Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Izza of SavingsPinayPH
A year ago, I made a courageous decision to leave my full-time office job and pursue a career as a freelancer.
Freelancing was not new to me. During my college years, I worked as a content writer on a freelance basis. While I didn’t earn much then, it was a valuable learning experience that allowed me to become familiar with the ins and outs of freelancing at a young age.
After finishing college, I didn’t really think about freelancing as a viable career option. It wasn’t something that was commonly pursued at the time. Instead, it was expected that you would find a job in an office that was related to your degree. So I did.
Here’s a summary of my previous work experience before I became a full-time freelancer:
- Marketing Assistant for a milk tea shop (3 months)
- Content Writer (1 month)
- Marketing Assistant for an IT firm (2 years)
- Technical Writer for a telco subcontractor (1 year)
- System Documentation Specialist for an investment firm (3 years)
- Digital Marketing Associate for the same investment firm (2 years)
It’s surprising how I’ve transitioned from my regular 8 to 5 job, which I’ve been doing for almost 8 years, to becoming a freelancer.
But first, what is a freelancer?
As a freelancer, you have the freedom to work independently for clients on either a part-time or full-time basis. You can choose to work for a single client or multiple clients concurrently, provided you can manage the workload. Payment terms vary based on the agreement, with compensation being offered on a per-project, per-task, or per-hour basis. One known example of a freelancer career is becoming a virtual assistant.
How did I become a freelancer?
The way I stumbled into freelancing was quite unexpected.
During the period when we were all working remotely, I was searching for a part-time job. One evening, while having dinner with a friend, she casually mentioned that she had started working as a part-time virtual assistant hired through an agency.
Intrigued by the idea, I decided to try applying myself. I thought I would be matched with a client now that I have passed the screening, interview, and certification training. However, things took an unexpected turn when the virtual assistant agency offered me a role and absorbed me instead.
Now I work as a full-time digital marketing specialist for a virtual assistant agency based in Arizona as an independent contractor. My responsibilities include overseeing the company’s digital marketing strategy, providing social media marketing and management training to aspiring virtual assistants, and creating engaging events and activities for the virtual community.
Challenges I Had as a Freelancer
To begin with, I must mention that all of my 8 years of professional experience have been in an office setting. My experience with full-time freelance work is somewhat limited, and as such, I encountered a number of challenges when first venturing into this realm. Below, I’ve outlined some of the most significant obstacles I faced during my first six months of freelancing:
- Staying alert on graveyard shift
- Good eating habits
- Setting up my finances correctly
- Sudden financial anxiety
Staying alert on graveyard shift
Transitioning from a typical 8am-5pm work schedule to a graveyard shift of 11pm-8am as a freelancer was difficult, especially during the first six months. By 2am, I was struggling to stay awake and there were times when all I wanted was to go to sleep.
I’m grateful to have overcome that obstacle. These days, I can handle my workload without relying on a cup of coffee, especially during hectic times.
Good eating habits
In February 2023, I started experiencing heartburn while and after eating. I immediately went for a checkup and found out I have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The doctor attributed my issue to my irregular meal schedule. In the past, I would only have dinner before or by 10pm and that would be my sole meal for the day. Throughout the day, I would simply have coffee, bread, or a snack.
I’m grateful that I have been managing my GERD symptoms better lately. Since being diagnosed, I haven’t experienced any heartburn episodes, which is a relief. I have also learned that eating small meals every 4 to 6 hours works best for me, and I try my best to stick to that.
Setting up my finances correctly
I had a hard time structuring my finances properly when I started freelancing. Managing my finances was simpler when I had my previous full-time job. I budget whatever money I earn from my full-time job and the rest of the money from blogging and side hustles I make goes to opportunity fund.
However, now that I have various sources of income, organizing my finances has become more of a challenge for me.
To avoid getting lost and disorganized, I realized it’s important to have a system in place to manage your money effectively. One way I did this is to assign a purpose for every pay that comes in. This helps me budget effectively and ensures that my hard-earned money is being used in the most efficient way possible.
I learned that by giving each income source a specific purpose, I can prioritize my spending, save for future goals, and avoid overspending on unnecessary expenses.
Sudden financial anxiety
After returning from my winter trip to Seoul, South Korea, in January, I experienced a moment of financial worry. Despite having funds in my savings, investments, and bank account, I still felt uneasy about whether it was sufficient.
It wasn’t easy, but I eventually learned to conquer my anxieties and find gratitude in my life. I had to remind myself that I was already financially free, and any extra income I earned from using my time, energy, and skills wisely was just an added bonus.
So, is freelancing worth it?
After a year of being a freelancer in the Philippines, I can confidently say that it’s absolutely worth it despite the challenges that come with it.
Working from home and having the flexibility to work from anywhere are the biggest selling points for me. Along with that, the income is very appealing. While I cannot share my actual earnings, I can say that due to the dollar conversion, I am earning double to triple what I made at my previous job.
However, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of being a freelancer. While I have the stability of a full-time position at a virtual assistant agency with a consistent monthly salary, those who work on a per project basis may experience fluctuations in their income.
How much does a freelancer make?
How much you can make as a freelancer in the Philippines depends on your skills. Hourly rates can range from as low as $3 to as high as $25. With a 4-hour work week, you can potentially earn anywhere from $120 to $1000, equivalent to Php 6,600 to Php 55,000 per week.
This LinkedIn article shares the high demand freelance skills in 2023:
- SEO
- Social Media Marketing
- Web Development
- Graphic Design
- Copywriting
- Video Editing
- Photography
- Business Consulting
- Project Management
- Event Planning
How to Start Your Freelancing Journey
If you want to learn more on how you can start your freelancing journey you can watch or listen to The SavingsPinay Podcast Season 2 Episode 2, How to Start Your Freelancing Journey.
To summarize, here are my tips on how to start your freelance journey:
1. Assess yourself
It’s worth taking some time to think about whether freelancing is a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Before you quit your job, try freelancing part-time first. It could give you a better idea of whether or not it’s a commitment you’re truly ready to make.
Think about your strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations. Additionally, it’s important to understand your motivation for pursuing freelancing, whether it’s for the freedom to work on your own terms, to have more independence, or to follow your passion.
2. Know your skills
Identify your marketable skills and expertise. What services can you offer to your clients? These could include content writing, graphic design, web development, marketing, and more. It’s important to be truthful about your skill level and whether or not you require additional training to stay competitive in the field.
3. Research, research, research
Make sure you do thorough research on the demand for your skills, potential clients, and competitors you may have. Try to research as well your target freelancing niche or industry.
4. Just apply
When you’re confident that you’ve completed all the required work, it’s time to begin your job hunt. Look for freelance opportunities that are suitable for beginners and tailor your proposals to fit the client’s requirements. This will allow you to develop your skills and provide valuable experience.
5. Remember that kung sa iyo, saiyo!
Remember that the right opportunity comes at the right time when you least expect it. Trust in the timing and have faith. Freelancing could be the path for you, and if it is meant to be, it will happen.
Final Notes from SavingsPinay
One year now till becoming a full-time freelancer and I have nothing but gratitude.
Since I became a full-time freelancer, I am now able to enjoy a better work-life balance without the need for a daily commute. It’s amazing to reflect on how much my life has changed for the better since then – I’ve been able to increase my income, boost my savings and investments, travel to new places, fulfill some of my long-held desires, and even give back to my parents.
I’m so grateful for this incredible journey and excited to see what the future holds.
