Working from home is very common nowadays. With an opportunity to earn a decent pay without living the comforts of your home, it is indeed a very attractive option.
As a virtual assistant since 2014, I am very happy and content with my career decision. Saying goodbye to the corporate world has like the best thing since it provided me more time to pursue my personal goals and passion. Working from home meant that I do not have to worry about travel time to and from the office. In return, it has allowed me to have time to blog as well as put up several online shops.
I must admit that starting out was a bit of a challenge since I really do not know where to begin looking or even how to land my first client. Though there were a lot of online communities or Facebook groups about working from home, it is very unfortunate that there are scammers all around. Sadly, you can even read reports about "networking" disguised as an online job that gave out disappointment to hopeful individuals.
No offense to those in the networking business, it is a real business model but there is no need to offer it as something else so that people would attend or show up during presentations.
So, if you are wondering what is working-from-home all about? Let me share some learnings and realizations based on my personal experience.
1. You do not need to pay to start working.
Yes, working from home should NOT entail registration fees. I have never paid anything to my clients for them to give me a job. Every job seeker wants a job to get paid and not the other way around.
If they insist that they are legitimate but requires payment, please go and find another one. There are thousands of online jobs for you without you paying them.
2. Stop looking for easy jobs.
Think of yourself as a professional who is privileged not to report the office but the expectations regarding your quality of work and output is totally the same. If you want to get a decent pay, then make sure your job or responsibilities is worth your pay.
If you want to succeed in this industry, go beyond data entry jobs. The opportunities are endless.
3. If it's too good to be true, it's not true.
Have you ever read a post about getting paid in dollars for simply watching videos or earn $25 to answer one survey? If you come to think of it, who would spend money that big for that? What's in it for the business that can afford to give you the high payout?
On the other hand, I will tell you that there are survey sites who are legitimate, however, please do not make this as your main source of income. On an average, you can earn Php 250 pesos (in cash or gift certificates) in 2-3 months. If you are interested, you can send me a PM on facebook so I can give you more details.
4. Working from Home is not for everyone.
I believe that working from home is not for everyone. Working at home entails a lifestyle change and proper mindset. Successful work at home professionals are self-motivated. It does not have the usual fun office atmosphere. Only a few companies have Christmas parties or get-togethers since workers come from different locations.
However, if you choose this career route, I guarantee that it's life-changing and 100% worth your time. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to follow, The Purple Secretary in Facebook for tips and updates.
I love what you wrote in article! Thank you for sharing this. I used to have a corporate job that allows working from home and I absolutely loved it. Now, I am a stay-at-home mom but I dabble in some freelance work so technically I still work from home. I tried accepting odd jobs from an online portal a couple of years ago before it changed its name. I think I will give another shot when I have considerable spare time. And yes, I agree with you that working from home is not for everyone.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
http://littlemisskessa.com
I totally agree that working from home is not for everyone. I tried it before and I really sucked at it. The best balance for me has always been a full-time job with plenty of freelancing gigs on the side. The routine work and the creative raketing keeps me excited.
ReplyDeleteAs of one the founders of Freedom based businesses I have to agree that working from home is a very attractive "job". It has always been my dream, and when it became a reality- it was all worth the hard work and investments! :-) Even though I agree on the importance of being self-motivated, it's also something that people can practice on if they really want it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a well written article.
Jenny Holmquist
freedombasedbusinesses.com
As of one the founders of Freedom based businesses I have to agree that working from home is a very attractive "job". It has always been my dream, and when it became a reality- it was all worth the hard work and investments! :-) Even though I agree on the importance of being self-motivated, it's also something that people can practice on if they really want it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a well written article.
Jenny Holmquist
freedombasedbusinesses.com
I like work from home partially. I have a job for which I can work from home, but I also need to be in the office a lot, to connect with people. I like working from home 1 day a week. But with y current job, I wouldn't want to do it more often than that. When I would have my own business I would like it more. Though I like connecting with people and not being alone.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the freedom of freelancing after almost 20 years of media works.I realize that there is more to life in the confines of my room, writing and learning. I also learn to discipline myself and find strong motivation to finish my tasks because I am on my own. Guess, I compete with myself now.
ReplyDeleteEleanor Llabore @eleanorllabore.com
I am enjoying the freedom of freelancing after almost 20 years of media works.I realize that there is more to life in the confines of my room, writing and learning. I also learn to discipline myself and find strong motivation to finish my tasks because I am on my own. Guess, I compete with myself now.
ReplyDeleteEleanor Llabore @eleanorllabore.com
I agree that working from home is not for everyone. Some like working in an office with a fixed schedule. Others would want to handle their own time. I guess, it really depends on how the person manages their time. But if I were to choose, I'd still choose to work remotely.
ReplyDeleteI am in the privileged situation that I actually don't HAVE to work anymore, I WANT to do something. But solely if I really enjoy what I am doing. I started blogging to kill time more or less, coming out of a very busy business life and then all of a sudden sitting at home , doing nothing. That is nice for a short while, but then you get so bored and feel useless. A new hobby was urgently needed, and that's how blogging started. Today I am even earning money with my hobby,but not for every price ! I select and choose what suits me, and I am not working for pennies! It wouldn't make a living , but it is a nice extra income every month now. Funny , how you point out to the 25,- dollar for watching a video job ... so , you obviously have come across as well. Do they really catch people who believe in this ??? Well, looks like it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.. i've been working from home for almost five years now and while everyone thinks that it's a very easy job, they have no idea how tough it is most of the time. It is indeed not for everyone because it takes a lot of effort and discipline too
ReplyDeleteEverything about work at home blog posts catches my attention. Why? Because Since putting up my blog ,The Top Knotters, I want to see other ways on how to earn while blogging or while doing something else at home. You can never have enough source of income especially if you're doing it for your family, right? Hopefully, we all find something really worth our time and permits us to do what we love.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a staunch advocate of working from home, but now I'd rather say I promote working from wherever you feel is most productive! I, for one, am a solopreneur, so I can't work in a corporate setting (nor have I ever wanted to). I value the freedom I have in working from anywhere, as long as I have my laptop with me. I believe we can really create a lifestyle that we enjoy and is financially sustainable, we just have to find that setup and go with it. Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteA very straightforward and practical advice. Before plunging into work at home or freelancing, one must have the right reasons and must be willing to have the right mindset. People who are used to (and will not trade) having the safety net provided by full time employment will have a hard time on freelancing.
ReplyDelete