The Evolution of the Filipino Workforce

A typical day in the office.

What is NOW?

When we were young, most parents would instill the Study-well-to-get-a-better-job principle. And true to their words, here we are, working in the corporate world from Monday to Friday, for more than 40 hours a week. We work, we go home…. and repeat until we don’t even know what day of the week it is. But alas, they never did said to earn more and live your life to the fullest while doing your passion.

Why is the “NOW” becomes the problem.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we have several human needs that needs to be satisfied. Yes, we have a job – Basic Needs—check!

But, how about the Psychological and Self-fulfillment needs? Oh boy, this wouldn’t come in very handy like an instant noodles, we have to invest time and effort on these. And where is father time if our work eats up most of it. We’re stuck!

The result, ladies and gentlemen ….an unbalanced family, social and spiritual life. And the next big question is, “How can I achieved a balanced life”?

How is the “NOW” becomes an opportunity.

The traditional job is now evolving to virtual jobs. Thus, the birth of Freelancing some 10 years ago but is only making rounds the past five years.

Many traditional workers have shifted to working remotely as Virtual Assistant, Social Media Manager, Web Designer and other tasks that is done in the office but can now be done at the comfort and convenience of our home. In terms of pay? It can be higher and it can be more. With the accessible technology that is on the tip of our fingers, learning the trade is easy as 1-2-3 if the passion to learn is there. All the information are always available just waiting to be explored.

You’ll be surprised on how many online platforms are available, Upwork and OnlineJobs.Ph being on top of the list. It is very surprising that the influx of freelancing job offers were overflowing.

How is the “NOW” becomes a “WON”.

Freelancing, Remote Job, Online Job, Virtual Assistance or whatever we may call it simply promote a culture of working smart.

According to legalzoom.com, as a freelancer we can enjoy the following perks:

1. We can work when we want. We can chose to work when we feel that we are in our best and most productive time.

2. We work wherever we want. We have the option to not only work from home but also out and about everywhere with stable internet connection.

3. We are our own boss. We are in-charge with the tasks that we accept, we build the career that we want and we have the freedom to control over the work we take on, and for whom we work.

4. More income potential. We charge what our work is worth. We are not capped by hourly or salaried rate.

5. No tax deductions… yet. As the BIR charges a hefty amount for our income tax. The tax we previously pay becomes a savings now.

6. Foster a better work-life balance. With proper time management, our hierarchy of needs can be fulfilled giving us a more meaningful lives.

Disclaimer. Being a freelancer is not a bed of roses, it also has its drawbacks, and stress also comes in. But as we are nurturing a work life balance and living a more meaningful life, comes a mature and sensible person that we are. Ready to battle and withstand any obstacle that life may throw at us – offline or online.

Act NOW”.

Working at home. All relax and comfy.

This article is just a brief overview of a freelancer’s unfinished journey. Remember that should you wish to take the path that we freelancers chose, help is always just around the corner. Set a goal, reflect on yourself, invest in your skills, and believe that you have what it takes to make your life a meaningful and useful one.