You'll need images. Not just good ones, but GREAT ones. PowerPoint presentations, blog posts, articles, web content, ads, you name it - it will most likely need an outstanding picture to accompany it. But where can you get quality images that you can use commercially for free (or at least without charging your client an exorbitant amount?).
(While we're on the topic, isn't it a tad annoying - or amazing, depending how you look at it - that the oft expensive iStockPhoto almost always has the just the kind of image you were looking for with your search words?)
When looking for FREE images for download, I often turn to two sites:
(1) http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ - you can download high quality photos and images for free, just be sure to check the guidelines on attributing the photographer or contributor. While its collection is not as extensive as iStockPhoto, you will still most likely find an image to suit your needs.
(2) http://www.flickr.com/ - do an advanced search by typing in your search terms and then scrolling down to the bottom of the page to tick all the boxes under Creative Commons. This will give you some truly creative photos that can be used commercially or that you can 'modify, adapt, or build upon.' Most will just require you to attribute the photographer when you download and use an image.
If these sites don't have what you're looking for, check out this list of 15 Best Places for Designers to Get Free Stock Photos Online for other possible resources.
If you still can't find the right kind of image that you need, try http://www.bigstockphoto.com/. The content on BigStockPhoto is not free to download, but is cheaper than other sites and often has the same type of photo (sometimes the exact same image!) that you would find on iStockPhoto.
Still can't find what you're looking for? Try to search on http://images.google.com/ for inspiration and then go back to the above sites with more specific search terms. For example, if you were searching for a picture of a "will and last testament," but couldn't find an affordable image of a sample will, you can search on Google Images and note that some alternatives:
- picture of a family with grandparents and grandkids
- image of a lawyer discussing with his clients
Instead of searching for "will" and/or "last testament," you can start a new search using keywords such as:
- family
- grandparents
- lawyer
I hope this article helps you find the perfect images you're looking for, sans the extra cost. :-) Til my next post!
Showing posts with label wahm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wahm. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Become a VA: Do you know (Magic) Jack?
One of my very first tasks as a virtual assistant (VA) was to find a rental car service. I did my research online; looked for well-known businesses with affordable (or at least competitive) rates. I also searched for feedback and ratings to create my shortlist, and removed from my list any company for which a legitimate complaint was logged (or blogged). I sent email inquiries to my top 3 choices.
Only 1 replied. My client had several questions and given the time difference, turnaround time for replies between the client, myself, and the rental car service was around 24 hours. We were drawing too close for comfort to the deadline and it was one of my more nerve-wracking experiences. It was a slow, painful exchange of numerous emails before a reservation was made. Don't get me started on how the even slower process of getting confirmation from the service. Thankfully, all went well, but my client (understandably) asked me what could have been done to improve the whole process.
A way to make international calls so I could contact the service and get immediate results was the obvious answer. My client set me up with Skype credit and future transactions were a lot faster after that. Eventually, though, a local distributor offered a Magic Jack Plus kit to my family. Magic Plus enables you to make long-distance calls to US and Canada for FREE. Of course, you have to pay the initial set-up costs and a yearly maintenance fee, but the convenience and savings more than made up for it.
Magic Jack Plus connects an actual phone to either your router or computer and can make/receive calls via your Internet connection. It's far more convenient than using your computer and headset to make calls and has better reception. Best of all, you get your own US phone number so your contacts can call you back. We bought this to stay in touch with relatives in the US, but it became one of my favorite and most-used tools during my time as a VA.
There are local distributors that sell Magic Jack Plus, though at a higher price. If you can manage it, it's better to order directly from the US-based supplier and to renew via their website.
Only 1 replied. My client had several questions and given the time difference, turnaround time for replies between the client, myself, and the rental car service was around 24 hours. We were drawing too close for comfort to the deadline and it was one of my more nerve-wracking experiences. It was a slow, painful exchange of numerous emails before a reservation was made. Don't get me started on how the even slower process of getting confirmation from the service. Thankfully, all went well, but my client (understandably) asked me what could have been done to improve the whole process.
A way to make international calls so I could contact the service and get immediate results was the obvious answer. My client set me up with Skype credit and future transactions were a lot faster after that. Eventually, though, a local distributor offered a Magic Jack Plus kit to my family. Magic Plus enables you to make long-distance calls to US and Canada for FREE. Of course, you have to pay the initial set-up costs and a yearly maintenance fee, but the convenience and savings more than made up for it.
Magic Jack Plus connects an actual phone to either your router or computer and can make/receive calls via your Internet connection. It's far more convenient than using your computer and headset to make calls and has better reception. Best of all, you get your own US phone number so your contacts can call you back. We bought this to stay in touch with relatives in the US, but it became one of my favorite and most-used tools during my time as a VA.
There are local distributors that sell Magic Jack Plus, though at a higher price. If you can manage it, it's better to order directly from the US-based supplier and to renew via their website.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Become a VA: Get Hired!
So you've got the skills and you've set up your workspace. You're all set for your new career as a virtual assistant (VA). But how does one get hired as a VA?
The best way to start is to set up your profile in a website that caters to freelancers looking for legitimate work-at-home jobs. oDesk (www.odesk.com) is one such site and one that I recommend due to its ease of use, simple requirements, and the fact that it doesn't charge you a fee when you apply for jobs or take skills tests.
Once you've signed up for the site, completed your profile, and taken the oDesk readiness exam, you are ready to start applying for the numerous jobs available. VA jobs fall under the Administrative Support category. After your first application, you may start to realize that there are literally hundreds of freelancers all over the world vying for the same post. Do not be disheartened; you will need a lot of courage, gumption, and patience to start a work-at-home career all on your own, without a manager or Human Resources to guide you. Landing your first job is just one of the many trials that you will be sure to face as a VA.
While there's no foolproof method to getting hired, here are some tips that are sure to increase your chances:
(1) Complete your oDesk profile, following the site's instructions. Look at the profiles of other freelancers applying for VA jobs to get an idea of the skills and attributes you should highlight.
(2) Build up your portfolio. If you have no samples from previous work experience, consider creating your own blog or website. Having your own website will showcase your skills in technology, web design and maintenance, and writing, among others.
(3) Take the oDesk exams. The most common skills that clients look for in a VA are English, communication skills, and Microsoft Office. Having high scores in these areas and publishing your scores in your portfolio will be sure to catch the eye of most employers.
(4) Take on simple fixed-price jobs at a low rate to start with. Employers often look at feedback and ratings when preparing a shortlist of applicants for their VA job posts.
(5) Be wary of scams. oDesk is a legitimate site, but some of the employers using the site may not be. My very first typing job was a scam that got pulled down by the admin and I never got paid. Employers have feedback and ratings too! Be sure to check on that before applying.
More VA tips to come on my next post! Good luck! :-)
The best way to start is to set up your profile in a website that caters to freelancers looking for legitimate work-at-home jobs. oDesk (www.odesk.com) is one such site and one that I recommend due to its ease of use, simple requirements, and the fact that it doesn't charge you a fee when you apply for jobs or take skills tests.
Once you've signed up for the site, completed your profile, and taken the oDesk readiness exam, you are ready to start applying for the numerous jobs available. VA jobs fall under the Administrative Support category. After your first application, you may start to realize that there are literally hundreds of freelancers all over the world vying for the same post. Do not be disheartened; you will need a lot of courage, gumption, and patience to start a work-at-home career all on your own, without a manager or Human Resources to guide you. Landing your first job is just one of the many trials that you will be sure to face as a VA.
While there's no foolproof method to getting hired, here are some tips that are sure to increase your chances:
(1) Complete your oDesk profile, following the site's instructions. Look at the profiles of other freelancers applying for VA jobs to get an idea of the skills and attributes you should highlight.
(2) Build up your portfolio. If you have no samples from previous work experience, consider creating your own blog or website. Having your own website will showcase your skills in technology, web design and maintenance, and writing, among others.
(3) Take the oDesk exams. The most common skills that clients look for in a VA are English, communication skills, and Microsoft Office. Having high scores in these areas and publishing your scores in your portfolio will be sure to catch the eye of most employers.
(4) Take on simple fixed-price jobs at a low rate to start with. Employers often look at feedback and ratings when preparing a shortlist of applicants for their VA job posts.
(5) Be wary of scams. oDesk is a legitimate site, but some of the employers using the site may not be. My very first typing job was a scam that got pulled down by the admin and I never got paid. Employers have feedback and ratings too! Be sure to check on that before applying.
More VA tips to come on my next post! Good luck! :-)
Monday, July 1, 2013
Become a VA: Set Up Your Work Area
Want to be a virtual assistant (VA)? Why not? It's a legitimate profession that earns well and that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Perfect for an aspiring work-at-home-mom!
How do you start? First of all, you need to get an idea of what a virtual assistant is and the type of work you'd be dealing it. As its name implies, you would be assisting your client, typically by handling back-office administrative tasks remotely (i.e., you do not need to be physically present in their office, all you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection and you can work from anywhere in the world!). The tasks of a VA vary, but usually involves one or more (or all) of the following:
How do you start? First of all, you need to get an idea of what a virtual assistant is and the type of work you'd be dealing it. As its name implies, you would be assisting your client, typically by handling back-office administrative tasks remotely (i.e., you do not need to be physically present in their office, all you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection and you can work from anywhere in the world!). The tasks of a VA vary, but usually involves one or more (or all) of the following:
- research
- writing
- processing documents (converting from one format to another)
- entering data into spreadsheets
- assisting with emails and phone calls
- travel planning
- setting appointments
- creating presentations
- social media (update of Facebook, Wordpress, etc.)
- finding suppliers and placing orders
- and basically anything under the sun!
The key to being a good VA is to be ready for anything. Be flexible and reliable and always have the client's end goal in mind. You certainly don't need to know everything, you just have to be open to learning new things. And never, ever be afraid to ask questions when things aren't clear.
Still interested and raring to go? You're halfway there. Your next step is to set up your work area. If you're working at home, you'll need to have a workspace where you can focus on your tasks. A place where the hubby and kids know that you're in the "zone" and are not to be disturbed. A desk that can hold your desktop or laptop, papers, and other work materials would work quite nicely, along with an ergonomic chair where you can toil comfortably (without breaking your back!).
Here are your essentials:
- a computer that can handle multi-tasking (you needn't have a souped up monster that gamers use, but one that wouldn't crash when you have Adobe Photoshop, Google, Skype, and an array of Microsoft Applications running at the same time would be ideal) while maintaining a reasonable speed.
- a RELIABLE DSL internet connection; at least 1mbps
- headset
- email account (even a free gmail account would do)
- Skype (most clients still communicate via Skype)
- Microsoft Office (at least Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Dropbox account (for storing and easy sharing of large files)
Here are some nice-to-have's:
- scanner/printer
- Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or similar
- ABBYY or some other software that aids in converting from one file format to another
- Microsoft Outlook (some clients require this)
- smartphone
- plug-in USB internet (in case your reliable DSL connection fails you)
All set? Next up is landing that coveted VA job. More on that on my next post. Til then!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
MommyPatch to the Rescue!
My daughter has extremely sensitive skin that seems to be prone to all kinds of insect bites. The worst part is that the bites get really red and huge due to her allergies. Unfortunately, most people in our family (including my little girl) are also sensitive to strong smells so Citronella wasn't our answer.
Or so I thought. Enter MommyPatch Anti Mosquito patches, an effective mosquito repellent crafted through Citronella oil. Although a tad pricier than its counterparts, it's subtle scent more than makes up for the added cost - saving both our irritable noses and my daughter's skin! No more mosquito bites and oddly enough, we noticed that the ants, bed bugs, roaches, and whatever else had been triggering her allergies have been successfully kept at bay as well. The patches are effective for 12 hours and because it uses 3M adhesive, we're able to reuse them throughout the day before one last application on my tot's pajamas at night.
You can find the patches at SESOU Nature Source in Alabang, Glorietta, Trinoma, or Market! Market! or at any of the MommyPatch local and international distributors listed on its website.
Or so I thought. Enter MommyPatch Anti Mosquito patches, an effective mosquito repellent crafted through Citronella oil. Although a tad pricier than its counterparts, it's subtle scent more than makes up for the added cost - saving both our irritable noses and my daughter's skin! No more mosquito bites and oddly enough, we noticed that the ants, bed bugs, roaches, and whatever else had been triggering her allergies have been successfully kept at bay as well. The patches are effective for 12 hours and because it uses 3M adhesive, we're able to reuse them throughout the day before one last application on my tot's pajamas at night.
You can find the patches at SESOU Nature Source in Alabang, Glorietta, Trinoma, or Market! Market! or at any of the MommyPatch local and international distributors listed on its website.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Look before you Leap
Do NOT buy Leadpad 2 or any related product without asking the sales representative for full disclosure on how to install, set up, and download content for the system. My husband and I have spent a sleepless night trying to install their App Center (which failed on 2 out of 3 computers) only to discover that Asia is not included in the list of countries in the App Center. If you are from "other countries" (e.g., Asia), you will not have access to download the quality, branded apps that feature Disney and Nickelodeon characters. And this after waiting nearly a month for the release of the Leappad 2, which is sold at near double the price here in the Philippines (to say nothing of the additional charge to buy the rechargeable batteries). Now I will have to face a disappointed little girl on the morning of her birthday who was expecting a Leappad with a Dora or Disney Princess app. This is not at all what I expected from a renowned developer of children's toys and educational applications. I will do my best to resolve within the next two days - if I don't, I must say the company should not have bothered to sell their products internationally.
******UPDATE******
Below is the response from Leappad Support, which basically just says that "App Center content may vary by country" and that I can purchase cartridges instead. Unfortunately, the cartridges here in the Philippines are limited and a lot of the ebooks and applications on the App Center are not available in cartridge format. Also, the downloadable content doesn't just "vary." It's extremely limited and does not allow "other countries" to download ANY content related to Disney or Nickelodeon characters. This lackluster response does not resolve the issue and substantially brings down the product's value for money in Asian countries. Kudos to Rustan's Makati for processing our return without much fuss after we explained the situation and for allowing us to exchange for another toy of similar value.
"We apologize for the inconvenience.
There are 3 ways you can purchase items from the App Center:
1. Redeem an App Center or Leaplet Download Card or Code to fund your account balance
2. Redeem a bonus code
3. Use a credit card (credit cards may not be accepted in all countries)
Important: All App Center sales are final. Your account is charged when you click the Place Order button. App Center Download Cards are valid only for purchases in the LeapFrog App Center for the country in which the card was purchased. **App Center content may vary by country."
You can purchase the cartridge games for the device. You can contact your local distributor."
******UPDATE******
Below is the response from Leappad Support, which basically just says that "App Center content may vary by country" and that I can purchase cartridges instead. Unfortunately, the cartridges here in the Philippines are limited and a lot of the ebooks and applications on the App Center are not available in cartridge format. Also, the downloadable content doesn't just "vary." It's extremely limited and does not allow "other countries" to download ANY content related to Disney or Nickelodeon characters. This lackluster response does not resolve the issue and substantially brings down the product's value for money in Asian countries. Kudos to Rustan's Makati for processing our return without much fuss after we explained the situation and for allowing us to exchange for another toy of similar value.
"We apologize for the inconvenience.
There are 3 ways you can purchase items from the App Center:
1. Redeem an App Center or Leaplet Download Card or Code to fund your account balance
2. Redeem a bonus code
3. Use a credit card (credit cards may not be accepted in all countries)
Important: All App Center sales are final. Your account is charged when you click the Place Order button. App Center Download Cards are valid only for purchases in the LeapFrog App Center for the country in which the card was purchased. **App Center content may vary by country."
You can purchase the cartridge games for the device. You can contact your local distributor."
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Top (and free!) 5 iPad Apps for My Preschooler
Wow...it's been a little over two months since my last post - a testament that the life of a SAHM and/or WAHM can get very hectic! Let's see if I can make up for lost time... ;-)
My husband and I got an iPad for our anniversary and despite our noble intentions to try to limit the time our curious little girl spends with it (we still believe in active play, or at least, that's what we try to tell ourselves as we attempt to pry her little fingers from it so we can collect coins at the Snoopy Fair!), we can't help but give in to her at least a couple of hours a day. If nothing else, it's a sure-fire way to get her up in time for her morning classes!
As much as I'd like to stick to the educational apps, I have to admit that they're not very appealing - especially if they're free. Despite being on numerous "Top 10" lists out there, a lot these are repetitive, with bad graphics, and let's face it - downright boring for our kids. Here are a few gems I've discovered that I find to be appropriate edutainment for my tot's age (and best of all, you don't need to pay a cent!):
(1) Colormixer - this is one of the first ones we got and we love it! Kids are only given buckets of primary colors to work with that they have to mix to get new colors (e.g., red and blue make purple) for the app's coloring page. It's a great way for preschoolers to learn about color combinations.
(2) Mickey Mouse Road Rally - this free app from Disney features the full-length film in interactive format. Your tot will help Mickey Mouse and his friends solve puzzles to reach the finish line - a must have for any die-hard Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan! If your child is leaning more towards Jake and the Neverland Pirates, there's a free educational app featuring this show's characters too!
(3) My Little Pony by Ruckus Reader - this app comes with a free eBook featuring the adorable Twilight Sparkle and all her friends from the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic generation. The app reads out the words to your emerging reader and includes a "sticker page" at the end for free play.
(4) Barbie I Can Be - does your little girl want to be a baker, veterinarian, or pizza maker? This simple app will give her a dose of what it's like to be all three!
(5) Barbie Fashionista - if your daughter loves dress up games, there are numerous Hello Kitty and Princess Dress Up games out there, but Barbie Fashionista by far surpasses all. Skip the part about needing a ring/accessory - you don't need it to use the basic dress up app, which gives you a choice of more than a dozen barbie dolls and hundreds of combinations for clothes, shoes, hair, and accessories. I was planning to buy my girl the actual Barbie doll with the closet, but with this app, I may no longer need to. This is just the thing for all little girls who want to play dress up - and for moms who still wish they had their Barbie collection!
My husband and I got an iPad for our anniversary and despite our noble intentions to try to limit the time our curious little girl spends with it (we still believe in active play, or at least, that's what we try to tell ourselves as we attempt to pry her little fingers from it so we can collect coins at the Snoopy Fair!), we can't help but give in to her at least a couple of hours a day. If nothing else, it's a sure-fire way to get her up in time for her morning classes!
As much as I'd like to stick to the educational apps, I have to admit that they're not very appealing - especially if they're free. Despite being on numerous "Top 10" lists out there, a lot these are repetitive, with bad graphics, and let's face it - downright boring for our kids. Here are a few gems I've discovered that I find to be appropriate edutainment for my tot's age (and best of all, you don't need to pay a cent!):
(1) Colormixer - this is one of the first ones we got and we love it! Kids are only given buckets of primary colors to work with that they have to mix to get new colors (e.g., red and blue make purple) for the app's coloring page. It's a great way for preschoolers to learn about color combinations.
(2) Mickey Mouse Road Rally - this free app from Disney features the full-length film in interactive format. Your tot will help Mickey Mouse and his friends solve puzzles to reach the finish line - a must have for any die-hard Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan! If your child is leaning more towards Jake and the Neverland Pirates, there's a free educational app featuring this show's characters too!
(3) My Little Pony by Ruckus Reader - this app comes with a free eBook featuring the adorable Twilight Sparkle and all her friends from the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic generation. The app reads out the words to your emerging reader and includes a "sticker page" at the end for free play.
(4) Barbie I Can Be - does your little girl want to be a baker, veterinarian, or pizza maker? This simple app will give her a dose of what it's like to be all three!
(5) Barbie Fashionista - if your daughter loves dress up games, there are numerous Hello Kitty and Princess Dress Up games out there, but Barbie Fashionista by far surpasses all. Skip the part about needing a ring/accessory - you don't need it to use the basic dress up app, which gives you a choice of more than a dozen barbie dolls and hundreds of combinations for clothes, shoes, hair, and accessories. I was planning to buy my girl the actual Barbie doll with the closet, but with this app, I may no longer need to. This is just the thing for all little girls who want to play dress up - and for moms who still wish they had their Barbie collection!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
oDesk - Is It For You?
What is oDesk?
oDesk is a website (https://www.odesk.com/) that allows freelancers (potentially you) to create profiles/resumes and apply for jobs posted by employers. Here's an FB page for Filipino oDesk freelancers (http://www.facebook.com/thefreelancepinoy)
Is it a scam?
No, it's free to join/register and once you've been contracted you will get paid based on your agreed price or hourly rate. Of course, there might be unscrupulous employers out there, but every job posting includes an employer rating. If you're careful about only applying for those with good ratings and verified payment schemes you should be okay. I have not yet gotten a job where I wasn't paid.oDesk earns by getting 10% off your rate once you are hired and paid.
How do I get paid?
You either apply for a fixed-rate or hourly job. You propose your rate when you apply and if you get hired that would be the basis for payment. Payment is in USD. There's about a week or two to process each weekly payment. Once done, the $ are put in your oDeskaccount. From there, you can either withdraw to a local bank account (I haven't tried this yet) or withdraw to PayPal and from there, withdraw to a local bank account. Note that the bank may charge for every withdrawal - for BPI it is P150.
What kind of jobs are available?
Main categories are Web Development, Software Development, Networking & Information Systems, Writing & Translation, Administrative Support, Design & Multimedia, Customer Service, Sales & Marketing, Business Services. If you're computer savvy (especially with Microsoft Office) and have good English communication skills, one of the higher paying jobs is that of a Virtual Assistant (similar to being a secretary for someone in US, UK, or Australia). To learn more about this kind of work, you can research "virtual assistant" via Google or drop by this website http://www.filipinova.com/ which offers VA training for Filipinos (I haven't tried this myself).
What are the benefits?
You get to work from home and at your own pace/time. Pay is good once you get a regular job.
What are the drawbacks?
In the beginning, it will be hard to get a job because there are so many people applying. Be sure to complete your resume and portfolio, take the oDesk exams, and apply for as many jobs as you can. It might also help to lower your rate for the first few jobs and then make it higher as you gain more feedback.
Unlike in an office, there are no benefits (medical, leaves, etc.) and jobs aren't stable. If an employer chooses to end your contract, you'll have to find another job.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Freelance Work Through oDesk
So after a few weeks of trying out odesk, here's what I have to say:
(1) It's not a scam. I earned money after doing a couple of jobs. Just around $20, but enough for me to know that it's real and the potential to earn more is there.
(2) It's said that it takes about 40-60 job applications before you can land a job. This is true too. Online freelancing work is not for the weak, fainthearted, or impatient. There are hundreds of thousands of other freelancers all over the world - likely more skilled and experienced than you - who are vying for the same jobs you are. Learn how to make great cover letters. Take odesk skills tests to showcare your competency. Build your portfolio. Above all, read through the tips and help articles that odesk has to offer. These will help a lot.
(3) Stock up on your preferred choice of caffeine.
(4) If you find it all a bit overwhelming, check out The Freelance Pinoy for freelancing tips, particularly for Filipinos using odesk.
(5) Good luck!
I have a lot on my plate right now, but should have more to share in a couple of weeks. Til then!
(1) It's not a scam. I earned money after doing a couple of jobs. Just around $20, but enough for me to know that it's real and the potential to earn more is there.
(2) It's said that it takes about 40-60 job applications before you can land a job. This is true too. Online freelancing work is not for the weak, fainthearted, or impatient. There are hundreds of thousands of other freelancers all over the world - likely more skilled and experienced than you - who are vying for the same jobs you are. Learn how to make great cover letters. Take odesk skills tests to showcare your competency. Build your portfolio. Above all, read through the tips and help articles that odesk has to offer. These will help a lot.
(3) Stock up on your preferred choice of caffeine.
(4) If you find it all a bit overwhelming, check out The Freelance Pinoy for freelancing tips, particularly for Filipinos using odesk.
(5) Good luck!
I have a lot on my plate right now, but should have more to share in a couple of weeks. Til then!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Work At Home Mothers - Dissecting Myth From Reality
Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Is it possible to work at home and still earn more than your past day job? Absolutely! In this age of high speed Internet connectivity, mobile devices, and numerous networking sites, there is no reason you cannot work in the confines of your own personal space, in the comfort of hearth and home.
So then you start to wonder - why don't more people do it? Why don't I do it? It's the ultimate dream job - I get to be my own boss, work at my own time and pace, spend more time with the kids, and still earn enough to...
Stop right there. Yes, it is possible to work from home. Yes, so many people have successfully set up businesses in their own houses, sold products online, became true-blue "entrepreneurs" and earned a bundle. Yes, several more people are living solely on online jobs, making use of skills such as writing, editing, programming, transcribing, clerical/secreterial work, bookkeeping, etc...
...and they do so by exerting more time and effort than is required in a 8AM-5PM day job.
Most people have the misconception that working at home equates to a cushy job with less hours and more pay. However, you will soon find that attempting to get a job done within the prescribed deadline can be quite stressful and challenging amidst constant disruptions such as telephone calls, a baby that doesn't sleep, children screaming while you're in that all-important meeting, deliveries, pesky salesmen, laundry that won't wash themselves...and oh, is it time to prepare lunch already?
You may be your own boss, but without someone to push and drive you towards completing your deliverables, you will need an extreme sense of responsibility, resourcefulness, and diligence to do it on your own - after all, there's no one around to help you! You will then discover that toiling this close to the TV, PS3/XBOX, fridge, and that cute-as-a-button toddler who wants to play with you is a form of torture in itself. Eventually, you will realize that by the time you've completed your tasks for the day, you've put in the same amount of hours as you've done in an office - likely even more.
Trying to start your own business is even worse. If you want to earn enough to merit quitting your day job, you will spend most of your waking hours (and a good bit of the ones you normally use for sleeping) making and selling your product, and catering to discerning, pushy clients.
With the right frame of mind and a proper set of expectations, however, you can work from home and earn a good deal of money. Here are some of the many opportunities available for you:
(1) Find online jobs that suit your skills - The most popular of which are content/SEO writing, programming, virtual assistance, web design, and transcribing. The hardest thing about this would be filtering the scams and non-paying employers from the legitimate ones. Pinoy Home Worker provides tips, information, and sites to help get you started.
(2) Start an online business - While this may be the most rewarding of jobs, this is also the most grueling. There is no longer an "office" or "company" that handles all the little details of tax, inventory, bookkeeping and expenses - it's all in your hands now. The good news is that there are a lot of resources - both offline and online - to guide you on your path to entrepreneurship. If you're new to online selling, Multiply and Sulit are good places to start. Make the most of seminars and expos to gain more ideas, suppliers, clients, and contacts.
(3) Offer tutorial services - More and more working parents are turning to tutors to help their children cope with the current school system, which, in the recent years, has began the trend of bombarding students with tons of projects, assignments, fast-paced learning and foreign methods (Singapore math, anyone?). If you're already helping your child with his/her studies, you may want to consider adding 1-2 more kids to earn extra money. Who knows? This may be the beginning of your new career as a tutor/teacher.
(4) Bake/Cater - If you're handy in the kitchen, you'll be loved by moms who are not. Sell cakes and brownies (these are very popular as party souvenirs) or make packed lunches or meals for moms who are too busy to cook (or just don't know how!).
(5) Write A Book - Seriously, if you have a great story to tell, write it. Gone are the days when you have to print several copies of your work, send it to a publisher via snail mail (with a SASE, of course) and wait several months for a rejection letter. There are a lot of online publications that pay well - and deal with you electronically. Duotrope's Digest is a good source for such publishers. The downside to this profession is that it make take years before you get your big break - unless your name is JK Rowling or Stephenie Meyer.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Jobs For Moms: Shady Interview
About a month ago, I decided to apply for a work from home job that just required good computer and typing skills. The company was not well-known, but as work from home jobs were scarce (and still are!), I decided to give it a go. I submitted my resume and eventually got called in for an interview.
Since I had applied for the job online and was not familiar with my prospective employer, my mother cautioned me to bring some company during the actual interview. I actually thought it unnecessary, but humored her anyway and had my husband tag along.
On the day of the interview we followed the directions sent via email. I was a bit disconcerted to find that the address was different from the one posted on the company website. My husband and I found ourselves in a rundown building at the edge of the business district. The guard had us sign in and told us to proceed up the stairs. We walked through a deserted hallway, passing units that were either locked or empty.
When we got to the interview site, we found ourselves in a room filled with stacks of computers and ledgers. The only other people in the room were two other interviewees (both female) and the company owner, who was conducting the interviews. The owner claimed that the room was usually filled with employees and remarked that it was odd that he was the only one in that day. While nothing untoward happened, I was grateful for my mother's advice and my husband's presence.
Learning Points:
(1) Better to be safe than sorry. If you're not familiar with the company and are called in for an interview, it would be best to have someone come along (even if only to drop you off after surveying the interview site).
(2) Sometimes, though we hate to admit it, mothers do know best. :)
Since I had applied for the job online and was not familiar with my prospective employer, my mother cautioned me to bring some company during the actual interview. I actually thought it unnecessary, but humored her anyway and had my husband tag along.
On the day of the interview we followed the directions sent via email. I was a bit disconcerted to find that the address was different from the one posted on the company website. My husband and I found ourselves in a rundown building at the edge of the business district. The guard had us sign in and told us to proceed up the stairs. We walked through a deserted hallway, passing units that were either locked or empty.
When we got to the interview site, we found ourselves in a room filled with stacks of computers and ledgers. The only other people in the room were two other interviewees (both female) and the company owner, who was conducting the interviews. The owner claimed that the room was usually filled with employees and remarked that it was odd that he was the only one in that day. While nothing untoward happened, I was grateful for my mother's advice and my husband's presence.
Learning Points:
(1) Better to be safe than sorry. If you're not familiar with the company and are called in for an interview, it would be best to have someone come along (even if only to drop you off after surveying the interview site).
(2) Sometimes, though we hate to admit it, mothers do know best. :)
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