support representatives, accountants, and many others!
If you’re looking to be one of these, some good platforms are:
OnlineJobs.ph
This platform is the perfect starter for any aspiring online worker. Jobs can vary, and you can be hired as a freelancer or a full/part-time employee! It’s also considered the biggest marketplace for hiring Filipino virtual assistants.
Upwork
This is one of the more diverse work from home job platforms when it comes to skill and job type. Thousands of people utilize the platform and share their vast array of skills. It has been up ever since 2015 and has a global audience as well!
Craigslist
This is probably the most popular place to look for freelancing and online jobs in the entire world. Craigslist isn’t just a place where people sell housing or items, and people also use it to look for workers and even job hirings!
WeWorkRemotely
This is a US-based platform that offers high-quality workers, jobs, and high paying jobs! Although US applicants mainly use the platform, they also consider people from the Philippines.
StackOverflow
One of the more linear work from home job platform, StackOverflow is primarily used to hire programmers or look for jobs related to programming. If you have a background in the software industry, definitely check this platform out!
Outsourcely
Outsourcely is the perfect place for finding home-based jobs. There are no hidden fees, and it’s 100% free for remote workers!
Project-Based Work from Home Jobs
This is the perfect choice for people who want to be paid based on the projects that they do. Projects are the way to go if you wish to the opportunity of having a short term or long term task.
However, you can’t be considered a part-time or full-time employee if you work on a project basis.
Examples of these are people who do articles, transcriptions, or even those who type out handwritten documents.
These are perfect sites for people who prefer project-based jobs:
Freelancer
Freelancer has a ginormous database of freelance workers that are available for hire. Aside from that, you can sign up and make a profile for yourself so that people can hire you as well!
PeoplePerHour
Despite being a smaller platform, it’s the same as Freelancer. You can go here to find jobs, employees, or contracts!
Fiverr
Although getting publicity here is a lot more complicated, you can set up a Fiverr page for yourself where you can tell people what you can do. You choose how much you get paid based on the job, and you can put down your specialty on your page!
Fiverr also has a slogan saying “You can get anything for 5$” which makes it intriguing for businesses looking to hire people for projects.
Crowd Site
Here, employers can hold competitions for graphic design projects such as logos and or slogans. If you’re interested in graphic design, you can easily win these contests and be paid or possibly even hired by the contest holder!
Special Mention Work from Home Jobs Platform
Facebook Pages
There are a lot of Facebook pages that teach you how to start to work from home, and one of my favorites is the Online Filipino Freelancers. These pages also have vacancy posts, and once the job is approved, I believe that it’s vouched by the admins so, it’s legitimate.
I never thought that I’d find an excellent client here. I know that you can send applications and see vacancies from companies. I never really thought I’d land a job on the platform, and I’m sharing my story here.
I’d be honest, and I haven’t applied or created a profile in all these platforms. What I did is I focused on Upwork and OnlineJobs.ph because I didn’t want to spread myself too thinly.
I wanted to work on one or two platforms, so I don’t get overwhelmed with clients because I was running a one-person show before unlike now. I’m working with other freelancers who are fantastic web developers and social media managers.
So, try these websites out, and if you’re hired on a different platform, please hare your experiences too!
Mother’s Day is a yearly reminder to cherish our relationship with our moms. Given this year’s unique circumstances, many of us will be celebrating this special day at home or even away from the special women in our lives—mom, grandmas, and aunts.
Still, even when fancy dinners are impossible, Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be canceled. With some creativity and preparation, you can still give the most special woman in your life the Mother’s Day she deserves.
The Manila Hotel pulls all the stops for you to still be able to give her a memorable Mother’s Day. This home celebration will have a five-star hotel feel and The Manila Hotel will make sure it gets close to a real feast.
The Manila Hotel’s Mother’s Day Surprise gives you discounts when you choose to order the food-and-cake bundle and pay online on or before May 8, 2020 (Friday). You may choose items from the A La Carte Menu or Home Buffet sets (Filipino, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese favorites, as well as Certified Halal items) and get a 20% discount on your food bill, and a 10% discount on the cake of your choice.
Because mothers deserve the only the best, you can choose from our awesome selection: our decadent Opera Cake; Ohaina Chocolate Gateau, a Lifestyle Inquirer Best Dessert Winner; the mouthwatering Trio of Chocolate Mousse, and our amazing Mango Cheesecake.
To order or for more information, please call 8527 0011 or message 0998-9501912.
If you are a healthy eater and would like to try Indian food, you might be having second thoughts because you are not familiar with the dish and the ingredients.
Well, here's the good news: Indian foods are generally healthy. One of their staples is Poha (flattened rice) which usually contains the following:
- 360 calories
- 6g of fat
- 446 mg of sodium
- 69g of carbohydrates
- 3g of fiber
- 2.5g of sugar
- 6.8g of protein
The majority of Indian dishes include lean meat (chicken or fish) and high fiber lentils and vegetables. Once you have this in your dish, it will make you feel full and satisfied even if you only eat less.
Indian foods are also full of flavor. Have we mentioned that Indian cuisine is known to be hot and spicy? Eating these kinds of food will help you eat less and slim down faster.
To help you next Indian Restaurant food trip, here are some of our recommendations that will surely make you appreciate Indian cuisine while still keeping up a healthy diet:
1. Tandoori Chicken in Indian Restaurant
Half of this dish will only give you an additional 350-400 calories. This dish is a combination of yogurt and tandoori masala, which are baked in a clay oven called tandoor (thus the name). The ingredients and the mode of cooking allow the dish to blend perfectly together and give you your needed protein without the excess fat.2. Chicken Tikka Masala
Another chicken dish you can try is the Chicken Tikka Masala. It has 350 calories for every 30 grams. It is made with chunks of chicken and curry and would taste even better when paired with white rice. However, if you want to cut your calorie count further, then you can still enjoy the dish even without the rice.3. Raita
Raita is more of a condiment that you can have when the main dish gets too spicy. It is a combination of vegetables, herbs, and fruit with yogurt, and a single serving is only 40 to 60 calories.4. Roti
Roti is something you will see in any Indian menu as it is a whole wheat bread that you can pair with other Indian food. You can enjoy a seven-inch roti which has 110 calories and 3 grams of fat. The Roti can be very indulging, so you have to be mindful of the portion you are eating.5. Vegetable or Meat Shish Kebabs
Kebabs ring a bell. It’s a good choice because it is only made of little fat. Chicken and vegetable kebabs will have the lowest calories, especially when made without coconut milk.6. Onion Bhajji
Onion Bhajji is India’s version of onion fritters but just better. It is made with a dash of Indian herbs that makes it unique compared to those from another cuisine. It is also ideal for people who are not so into spicy dishes and is best when paired with a dip.7. Spinach Pakora
This dish is deep-fried but still considered healthy. The spinach coated with gram flour. It is then deep-fried until it becomes golden brown. This definitely makes an excellent appetizer. It is a good idea to pair it with ketchup.8. Chicken Manchurian
Chinese and Indian flavors in one dish – that is Chicken Manchurian. The chicken pieces are fried until crispy and are cooked with various sauces. You can experience sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor in your mouth with every bite.These dishes are must-tries during your next visit to an Indian Restaurant. These dishes are healthy, so there is no need to feel guilty. Indulge in the great taste of Indian cuisine without worrying about the fats.
Are you a frustrated artist? It’s time to unleash the painter in you with Sip and Gogh Kapitolyo. You can join their painting classes while enjoying a sip of your favorite wine.
Paint and sip studios are gaining popularity all over the world, and we’re just glad that a group of friends brought it to the Philippines. And how witty their name is? Sip for the beverages you will be taking and Gogh from the famous Vincent Van Gogh.
Local Artists will serve as your painting instructors. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have much experience with painting or art in general. Sip and Gogh will unleash the artist in you.
Tips: You should visit their website to choose the branch you want to go to and the time you want to take their classes. This is to assure yourself a guaranteed slot. But you can also walk in.
What to Expect: Regular Painting session costs Php 1,000, but it already all the art materials, a glass of wine, fruits/cold cuts, and cheeses.
Address: United St., Pasig, Metro Manila
Conclusion: We’re on their website now and ready to book ourselves a slot in their regular painting session! They are open every Tuesday to Friday and start open at 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on weekends.
There are a lot of reasons to dine out and try and even a lot more excellent reasons to eat Indian cuisine in Los Angeles, California. The combination of food and cultural experiences are just a few of the reasons to love Indian food, especially from Masala Grill.
So, before you start your quest for the tastiest and most loved Indian food, here are some frequently asked questions and some answers before trying Indian restaurants in Los Angeles, California.
Why do People Visit Indian Restaurants?
One of the reasons to eat Indian food is that it’s one of the best food to share with friends and family. A typical Indian restaurant has a cozy environment that provides a space for people to gather.
In Masala Grill, we make sure that our customers experience a home-like ambiance with the best Indian dishes that are awesome to share. More importantly, we want you to experience native Indian cuisine, even if you are away from home.
What are the Meals Available in an Indian Restaurant?
We have a complete list of mouthwatering Indian food, which is one of the reasons to eat Indian cuisine in Masala Grill. Some of the food we have on our menu include Masala Dosa, Kadai Paneer, Veg Samosa, and Saffron Mango Lassi. These are just some of the best Indian food we have on our list.
Other popular Indian dishes that we have include lamb rogan josh, lamb vindaloo, and other extensive spreads that every family member will definitely love. Aside from our fabulous meals, our prices always at the sweet spot; we still have the right price without breaking the bank.
And yes, another reason to love our meals is that we can customize our menu for parties and gatherings!
What is Unique about Indian Food?
Another one of the reasons to eat Indian food is for the unique taste. We always make sure that our food brings back a lot of memories while providing a unique experience for first-time Indian cuisine diners.
If you also want to fulfill your olfactory sense, then an Indian restaurant is your best option. Our dishes have a unique aroma that brings you to a new dimension.
Moreover, one of the best reasons to eat Indian food is because we always make our food from scratch. We only use raw and fresh materials to prepare your meals, and we assure you that our dishes, including Rotties, Naans, and Indian bread, are made from the freshest ingredients.
Do You Buy Local Ingredients?
We buy from both.
We ensure that our ingredients are fresh because we source the ingredients from local farmers and suppliers. If need be, we also source some ingredients from India to make sure that we bring the authentic taste and experience to your table.
We work with local suppliers and Indian suppliers, too, to ensure that we create a menu that clearly represents the flavors and tastes of India.
Is Indian Food Affordable?
We make sure that our customers pay for what they order, and that’s it. We don’t just sell food in Masala Grill, but we also ensure that our clients experience the Indian culture while they dine with us.
The food on our menu is priced and guaranteed to adhere to the standard pricing. We do not overprice or underprice our menu items because we know our clients, and we know our products and service well.
