How I Started My Freelance Career: My Story

After several years of working in Japan in the entertainment industry, I decided to try my luck in the corporate world back home. I’ve worked in a variety of firms where professional activities and administrative work are performed. However, after 13 years in the corporate sector, I decided to pursue a different career path. 

Japanese Girl 

I've been curious about virtual assistant since I first heard about it, but I've never had the courage to take the plunge before. I had read several testimonials from people who had worked from home and were all pleased with the outcome. Additionally, I would hear from other people and close friends how much they enjoyed working from home, and it seemed so simple and practical. Honestly, I've always liked the concept of working from home because I consider myself a homebody and an introvert. Although it would seem unusual given that all of my prior professions required providing customer service and constantly engaging with clients, you will do whatever it takes to overcome your anthropophobia and social anxiety disorders to be able to earn a living and support your family.

Taking The First Step

While still working full-time in 2019, I decided to take a few short online courses with Filipino Virtual Assistance to learn more about freelancing and become familiar with its tasks and responsibilities. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and e-Commerce piqued my curiosity. One of our training assignments was to submit job proposals to Upwork and OnlineJobs.ph job posts pertaining to the courses we were studying at the time. Since I am proficient in Japanese, I made a job proposal to a Japanese client to work as a product lister for her e-commerce store. Fortunately, I received a response from the client without having to go through the interview process. The Japanese client had already sent me a manual with detailed instructions on how to upload the product list to her e-commerce store, as well as guidelines for editing the product images. Upwork sent me a contract which marked the beginning of my job as a virtual assistant. It was merely part-time work with a low wage of $60 per month, but my main objective was to get experience and some additional income for a while. After a few months of working with my first client, I earned the “Rising Talent” badge from Upwork and I felt a sense of accomplishment. I spent almost a year working with my Japanese client until she decided to end our contract. 

I also have explored copywriting as a side hustle, writing content for the websites of flower shops across Europe. I was paid $30 for each webpage's content I created. After learning that the agency was being paid more than their virtual assistants who completed the entire task, I made the decision to quit.

Copywriter

The Covid-19 Pandemic Changed My Career Completely

It's been nearly two years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the entire world. The Covid-19 outbreak completely upended the lives of many people and had a major impact on the labor market. People felt impelled to leave work abruptly and devote their attention to themselves instead. Almost every company was impacted in some manner since many companies laid off workers as a result of the unanticipated reduction in revenue. Some businesses were compelled to shut down totally. Others were obliged to reduce their workforce. But for me, the biggest impact was that it forced me to change my career completely.

When the outbreak started, it seemed no matter if the location was open or not, nobody wanted to step foot inside.

Customers avoided eating out due to fear of getting sick.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, I worked as a Legal Secretary at Dialo & Sarmiento Law Office, which provides notarial services to passport applicants at the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs in Aseana Macapagal, Philippines. In March 2020, the national government has imposed a community quarantine in Metro Manila and the entire Central Luzon. Global travel restrictions and social distancing measures were put in place in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. All businesses were compelled to cease operations. My family was devastated since we desperately needed money to survive. On the lighter side of things, I'm somewhat relieved since I won't have to travel to work and risk contracting the virus. I’m worried about my spouse and son more than anything else, both of whom have medical issues. I don't want to endanger their lives by bringing the virus home as I’m always in close contact with commuters and passport applicants. My spouse was diagnosed with vertigo and underwent arm surgery after slipping and breaking a bone in his left arm in 2019. While my son had a stroke in 2016, he is currently on his maintenance medications to control his cholesterol and prevent another stroke attack.

Since we all have to spend the entire day at home, I didn’t waste any time. I submitted countless job proposals to prospective clients on several freelancing websites. It was initially difficult because of the intense rivalry caused by the huge pool of potential freelancers around the world. It feels like I'm competing against a vast field of qualified individuals while I'm just starting out as a freelancer. Three months had gone, but I had not given up on submitting proposals to clients. I was consistently on the shortlist of candidates and was interviewed by various clients. But I was still unsuccessful. I told myself that freelancing was probably not for me and that if our company reopened in June, I would go to work regardless of the risks I would face. But prior to the reopening of business and companies in June 2020, I got hired by a Canadian client and then the rest is history…

Resigning From My Corporate Job

It is not always easy to resign from a job. You may have excelled at your previous job, but if that was the only thing holding you back, resigning may be exactly what you need to move forward with a fresh start. I have been with the company for almost 9 years and I have no complaints about my bosses because they are extremely nice and I've known them for a long time. Aside from Covid-19, my primary reasons for leaving my job are the daily ordeal of getting up early and battling traffic, as well as how the toxic nature of the workplace has gotten worse over the years.

As the quote goes, “It’s a difficult thing, but there are times when moving on with your life starts with a goodbye.” I resigned from the company as I opened a new door of opportunity and a new chapter in my life. I view myself leaving my old job as the beginning of a new adventure – not the end.

Remembering My Late Grandmother After Everything I've Been Through

In my current endeavors, my late grandmother is my greatest source of motivation and inspiration. She has encouraged me to be the best person I can be, to not only strive for but also to achieve my goals. When I was a child, I remember her incredible dedication, talent, abilities, and diligence in whatever she did. In order to make my grandmother a full-time housewife, my late grandfather, who was a jealous guy, forbade her from working at the office. Rather than being upset, my grandmother worked from home to put her skills to use and earn her own money. How? She had a sewing machine and could make trousers and outfits, crochet, cook great meals, and accept customers' orders. Her customers come to our house to place their orders and pay for her services. As a result of her abilities, she attracted a significant number of clients and made money. That's when I realized that, even back then, anyone could work and earn money from home.

My Late Grandmother, Lola Mildred Bernal

My Current Virtual Assistant Job

In 2021, I started working as a full-time freelancer for a German company through Upwork, and I'm loving my work so far. Working from home has given me the ability to work at my own pace, spend more time with my family, and save money on commuting. In addition, I have earned a "Top Rated" badge on Upwork, which I am very proud of. I believe that If you work exceptionally hard, you will succeed.

Opening a New Door of Opportunity: It's Now or Never

A great career change offers us many opportunities to learn new skills, build new networks, and advance our careers. In addition to learning something new, a good career transition is often accompanied by exciting changes in our lives. That fresh start gives us a chance to plan for the future and gives us the confidence we need to make big goals happen. A successful career transition might mean changing industries, starting over, or becoming an entrepreneur. Whatever the case, take advantage of what you have learned at your last job and use those experiences to help propel yourself forward.

You don't have to wait until you leave your current job to start making plans. Now is the perfect time to think about how you want to change your career path, and if you've already decided, then you're ready to go. Your new career will be waiting for you once you decide it's time to move forward!