I immensely enjoyed my almost 10 years of being an English and Creative Writing teacher, but there was something in me that tells me there is something more. So in 2012 up until today, I had been a happy go lucky Freelancer. I wore many hats from being an encoder, a wedding host, a home-based teacher and did several start up businesses. Looking back, there is no other way I wanted it to happen. I definitely wasn’t born for the 8-5.
Did you know that according to Upwork, a leading global online jobs platform, the Philippines is the third highest – earning country in the world when it comes to freelancing? In fact, more than 1.4 million Filipinos are registered in the platform alone!
If you are just like me or thinking of entering that 1.4M statistics, then what I’m gonna tell you is something you’d want to know. This is what Freelancing is…
- F – lexibility and Autonomy
We live in the Digital Age, so it should come as no surprise the technologies that can allow us to work anytime and anywhere, and provide services to clients from anywhere in the globe! Say goodbye to long commutes and hello to telecommuting! Also, the nature of Freelancing can give you the flexibility and autonomy to work at your own pace and choose the clients and projects you want to work on.
- R – ewarding Career
Who says that Freelancing can’t be a career or profession? For many who have gone this route, it has paved way for them to pursue their dream jobs without the constraints of a fixed job description or the frustration of being stuck in a mundane ‘9-5’ office job. As a self-employed professional, you are fully empowered to pursue projects that would nurture your skills and passions.
- E – ndless possibilities
As a freelancer, there is no limit to the opportunities and possibilities you can pursue, now that you have full control of your career, profession and time. Whereas before, the most part of your day and energy would be spent in long energy-draining meetings and long commutes, Freelancing lets you color and fill each day with activities that you consider truly aligned in attaining your life goals.
- E – nables you to design your own lifestyle
Are you a night owl who is most productive in the evenings? Dreamed of having your own 4-Hour Work Week? Or what about getting down to finally working on that business plan for your dream start-up? With Freelancing, you can get creative on how you design your typical week, that would specially cater to your unique personality, interests and quirks.
- D – o things your way
Always had a need to be in full control of your work, surroundings and growth? Then Freelancing will definitely give you that! Being your own boss is one of the great perks of being a Freelancer, and that means getting things AND results done just the way you envisioned it.
- O – wn your time
Ever wondered how it would be like to respond to emails in your swimwear, with your toes brushing the sand as it points towards a breathtaking view of the beach? Well, in the Freelancing Handbook, you are free to take a vacation in the middle of the week, just as long as you get the job done and your clients happy. Becoming a Freelancer means taking full control of your time and schedule.
- M – ake room for the people and things that truly matter
And here’s the most important part. Freelancing enables you to spend more time with your family, and other things that truly make life meaningful. With Freelancing, it has paved way for the rise of thousands of hands-on mommies, who find fulfillment in being able to nurture both their families and careers. Whilst for many others, they found it in more time spent in pursuing volunteer work, or in endeavors which define their passions and values.
Well, if you’re itching to learn more about the boundless opportunities of being a Freelancer, then you’re in luck. This year, Manila Workshops, with the support of the Department of Information Communications and Technology (DICT), will be holding the 2nd Freelancer Fair on Sept. 2, 2017, to be held at the Bayanihan Center, Pioneer, Pasig City. It is the country’s first and largest event for Freelancers, which would gather together freelancers, business owners and brands for a whole day of talks tackling the Freelancing Landscape and the different opportunities in store for both existing and aspiring freelancers. The theme for this year’s full day event is Cultivating Relationships, as inspired by the mission to cultivate, nurture and help more people discover how Freelancing can help them achieve their professional and personal goals.
For more information about this year’s The Freelancer Fair, visit their Event Page. Get your ticket and see you at the Fair!
To learn more about Manila Workshops, the organization behind this event, connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also view their upcoming workshops by visiting their official website.
Here’s the thing …
As a bonus for being an avid reader of The Fulfilled Women, Manila Workshops is giving you a Php200 off on its ticket! How’s that for a deal?? Coupon Code: TFF17blog_Viv200off.
Don’t miss this out!
About The Freelancer Fair:
The Freelancer Fair is an annual event started last by Manila Workshops, headed by the team’s CEO – Ginger Arboleda, a former employee, freelancer and now a serial entrepreneur / technopreneur, and mom blogger. The Freelancer Fair was built especially for aspiring and existing freelancers, companies, brands and organizations who want to support the Philippines’ freelancing industry.
