The benefits of online work for Filipino workers
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How does working online benefit Filipinos?
The recent pandemic has brought on many changes in the workforce, including the rise of online Filipino workers. Many BPO workers and call center agents have transitioned into becoming virtual assistants.
Gielyn Domingo, a freelance virtual assistant, recalled how she started working in the industry. She told Susan Enriquez for Pera Paraan, "Actually, inaral ko po siya bago po ako mag-apply sa real estate. Inaral ko lang po siya using Google, YouTube, at mga free courses online.
One of the things that pushed Gielyn to transition to working remotely is the heavy traffic problem in Metro Manila. Her work commute takes two hours, so in 2017 she decided to make a change in her career path.
"Lahat through Zoom 'yung interviews and training. Wala po siyang specific time basta matapos ko po 'yung work."
Gielyn started earning P30,000 for her initial salary. Now she earns almost double the amount. and that salary is only for one client. She can choose to work for more than one client and increase her earnings even more.
"Yes po, kaya po nila basta meron po silang gamit, meron po silang equipment, internet...and katulad lang din po ng ginagawa ko, aralin lang din po. Hindi naman po siya mahirap basta marunong ka lang naman mag-English," says Gielyn.
An additional perk of working from home is having more time for herself without having to leave her home for work.
Meanwhile, former overseas Filipino worker JP Espino is now thriving in her career as a freelance digital architect. After leaving her job as an architect in Brunei, JP started working in the Philippines remotely by creating AutoCAD files for her clients. 'Yung drawing nila gamit ng kamay, i-ta-transfer ko into an AutoCAD file," she told Pera Paraan.
Through finding clients online, she has built a steady flow of income. "Nakakuha na po ako ng 500 orders, more than that pa. Nakagawa na ako ng trabaho all over the world."
Her field of work, fortunately, is surviving the pandemic because many employers have transitioned into working online. "Dahil nag-transition 'yung mga businesses online, even sa ibang bansa hindi sila makapagproseso ng traditional business natin so they went to online."
Though finding regular clients was hard at first, her determination paved the way for more opportunities. Now, she handles 15 projects at the same time in a month.
Nagsimula ako sa five dollars, pero kapag na-establish mo na 'yung online presence mo, at naging maganda 'yung work relationship mo with the clients, puwede kang kumita ng $3000-$4000 a month.
As her way of helping fellow Filipinos seeking work online during the pandemic, JP coaches aspiring freelancers online through an online marketplace website.
Catch the latest episodes of Pera Paraan, a part of GMA News and Public Affairs' "New Normal: The Survival Guide" series, every Wednesday at 8:30 PM on GMA News TV, hosted by Susan Enriquez.
For more lifestyle news head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
Related content:
On the Spot: Celebrities and their work-from-home setups
https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/on_the_spot/114297/on-the-spot-celebrities-and-their-work-from-home-setups/video
