Work from Home

I happen to finish college at the time of recession. It was tough looking for a job with just a diploma and luck in a corporate world that eliminate workers due to economic constraints. Most of us were like, "If experienced workers are being eliminated in their jobs, how can we even get the chance to start?" After a year of searching and countless resumes sent to various companies, I still had no job. Then, July of 2010, I saw a friend's post in Facebook regarding Online Jobs. At first, I did not believe it. I was thinking how can that be possibly true? Work from my own home? Nah. This might just be a spam. At that time, I have already tried the Pay Per Click sites which I was not able to payout a single site as it didn't seem true as well. Then again, I learned that the online job is for real so I signed up. It was oDesk. I just created my profile and left. Got back to job hunting again in the real world. After a heartbreaking interview, I was desperate. So I thought, the outside world might not be for me why don't I try online? There was nothing to lose. I started taking tests in oDesk to rev up my profile. Filled it up with skills and knowledge like blogging. I applied several times and nothing came until December. I had the first project. Simple data entry. All I had to do was retype a PDF file to a Word document. I was paid $4/hr. That was the start. My very first project that led to my online career life. So, I created this blog to help out other people who would want to start their careers from the comforts of their own home.

Browsing the web, I have found a lot of people asking about work from home as well. Below are some of the frequent questions asked.

Note though that this is for freelance job opportunity. I will not be talking about business online. I am referring to part time to full time online jobs.

Who can work from home?

Anyone with a know-how in computers can begin an online career as a freelancer. It doesn't matter what course you've taken up or nothing at all as long as you know how to operate a computer system which I assume you do if you're reading this article. And, AGE DOES NOT MATTER. 

What are the types of jobs available?

There is a wide range of job opportunities online as there is the real world. Whether it be architecture, accounting, customer service or web design, etc. There must be something out there for you.

What are the requirements? Do I need my own computer or a high speed Internet connection?

A computer system, Internet connection and YOU. 

Okay, for the computer system, it doesn't matter whether you're using a desktop, laptop or netbook. You can use a tablet but it is not as efficient as the previous ones. It's a bit hard to use a table for work even with just data entry. It doesn't matter what specs you have as long as it is working and you have a good OS. I prefer Windows for the operating system since most programs are compatible with it. Linux and Mac, of course, are welcome. 

Internet Connection. This is a bit hard for most users. Some employers require a high speed connection. Some don't care. In my experience, I have used a PLDT DSL line, a Smart Prepaid Broadband amd a Globe Tattoo Postpaidd Wifi. Among the three, of course, PLDT reigns supreme. A Smart Bro Prepaid can get you through work but really slow specially if you're in an area were there is a limited signal. Globe Tattoo is quite good actually. 

Most important is YOU. Working from home has its perks but there also disadvantages. It's all up to YOU. You have to set your mind on it and put your EFFORT in making it work. DEDICATION and HARDWORK is the key. Working from home is comfortable but that is also one main reason to keep you from it. It is tempting to leave your computer every now and then or sleep or do something else and say "I can do that later." But keep in mind that just like in real time, you have clients to please and deadlines to meet. Perks: free food. no transportation costs. no traffic. your time is your own. no chismosang coworkers. working independently. Disadvantage: people at home can distract you. too much comfort. no chismosang coworkers. 

How do I start?

Know what you want, your expertise and time availability. Once you're decided, you can get on the next step. Find the portal. There are several sites that Google will return once you hit search. To date, the best site I have found is oDesk. oDesk (www.odesk.com) provides a wide range of opportunities. You can do data entry, email response, web development, etc. It is easy to use withdrawing your money is easy. I will talk about oDesk on the next article (How to Start with oDesk). 

Other sites you can sign up in and find online work:

- onlinejobs.ph

- Freelancer (www.freelancer.com)

- vWorker (www.vworker.com)