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- cvgabornifl
- Feb 22, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24, 2022
written by Carmencita Villa Gaborni * February 22, 2022
Filipinos are flexible and very resourceful, we never crack that easily when it comes to finding ways on how to earn money. I remember a featured news on TV about a man who creates toy figures out of discarded rubber slippers. He was even praised by some famous "Avengers" actors when he gave them souvenirs. He said he was doing this to earn for his family.
Freelancers' Position in the Philippines
"Freelancer, Virtual Assistant, Online Freelancing" maybe you have heard these words or watched about it on social media, TV programs or advertisements. But what really is "Online Freelancing or Freelancer, what is a "Virtual Assistant?". As defined by FVA Consultancy, a freelancer refers to an independent contractor who provides services to clients remotely. Additionally, freelancers assist clients directly. In what way? A freelancer sells skills and expertise through services in exchange for compensation. Also, as a freelancer, you are not bound by an employer or employee relationship. Therefore, you can work on your own time. On top of that, a freelancer usually receives a monthly or fixed rate. Thus, those who have mid to high level of expertise prefer to be a freelancer. While a virtual assistant is a remote employee assisting clients with various tasks. The same with a freelancer; a virtual assistant assists business owners through their skillsets. However, virtual assistant works according to the time needed by the client. Thus, the virtual assistant has no freedom in terms of time and flexibility. Additionally, a virtual assistant is usually charged on an hourly basis. And the most common tasks that a virtual assistant is hired for are admin tasks.
Numbers Don't Lie
Over time, Filipinos who gave online freelancing a shot has progressively increased. In the first quarter of 2013, Freelance jobs website Elance (now UPWORK) says that its number of new registrations increased by 89% noting that the number of new Filipino users who registered in the first quarter of 2013 jumped 89% to 1,456 compared to the same period a year ago. At that time, Elance (now UPWORK) has 95,000 registered Filipino users.
Paypal, in its 2018 Global Freelancer Insights Report, analyzed 22 countries and noted that the Philippines has one of the highest number of freelancers per capita, at around 2 percent or roughly 1.5 to 2 million Filipinos. Fast forward, in January 2020, COVID-19 pandemic afflicted the whole world, more so, the Philippines. Some of us experienced working from home and for those who were unemployed figured it out in freelancing. In the 2019 Global Gig Economy Index conducted by Payoneer, the Philippines placed sixth among the Top 10 Countries in terms of freelancing.
Statistics climbed from then on, along with freelancers; agencies or businesses offering online freelancing or virtual assistance courses also thrive as well. One factor of the increase in freelancers could be the realization that working from home is really workable and that work life balance which is sometimes far-fetched for some of them seemed viable now. Another factor possibly, as in my case, I got off the beaten path after long years working in a corporate set up and ventured to a different direction. Further, there might be a good deal of Filipinos who decided to use the time and funds spared from the daily commute and other incurred costs when you work on site in enrolling to the courses offered by these agencies or businesses.
Who are the Filipino Freelancers 2.0?
Seeing the rise in freelancers, many agencies or individuals with authority in this field seize the opportunity to expand their horizon. Either by putting up new businesses catering to the growing market or shifted their current mission and vision to a larger perspective. Nevertheless, these authorities or influencers paved the way for us freelancers. Back in the days when there are just 95,000 registered Upwork users or more, not counting the other job sites, I believe they have limited options that time. For one, the digital world today, for obvious reasons, is more advanced compared back then. The insights, know-how, tools or guide were limited. Freelancers then may have learned the ropes by themselves by research, experience and word of mouth. Mentors, coaches, gurus etc. were sparse and fees not yet afforded before. On the other hand, freelancers today are fortunate to have many choices. All the possibilities that technology can offer are just a click away. Numerous related communities have become allies of freelancers. But for me, the vital part of being a freelancer now is the accessibility of mentors and coaches. They are first hand info, they experienced being a freelancer first, they learned the basics even the mistakes, in essence, they are “legit” in this field. Today, Filipinos have the choice to pick the courses they like or feel they can benefit from. Now, that makes us the upgraded version of Filipino Virtual Assistant, the Filipino Freelancer 2.0.
Freelancing and so much more...
One mentor that I am fond of is coaching at Surge Digital Agency. She is handling the Freelancing Course there and I must say that I am always amazed with her especially when she speaks. She inspires me, she is articulate, fluent and she walks the talk, did I mention she inspires me? Apart from freelancing or virtual assistance class, Surge Digital Agency also offers other courses parallel to your chosen niches or skills you already have. They have courses in Digital Marketing, Full Stack Web Development, Graphics Design, Video Editing, Click Funnels, Amazon, Xero and Quickbooks Certification courses that can be used in your bookkeeping contracts and many others. Do not hesitate to inquire with them, they are very accommodating. How do I know? I signed up with them.
Last thought, the pandemic has left us topsy turvy in all aspects of our lives. We incurred losses, lives were taken, sacrifices were made, in spite of that, we also have this little triumphs, the hope that this too shall pass, it’s possible that God is also making us realize what matters most. So considering this, are you Team WORK FROM HOME or Team FREELANCER?…. Hey! They're both on the same side! Oops! I may be biased here!