Life of an Online Homebased Employee

     Six months ago, I quit my office job as a government employee. It was a very big decision that even my mother scolded me of what I did. I have come into that decision because of some realizations in my life. I am in my early thirties, married, childless, a fur mommy to three awesome dogs, travels everyday for almost four hours in going to and from office, works on weekends and seldom have time with my husband. I have these thoughts in mind when I was thinking of quitting my job. One day a turning point came that made me realized that I want to quit my office job and spend more time with my family, dogs, do the things I love and do not stressed out my body. I would only live once and why not enjoy the rest of it.

     Online homebased job is not new to me since I still have my part time US client who allowed me to work for him even if I have my office job before. The difference now is that I would now be a full time online homebased employee. I say it is a risky decision since I give up my secured office job for a job that I might lose anytime. Well, I take that risk with the approval and encouragement of my husband. 

     After my last day at my office job, it took me two months to be able to get a full time homebased online job. It was also on perfect timing since it allowed me to rest from work for a while. Looking for a right client was not that easy. I applied to different websites like Upwork, onlinejobs.ph, Craigslist, remotestaff, virtualcoworker, virtual staff finder and etc. I had been interviewed several times, rejected and disregarded as well. However, I have faith the I would be able to find the perfect client for me. I was hired by a Filipino hiring agency commissioned by a foreign hiring agency for an accounting services company. Luckily the rate they offered compensated to what I received before from my previous office job.

     The picture above is now my new home office space where I work everyday. I treat myself like a normal employee who would get up early, take a bath, eat breakfast before I login to my time tracker to start the day of work. However, during lazy periods, I have the option now to skip taking the bath or have my breakfast while working. Anyways I will just be at the four corners of our house. :) 

     Six months of being a full time online homebased employee allows me to do the things I want to do before. I was able to watch several Korean dramas, movies, watch our dog gave birth and watch the puppies grow, take care of my flowers, herbs, and other plants and spend more time with my family. My husband also quit his job to be able to stay at home and help me with the household chores and sometimes do part times in what I do. Financially, we were able to cut our expenses in fuel, clothes, bag, shoes, cellphone load and food. Though as of now I could not really say that my one full time and two part time clients is a sure big income but I could say that what I receive from them allows me to pay my bills, monthly house amortization, credit card bills, insurances and basic necessities. 

     I may never have the clients I have now if I did not invest in good Internet connection, laptops, desktops, good headsets, working table, comfy chair, power outage back up and back up Wifi connection. Giving quality output is also a must for me to stay in this industry. Though in the span of six months I already experienced on which one client give up on me but the feeling is mutual since they are stressful to work with. There was also a time when I am now declining job offers and job invitations since I do not want myself to be exhausted with work. I also became a member of a Facebook group for online freelancers to be able to learn more, get some tips, share sentiments, ask help for job problems and be motivated by their success in working online.

     I could say being a homebased online employee is quite interesting and challenging at the same time. Paid leaves, 13th month, bonuses and other perks of a regular office job sometimes comes to my mind but I made this choice with no regrets. Some clients gave these benefits but not all are generous enough to do so. I may not know what the future holds in online freelancing but I am loving it so far. 

     Here now is my favorite bible verse that help me get by on my quest of being an online homebased employee.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)