THE PANDEMIC PLOT TWIST: From Full-time Employee to Work from Home Freelance Virtual Assistant
- villacortadana19
- Oct 20, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 21, 2020
Working in the comforts of your home.
WORK > LIFE: BEFORE THE PANDEMIC PLOT TWIST:
For the past 10 years, I have been working either in an office or in a hospital. I was able to experience the normal 9-6 pm working hours to the ungodly 4 am duties in the hospital, along with all the stress of daily commute, traffic, and work-place stress.
With my last work, I was also sent abroad for weeks to lead big groups which means I am on duty and on-call 24/7.
I told myself last year, this 2020 was going to be my year. A year of change, a year of opportunities! A busy year of work travels and changes. I carefully planned this year around my work. I TRIED.
Although I was very thankful for all the opportunities that were given to me, I can honestly say that in those almost 10 years of work, I’ve told myself numerous times, How I wish I could stay just stay at home and work or be a freelancer, so I can work wherever, whenever I like. Live the life.
They say, be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it.
THE PANDEMIC PLOT TWIST
Fast forward to now, 2020 and here I am, stuck at home, like everybody else, due to this CoVid -19 Pandemic. The Plot Twist. WE ARE ALL STUCK AT HOME. A 180-degree change for everyone.
No Travel, No Work. No Income. NADA
Work in a hospital, again? Hmm. Too risky.
How do we survive this?
LIFE > WORK: FROM FULL - TIME EMPLOYEE TO FREELANCE VIRTUAL ASSISTANT WORKING AT HOME
So, what now? I tried to look for work online but most are looking for experienced ones or some would need me to go out to the outside world. I could look for work outside again but it’s still very risky.
I applied everywhere I can use my previous work experiences and my strengths but most of them required me to go out in public, commute, and be exposed.
Finally, I was able to get a project-based transcription job, although it was challenging and new to me, at least it was an experience. The first step as s a freelancer working from home
So, first, let’s see the advantages of being a freelancer and working from home.
Having your Own Time. - You get to choose what time you work and rest, taking to consideration the different timezones. You have more control of your time
Work-Life Balance - Since you have a hold of your won time, you can fix it in a way that you will have time for yourself and your loved ones. One must have a balance for a better life
Have Multiple Jobs and Work Opportunities - Some work opportunities would only need a few hours a day giving you more time to do other jobs on the side. Since you are working from home or a freelancer, you can do more work and earn more
Fewer Expenses - When I used to work outside, part of my daily expenses were the transportation and food expenses. At home, you even get to eat with your family and spend quality time. You get to control and lessen your expenses.
Less Stress from Traffic and Work Place Problems - Living in the city has its perks but the traffic can be crazy and energy-draining. Also, as much we don’t want it, workplace drama can also be exhausting and mentally draining. Work in the comforts of your home, your work station just a few steps away.
Work Anywhere, Anytime - Since you have control of your time and work area, you can plan your work and vacation with your loved ones. You can work even on vacation. Live life and explore the world.
Having Work Opportunities Around the World - When you work online, you are connected to the rest of the world. You can work either in your home country but you also have the opportunity to work for a company in the US or in Europe. The possibilities are endless.
I know there are more advantages to working from home. Comment below to add more advantages.
Knowing some of these advantages, of course, along with some disadvantages, it made me more curious to check on being a full-time freelancer and the possibilities of working from home until everything settles down.
I thought to myself I need to learn the ropes. I watched a lot of videos and read a lot of articles about it. My auntie recommended that I take classes in Filipino Virtual Assistance (FVA). I took the Freelancing Course to have a general idea of what are the possible job opportunities and services I can explore and offer as a Virtual Assistant and more.
I can honestly say that this is my Best Investment during this quarantine, enrolling in this course and learning more about the skills of a Virtual Assistant and other freelancing job opportunities. The classes are very informative and systematic. What’s best with it is that the lessons are output or portfolio-based. So, you get a first-hand experience to put these skills to the test and see your effort and hard work turning into something fruitful portfolios, which you can use when applying later on. Examples are making our own branding, tips on how to create pour profiles in Upwork creating our social media accounts, making our own website, and a lot more. There are a lot of different classes and courses offered that you can choose from. Check it out.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE CAN DO THIS!
So, I know life now is hard and very challenging. The times are changing. Normal jobs are not usual and safe norms anymore. More and more companies are switching to work from home setups. This pandemic has shown us that a lot of jobs can actually be done in other ways or be at the comforts of our homes, where we are safe and well during this pandemic.
Whether we like it or not, this is our new normal. Make the most of your time at home and try to learn something new. Try to upskill. Watch videos, read more, and take online classes. You never know, you might need and use them in the future.
I hope you and your family are well. If you are currently struggling, don’t worry. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, WE ALL ARE. But it’s what we do with our situation and how we change it to make things better. A lot of jobs are lost but a lot more jobs are being created, as well.
So, what do you think? Why don’t you check out the possibilities of being a freelancer, virtual assistant, or working from home?
This might be the plot twist you are waiting for. Good luck to all of us!
Cheers to New Beginnings!
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