Posted by Florante Valdez on September 1, 2010 ·
Many people decide based on their emotions and not on what is logical or what is practical. And most of these decisions are done in haste which almost always ends in frustration. It’s good to be enthusiastic but it’s better to be wise. In freelancing, it’s the same way. Take things with caution and decide when there is full understanding of the matter. And one of the best way of getting a good grasp at things alien to you is getting some advice from those “who’ve [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on August 3, 2010 ·
Image Credits: http://smallbiztrends.comI did have the same hesitations and questions at the back of my mind before I started my own freelancing. I’m sure it is the same with you at this very moment. It’s really difficult to put your hands on the rein when you have a stable job, a regular pay and a good benefit. But then again, the question is, IS FREELANCING FOR YOU?
Job Satisfaction
Many people walk to their offices and perform their duties with a heavy shoulder because they are no [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on July 18, 2010 ·
Call centers in the Philippines, India or any other outsourcing destination bring a new breath of hope for a decent earning employment. And yes, I am one of those people who’ve been blessed to have worked for over three years in this thriving industry. But I left the call center completely and never looked back again.
At first, I was hesitant to leave my job at Aegis People Support, one of the biggest call center here in Cebu City. With two growing kids in tow, a house rental to think, no [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on June 29, 2010 ·
Too much fantasy and sci-fi movies can sometimes rub off on us. I know superman is one of the favorites and he is certainly one of the most common roles many people want to play in their freelancing career.
But who wouldn’t want to be superman? And who have not done a superman act before?
Juggling 4 or 5 jobs, then taking even more even if it would mean a missed lunched or dinner, a 2hr sleep or just about anything that would mean sacrifice of personal comfort just to please the King Client, [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on June 19, 2010 ·
My status as a home based online freelancer has brought me a new advocacy which i believe is most relevant as the world celebrates Father’s Day tomorrow. I don’t know if how many of you who are reading this blog are celebrating the occasion with your dad far across the other side of the planet, toiling overseas just to give your family a decent life. I’m sure you’ve heard countless times in TV or real life stories about the OFW saga and dreams of giving a good life to their [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on June 11, 2010 ·
Being too reliant on only one payment option has proven to have serious consequences. And if you are working in oDesk, you know [tweetmeme]exactly what I mean. I’ve seen the forum filled with dismayed people, frustrated providers and helpless freelancers who couldn’t do anything about their payouts because they only use Paypal for payment transactions. Let’s face it, technology is not foolproof. Paypal, Moneybookers, Payoneer or whichever institution you are using, gives you [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on March 5, 2010 ·
If getting a job is a challenge, keeping a client is a feat. That’s what I’ve learned from the seemingly horrible experience of financial crisis. Many strive to get a job, but few has the wisdom to keep those clients. Many get hired for weeks or months but few last for years, nor get a repeat transaction.
If you are having this same problem you are not alone. You’ve probably thought life is so unfair and employers are opportunists, taking advantage of the employment drought. But [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on February 28, 2010 ·
I have reached my first milestone as freelancer just before the end of February by hitting my first 1000 hours on oDesk. Who could have imagined that i’d last this long. I don’t think that even my friends in the call center would actually think that it was possible. But by God’s grace, it’s now 1000 hrs and counting. It’s 1000 hours of learning, and exploring the different facets of working at home, online.
I’m very grateful to the first person who hired me and [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on February 25, 2010 ·
I’m not a guru when it comes to freelancing. I have only been in this field for about 2 years. But, I have learned a handful of lessons that’s been helping me realize my dream of a successful freelance career. I must say that working at home as a freelancer is like a balancing act between success and failure. It’s like walking on a thin wire that a bad move can mean disaster. But it doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to succeed.
Is there any secret mantra to success?I don’t think so. [...]
Posted by Florante Valdez on February 25, 2010 ·
I started as a full time freelancer last August 19, 2009 and yes, I’m still alive and kicking and looking to an even better 2010. I had a scary start primarily of financial nature, fear of the unknown and doubts of getting a work that can suffice my family’s needs. And 4months after that crossroad, I’m looking even more exuberant of the coming year.
Before I divulge my plans for 2010 let me share a few things I’ve learned as a full time freelancer. These are practical things that helped [...]