11/03/2022
Did you know that the Philippines is the sixth fastest-growing freelance market in the world, with a 35% growth in freelance earnings? (Source CNBC 2019 report.) π΅π
Thatβs pre-pandemic. It's no secret that many Filipinos were compelled to work from home during the previous round of lockdowns. That option, however, was not available to everyone. Many businesses had collapsed, and many individuals have lost their employment as a result. Others, on the other hand, are still living paycheck to paycheck, drowned in debt, and, worst of all, unable to put food on the table. Filipinos, who are known for their resilience, have chosen to open new opportunities for themselves. Indeed, this pandemic taught us to push ourselves to our limits.
Aside from being the "silver lining to the pandemic," these are the major reasons why Freelancing could be the game-changer, or the future of Filipino work.
1β£ Higher Pay - Pinoy freelancers can earn between $5 and $30 per hour, which is more than triple, if not double, the average pay of a local job. The exchange rate fluctuates from time to time as well.
2β£ Flexible Working Hours and Better Time Management - Freelancers, especially those with international clients are often independent contractors who work on 1-3 projects while establishing good relationship with clients and working from the convenience of their own homes. They can work on multiple projects at their own pace while sticking to deadlines according to fixed-term contracts.
3β£ Less Expenses - Who doesn't hate long lines, being jammed into PUVs, getting trapped in Manila traffic, and the overall monthly expenses for going to and from work? Plus clothing, restaurant meals, and other out-of-pocket expenses? When working from home, the basics are just proper work equipment, a conducive work area, and a stable internet connection. Do the math. π€π€
4β£ Not So Strict Requirements- Anyone is welcome to apply. Even students in high school and college can work as freelancers. Most clients, if not all, value abilities over academic achievement, and some are ready to train people who lack experience. They only need to see if the work is a good fit for you.
5β£ Sky's the limit. -"Building your profile" is a must-have for freelancing. It builds a freelancer's online presence and credibility once he or she has worked on many projects. This draws additional opportunities and allows the career to grow even more. Even in their occupations, Filipinos love taking risks and moving outside of their comfort zones.
A seasoned freelancer can have more than one niches. And as a newbie, there are various ways to get started. You can apply for short courses, employ self-paced learning through available online tutorials, or find a mentor who will teach you highly valued and in-demand skills.
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