Monday, November 21, 2016

Coffee Shop Reviews: Workplace Cafe

For the past few months I’ve been toying with the idea of setting up a coffee shop designed with online freelance workers in mind. A coffee shop offering everything an online freelance worker would need: fast internet, power outlets and a good place to work in. I even started creating a concept paper for the said coffee shop, but someone beat me to it.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

A coffee shop opened recently along Ramos Street with the online freelance worker in mind. While the place may require some minor improvements (understandable since it’s less than a month old and the first of its kind in the city), it does offer online freelance workers another option if they want to dress up and work outside the comforts of their homes.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

The Workplace Café had its grand opening on November 19, 2016 and I was there to check out the place. The place had all the amenities typically offered by a coffee shop . . . and more.  You see, the Workplace Café offers hourly rates for online freelance workers who may want to work there. Their hourly rates are at PHP 60, which already includes an unlimited supply of freshly-brewed coffee or iced tea. But, if you are thinking of staying at the place the whole day, you have the option to pay for the whole day, which is at PHP 390. They also offer weekly rates at PHP 1,700 and a monthly rate of PHP 4,700. The Workplace Café also has a Meeting Room that can fit six persons and is offered at PHP 750 per hour while their conference room, which can fit eight persons, has a rate of PHP 960 per hour. For anyone who wants to rent a locker, it is available at a monthly rate of PHP 450. The rates are not bad considering you get internet access, power up your laptop and comfortably sit in any of their tables in the second floor. The bottomless coffee and iced tea is an added bonus that is not normally offered in other co-working zones in the city.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

The internet connection is quite fast and they do offer two connections for online freelance workers to use. But, during my stay there everyone probably had the same idea and used the backup connection rather than the main connection. While there were instances when the connection would slow down, overall their internet connection is comparable to the other co-working zones I’ve tried in the city. The fact that they offer two access points is a big plus for them. Most co-working zones only offer one access point for the internet needs of online freelance workers.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

When it comes to charging your devices, the Workplace Café has a number of strategically positioned power outlets all over the place. So, you do not have to worry about your laptop suddenly shutting down due to lack of power. One thing though, you would have to bring an adapter since the outlets do not have provisions for the third prong on the power cable of the laptop. But, this is something you can easily deal with. You can simply buy an adapter at the Robinson’s Place along Fuente Osmeña, which is a short walk away from the Workplace Café.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

The location is also quite convenient. For online freelancers living in the south, you can simply ride a jeepney going to USC-Main and walk towards Ramos Street. The Workplace Café is located in front of Metrobank and right beside UCPB. For freelancers coming from the north, you can get on a jeepney going to Ayala Center Cebu and transfer to another jeepney going to Ramos Street or the one marked 14D. Just get off at Metrobank and cross the street.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

I am not sure if the Workplace Café offers food since I was not able to check the menu board while I was there. It was my first time there and they just had their grand opening. But, the place does not have a corkage fee for food bought outside, which is typical of all co-working zones in the city. So, the place was indeed setup with the online freelance worker in mind.  The coffee was nice since it is made from the “finest arabica beans from the Hineleban Coffee of Bukidnon." But, it appeared I had too much of it since I had a difficult time sleeping when I went home. If you aim to work there and want to get the bottomless coffee, it is better to start working in the morning so that you won’t have the same problem I had since I started working in the afternoon. (I should have taken their bottomless iced tea rather than the bottomless coffee.)  The prices of their drinks are between PHP 40 for their softdrinks and PHP 105 for their Cafe D' Workplace and Workplace Signature Chocolate.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

I appreciated the fact that their baristas would go up from time to time to check on me. I hope that this would continue in the future. The Workplace Café also has a barista assigned to provide the coffee refill of online freelance workers working in the second floor.

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

The ground floor area has the usual coffee shop setup with tables and chairs as well as the counter. The second floor is, for me, the best place to stay if you want to work with little distractions. I stayed at the table right in front of the window facing Ramos Street. I initially thought that the afternoon sun may be a problem as it sets, but I hardly noticed it setting while I was working. When I was about to leave, I got to talk to one of the owners (I guess he was one of the owners) and gave him feedback of my experience.  

Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

Since the place is probably the first of its kind in Cebu, it has to go through the growing pains of any business. But, overall I liked the concept of the Workplace Café, which is something I have toyed with for the past few months. It will definitely be the first place I would go to whenever I have to finish up a project or two for some of my clients.


Image Credits: Workplace Café Facebook Page

The Workplace Café is located along Ramos Street and is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM from Monday to Saturday. Have you checked out the Workplace Café already? Tell me about your experience on the comments section below.


Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience. If you have any comments, suggestions and not-so-violent reactions, please sit down and gather your thoughts before writing them down and editing them on the comment box below. Rocks, rocks in the heavens, whoever gets angry will have Mr. Murphy to deal with.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

How Online Freelance Workers Can Get An ITR

One of the biggest questions online freelance workers have long wanted to ask but are afraid to do so is, “How do I pay taxes?”

Chances are, a good number of online freelance workers today want to pay taxes but have no idea how to do it. They are aware of what taxes are supposed to do.
Bureau of Internal Revenue – image source: philstar.com
Bureau of Internal Revenue – image source: philstar.com
You see, taxes are mainly used to allow the government to run. It is used to build roads and bridges. It is used in paying the salaries of public servants. It is used for basic services that some online freelance workers may even take advantage of. In a nutshell, taxes are supposed to be used to make our lives better.

These online freelance workers are also aware of the benefits of getting an Income Tax Return (ITR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The ITR is quite useful in getting a loan, be it a car loan, housing loan or any other type of loan.

In order to pay taxes and get an ITR, it will be necessary for you to register as a self-employed individual at the BIR. The requirements for a registering as a self-employed individual are as follows:

  • NSO Birth Certificate
  • Community tax certificate (cedula)
  • Barangay captain certification to verify your address
  • Mayor's Permit, if applicable
  • DTI Certificate of Business Name, if applicable
  • BIR Form 1905 (for those who already have a TIN and used to work in an office, to change your Regional District Office)
  • BIR Form 1901 (registration form page 1 and page2)
  • BIR payment form (Form 0605)

Form 1901
BIR Form 1901
1.     The first form you have to fill up is the BIR Form 1901.
·    Since online freelance workers derived their income exclusively from online work, the taxes they have to declare are income taxes and Other Percentage Taxes Under the National Internal Revenue Code (freelancers should put in “Self-Employed” in this portion of the form.)
·   Under the Registration of Books of Accounts portion, freelancers should put in “Cash Receipt Book” and Cash Disbursement Book.”
o This is necessary since they have to issue receipts for transactions over P25 and maintain a disbursement book for expenses in the business.

2.   The next step is to fill out BIR Form 0605 to be able to pay for the Certificate of Registration (COR) or BIR Form No. 2303.
·         The annual registration fee is P500

3.   Submit BIR Form 1901 and Form 0605 at the local BIR office and attend a seminar to get the COR.
BIR Form 0605
BIR Form 0605

4.     Fill up BIR Form 1906 or the Authority to Print form for your application for Invoices/ Receipts.
5.     Register your books of account and have them stamped at the BIR RDO.

Once you have gone through the entire procedure, it will be necessary for you to keep in mind the following the step, you will have to think about the following taxes to pay and the forms to fill out:

·         Monthly Percentage Tax or 3 percent of the gross income
o Form 0605 and Form 2551M
o Tax is due every 20th day of the month

·         Quarterly Income Tax (based on net income)
o Form 0605 and Form 1701Q
o Tax is due on April 15, August 15 and November 15

·         Yearly and Final Quarter Payment of Income Tax
o Form 0605 and Form 1701
o Tax is due on April 15 of the next year

·         Annual Registration Fee for renewal of the Certificate of Registration
o Forms: 0605
o Registration fee is due on or before January 30 of each year


Since it may take some time before you can get used to the system, it may be good for you to ask for some help from a friend who is an accountant, or better, you can have an accountant work on your books for you. 

Sunday, February 7, 2016

6 Tips In Nailing That Skype Interview

When online freelance workers apply for jobs, they go through a process similar to that of a regular job application. Aside from submitting your proposal or application letter, there are instances when a client would want to interview you through Skype.

Skype Interview– image source: Skype.com
Skype Interview– image source: Skype.com
A Skype interview is similar to an office interview, but it does not require the interviewer and interviewee to be in the same place at the same time. What are the things you can do to nail that Skype interview and get the job you want?

#1 Prepare the Computer

Before you agree to a Skype interview, it is necessary for you to ensure your computer is ready for the interview. You should make sure all the necessary software and applications are installed on your computer. While laptops already have an integrated webcam, it may be advisable to use an external camera since these cameras normally have a better microphone and optics, as indicated on lifehacker.com. Make sure the lens of the webcam to be at your eye-level to ensure the frame shows a triangle of your shoulders and face. To reduce, if not eliminate, interruptions during the interview, it is advisable to use an Ethernet cable rather than rely on a Wi-Fi connection. If possible, have prepare a backup, both internet and power, in case the power goes out.
UPS and Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot – image source: lazada.com
UPS and Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot – image source: lazada.com
#2 Prepare Yourself

After making sure your computer is ready for the interview, it will be necessary to ensure you prepare yourself. Since it is a video interview, it is advisable for you to look presentable to your potential client. Forbes.com points out that “it’s best to dress from head to toe.” There may be instances during the interview when you need to stand and adjust your equipment, which means the interviewer will see that you paired a business suit with your favorite sweatpants. This may not give the interviewer a good impression about you.

Skype Interview Attire– image source: biz.uiowa.edu
Skype Interview Attire– image source: biz.uiowa.edu
#3 Prepare your Surroundings

Aside from making sure you look good in front of the camera, it is also important for the interview to be conducted in a business-like environment, or at least it should have a business-like setting.  Make sure the room has suitable lighting. A quiet, well-lighted room with a door with a neutral background is ideal. You should also tell everyone in the house that you will have an interview since you wouldn’t want someone calling out your name or stereo music blasting in the background. You should also set you phone on silent mode.

#4 Check your Body Language

Body language – image source: en.wikipedia.org
Body language – image source: en.wikipedia.org


The Daily Muse says it is also important for you to take your body language into account. Remain animated while not moving around too much. Whenever you talk, it is advisable to lean towards the webcam. The author of “The Essential Digital Interview Handbook,” Paul Bailo, says give a ‘digital handshake’ or make a "slow, confident, professional, firm nod" to the interviewer without showing the top of your head. This simple gesture will give the interviewer an impression that you are prepared for the interview. It is also important to be mentally present all the time.  Call to Career coaching center coach Cheryl Palmer suggests using interjecting listening sounds, like “yes” or “hmm,” during the interview.

#5 Maintain Eye Contact

When you maintain eye contact with the interviewer, it can create rapport and shows your confidence and positive attitude towards the job. But, it is important to make sure you look at your camera and not at the screen. In addition to maintaining eye contact, you should not forget to smile. Palmer adds smiling breaks the ice and develops rapport with the interviewer. Since it is not easy to smile when you sit alone in a room, you may want to loosen yourself before the Skype interview, according to Forbes.

Eye contact – image source: themuse.com
Eye contact – image source: themuse.com
#6 Take Advantage of the Technology

Since a Skype interview does not require the interviewer and interviewee to be in the same place at the same time, you can take advantage of this situation. You can make some notes about the job and the company on the screen of your computer in case you forget some details. One thing though, don’t overdo it.

Post Notes– image source: plus.google.com
Post Notes– image source: plus.google.com



Preparing for a Skype interview is as difficult as preparing for a regular interview since you have to give the interviewer a good first impression. But, when you take these tips into consideration, you will have a better chance of acing the interview and get the job.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

4 Tips To Keep In Mind During An Email Interview

The process in applying for a job as an online freelance worker is similar to the process in applying for a regular office-based job. You still have to send in your application and go through an interview process. At this point, there is a considerable difference in the interview process between a regular job application and an online job application.

In a regular job, an applicant will have a face-to-face interview with a human resource staff of a company. On the other hand, online job applications may go through either a Skype interview or an email interview.

4 Tips To Keep In Mind During An Email Interview
4 Tips To Keep In Mind During An Email Interview
For this post, we will focus on how you can increase your chances of success in an email interview with a potential client. There are instances when clients use their email interactions as the basis for hiring an online freelance worker. Due to this, it is important to take into account four things to increase your chances of acing an email interview.

Carefully Read the Job Description

Before I send in my application for an online job, I would always read the job description properly. I make sure I have an idea on what the job requires me to do and, if possible, have all the skills necessary to do the job.

While Virgin Group founder Richard Branson said to simply grab the opportunity and learn how to do it later, which may not be applicable to everybody. There are some people who learn quickly, and if you are one of these talented individuals, go ahead send in as many applications you can to all available online jobs. However, many people, including myself, may need to be more realistic and apply for jobs we can handle. Awareness of the requirements for the job will allow us to answer the questions the client may have about our competence when it comes to working for him or her.

4 Tips To Keep In Mind During An Email Interview
Read The Job Description Properly
It is also advisable to ensure that we review the job description once our potential client answers our initial application. This will allow us to reacquaint ourselves with the requirements of the job.

Go Straight to the Point

The second thing we need to keep in mind when we answer questions is to go straight to the point. There are some instances when the person reading the email is not the client himself or herself. These may be the hiring managers of the client, and they typically receive tons of email for every job their employer posts on online job sites.

4 Tips To Keep In Mind During An Email Interview
Go Straight To The Point - image source: keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk
One good tip provided by Life Hacker is to apply a “ten-minute review” rule. In this rule, after you write your reply, save in the Drafts folder and take a walk or do some small chores for ten minutes. After ten minutes, go back and review your reply and make any changes you feel it would need. The reason for the ten minute break is it is enough for you to “snap out” of what you initially thought when you wrote your reply. It also does not take too much of the time that the person interviewing you will not think you are not prompt when you reply.

Check Your Spelling and Grammar

The third thing that I always do when I answer email interviews is to check my spelling and grammar. I actually had the mistake when I started working as an online freelance worker of not checking for any spelling or grammar mistakes on my reply. I only spotted the mistake after reviewing my reply after the potential client did not answer back.

4 Tips To Keep In Mind During An Email Interview
Check Your Spelling & Grammar
Always keep in mind that many clients are strict when it comes to spelling and grammar. This is especially true for writing jobs, admin jobs and even virtual assistance jobs. Due to this, it is very important to check your grammar and spelling before sending in your reply.

Send the Email during the Office Hours of the Recipient

Email interviews are usually conducted by people who may live in a different time zone. Due to this, it is advisable to send your reply during the office hours of your potential client. Since you cannot go to the office of the client in email interviews, it would be a good gesture to the clients when you reply during their office hours. Life Hacker indicates that this simply shows that you respect the busy schedule of the client.

4 Tips To Keep In Mind During An Email Interview
Check The Client's Schedule - image source: morguefile.com 
These are just some tips that you can help in answering the questions of a potential client through email.  Keeping these tips in mind will increase your chances of landing the job and start your career as an online freelance worker.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Hourly Jobs Or Fixed Price Jobs . . . That Is The Question

As an online freelance worker, one of the things I want to make sure is I get paid for my work. Online job sites normally offer two types of jobs for freelancers, hourly jobs and fixed price jobs. Hourly jobs are jobs where freelancers are paid by the hour while fixed price jobs are jobs where freelancers are paid based on a fixed amount.

Hourly Jobs Or Fixed Price Jobs . . . That Is The Question
Hourly Jobs Or Fixed Price Jobs

Hourly Jobs

Hourly jobs are similar to your normal everyday office-based jobs where people are paid based on the number of hours they work. Clients normally give freelancers a set number of hours for them to work each week. In addition, freelancers are also given a set of tasks to accomplish for every hour of work. A time tracker is used to monitor the number of hours the freelancers work each week. The time tracker also takes random snap shots of the screen while the freelancer is working. This is actually for the protection of both the client and the freelancer.

Upwork Time Tracker
Upwork Time Tracker

Advantages

Hourly jobs are typically guaranteed jobs or the account of the client is automatically charged each time the freelancer starts the tracker. Due to this, online freelance workers will not have to worry about not getting paid. Another advantage is that freelancers are taught discipline since they are required to accomplish a certain tasks within a specific period of time. In order to do this, it is necessary for freelancers to concentrate on their work and avoid getting distracted.

Disadvantages

The first disadvantage of an hourly job is actually the same as one of the advantages depending on how you look at it. Hourly jobs require freelancers to complete a certain amount of work every hour. For article writers, it may be a certain number of words to write within one hour or for researchers, a specific amount of data to be collected for each hour of work. In this situation, freelancers may feel pressure while working, which can affect the quality of their work. They may also have to forego short breaks, especially if the client is strict. Since the time tracker takes random snap shots of the screen while the freelancer is working, checking social media accounts is a big no-no for freelancers working on an hourly job. You wouldn’t want your client to see you wasting your time checking out the latest pictures posted by the person you are stalking . . . er, following. Hourly jobs may last from a few hours up to a year. There are some jobs that can last a very long time of the client is satisfied and continues to require the services of the freelancer.

Hourly Jobs Or Fixed Price Jobs . . . That Is The Question
Hourly Jobs Or Fixed Price Jobs

Fixed Price Jobs

Fixed price jobs require freelancers to meet a set deadline to turn in their work. Once they submit their work and their client is satisfied, the payment is released. The funds for the payment of these jobs are normally placed in an escrow account, which means funds are available once the project is complete. While the release of the funds is still subject to the approval of the client, if the client does not approve or disapprove the release of the funds, it will be automatically released by the system after a specific period of time. But, it will still be necessary for freelancers to make a request for the release of the funds.

Advantages

Fixed price jobs give freelancers the freedom to work at their own pace. While a deadline is set for the project to be completed, freelancers can opt to work on it all in one go or take it easy and gradually complete the project. Since fixed price jobs do not require online freelance workers to use the time tracker, they will not have the feeling of Big Brother looking over their shoulder while they work.

Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of a fixed price job is that freelancers may risk the chance of not getting paid for their work. I’ve heard of stories from freelancers who said they worked on a project for a whole day and ended up not getting paid by their client. I have never encountered this since I take into account a number of things before I accept or apply for fixed price jobs (this will be discussed later on). One way of avoiding this situation is by checking whether the client already deposited the amount into an escrow account in the system. Freelancers may also have the tendency to procrastinate when working on fixed price jobs. This is especially true when the deadline for the project is still at least a week away. When I started working as freelancer, I normally found myself trying to beat the deadline. While my clients were more than satisfied with my work, it would have been better if I was able to finish my work well before the deadline. You can deal with this through simple self-discipline. It is important for you, as a freelancer, to set up a schedule for working and stick to it. 

While my first online job was an hourly job, most of the jobs I accept or apply for are fixed price jobs. Fixed price jobs allow me to work at my own pace. I also do not have to worry about the client seeing me checking something else while working. When I apply for fixed price jobs, I typically make sure the client is good on his or her word that the job will be paid. The following are the things I normally take into account when I apply for fixed price jobs:
  • Feedback of other online freelance workers
  • Feedback given by the client to online freelance workers
  • The account of the client is verified
Feedback from other Freelancers
Feedback from other Freelancers
In my opinion, the feedback of other freelancers is important since it gives me an idea on the type of client I will be working for. Aside from the feedback from other freelancers, I also look at the feedback of the client on the work of the freelancers. While freelancers may have a lot of good things to say about their clients, there are also some instances when clients would not feel the same way for the freelancer. When this happens, the client may give an unfavorable feedback, which can affect the status of the freelancer on the online job site. This actually happened to me once. When I was still working with my client, our communication was great and my client even commended my work. However, he gave me a 4/5 rating for the job. I typically accept or apply for jobs posted by clients who give a positive feedback to freelancers, that is, if they did a good job.  Another thing I check is whether the account of the client is verified or not. I normally steer clear of clients who do not have a verified account since there may be instances when they do not have the funds available to pay for the project. In my seven years as an online freelance worker, all of my clients have paid me for the work I did for them.

Feedback from the client
Feedback from the Client
Actually choosing between an hourly job and a fixed price job depends on the online freelance workers themselves. Some freelancers are more comfortable working on hourly jobs while others, me included, prefer working on fixed price jobs. In the end, you have the freedom of choosing which type of job is comfortable to you.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency

This afternoon, I attended a general assembly of a well-known developer in the country. During the assembly, one of the speakers quoted an oft-ignored adage “you reap what you sow” or something to that effect. This proverb is quite applicable to everyone since whatever we do today will have a significant effect on what will happen to us in the future. This is particularly true among online freelance workers since our work is mainly determined by the level of satisfaction we provide our clients through our work. In order to keep them happy, it is important for us to use our time at work wisely to ensure our efficiency during the day.

Being efficient is not about working harder rather it is mainly about being smart while working and getting more things done during the day. While this may not be easy, it can be done if we get rid of some bad habits we may have formed after we started working as online freelance workers.

I listed 10 habits, in no particular order, that we do without to ensure efficiency while at work.

1.    Constantly checking our email while working

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image credit: Peter Parcon
Since we have continuous internet access while working, we have the tendency to check our email at every chance we get. This is one bad habit that can cost us a good amount of time, which could have been used for working. This gets worse if we have multiple email addresses, which can result to at least an hour of wasted time each day.

One way to deal with this is by making a schedule on when we should check our email. A suggestion from Ron Friedman, a strategy consultant, indicates that we should quit MS Outlook, close our email tabs and turn off our phones for a 30-minute period. For me, since I already have an idea when my clients would send me an email, I typically open it at around that time. This would actually depend on you when you would check your email, but it would be best to schedule it properly.

2.    Spontaneously browsing the net

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image credit: Peter Parcon
Aside from checking our email, continuous internet access may also tempt us to search Google for answers to questions that spontaneously came to mind. These questions may not be related to the project we are currently working on and may cause us to stray from the job at hand.

One way to deal with this is by having a pen and paper beside us while we work. We can write down these questions on the paper and search for the answers later on when we complete our project.

3.    Constantly checking our personal social media accounts

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image credit: Peter Parcon
This is one bad habit that costs online freelance workers a good amount of time that could have been used for working. Checking Facebook, tweeting or posting a picture on Instagram can have a considerable effect on our efficiency, especially if our work does not require us to do this.

One way to get rid of this bad habit is by simply logging off. Logging off from our personal social media accounts can allow us to concentrate on our work and get more things done. We can also set a schedule when we should check these social media accounts at around the same time we check our email or when we need search for something unrelated to our work on the net.

4.    Multi-tasking

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image credit: Peter Parcon
Multi-tasking may be a good idea for some people to get more things done at once. However, it should be noted that recent studies have indicated that around 98 percent of people are not capable of accomplishing two things simultaneously. This means we are actually wasting time when we multi-task.

With this in mind, it is advisable for us to focus on one task and accomplish it before working on another task. This can enhance our attention span and improve our efficiency while at work.

5.    Sitting all the time

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image credit: Peter Parcon
This is one thing I noticed ever since I worked at a co-working zone. Whenever I sit for at least two hours at a time, my efficiency tends to go down. Due to this, I typically have a short break every two hours and I walk up to the roof deck of the building or go down for a short walk around the building.

6.    Working on less important tasks at the start of the day

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image credit: Peter Parcon
In the past, I normally work on easy tasks at the start of the day, which is quite true for many of us. We also leave work that requires more concentration at a later part of the day. This is one very bad idea since studies have shown that our willpower has the tendency to decrease throughout the day, which means we may end up leaving important tasks unfinished at the end of the day. Due to this, it is best for us to concentrate on the most important tasks at the start of the day and leave the easy ones later on.

7.    Not setting priorities

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
While goal-setting may be considered as one way to achieve success, it may not be a good idea to set too many goals.  When you have too many goals, it will not be easy to accomplish all of them since you will not be able to concentrate on any of them.

A solution was presented by Warren Buffet when he noted that the life goals of his personal pilot were not being accomplished. He asked his pilot to list down 25 things he wanted to accomplish before he passes on. Buffet told his pilot to select 5 things he considered important and simply ignore the other 20 things. This essentially means you should set priorities on the things you want to do.

8.    Failing to make a plan

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image source: www.flickr.com
One of the things I can never forget when I was still a teacher was when former educator and inspirational speaker Harry K. Wong paraphrased a quote of Sir Winston Churchill in one of his videos, “if you do not plan, you are planning to fail.”. When you want to accomplish your short-term, medium-term or long term goals, it is necessary for you to make a strategy in accomplishing them. It can be quite exasperating to try to find a course of action in the middle of a process, which can result to a big amount of wasted time.

Once you have a goal in mind, it will be necessary to create steps that you can follow to accomplish this goal, according to Harvard lecturer Robert Pozen. You can also make necessary adjustments while you are in the middle of your plan to deal with any issues you may encounter.

9.    Making too many plans

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
A number of overly-organized and determined individuals have the tendency to be fussy when they plan out their day to optimize productivity. However, there are some instances when you will encounter issues during the day, such as an unscheduled maintenance of the website you are working on or interruptions on your internet connection. These issues will definitely wreck your plans for the day.

Due to this, it is advisable to plan for half a day to facilitate flexibility while you accomplish your project.

10.    Aiming for perfection

10 Habits To Discard To Enhance Efficiency
Image source: www.flickr.com
British author and philosopher Alain de Botton said concerns of not being able to do the job well are often the cause of procrastination rather than laziness. While it is good to aim for perfection, we should not let this stop us from accomplishing our work since we may end up not doing anything at all.

The best way to deal with procrastination is to simply work to the best of our abilities and not to aim for perfection all the time. It would be best for online freelance workers to aim to meet the requirements of our clients, which is essentially what we need to do for our project. If you have enough time, you can go the extra mile and provide something extra to impress your client. However, if you are pressed for time, it is important to simply meet the needs of your client.

These are 10 habits online freelance workers can get rid of to increase productivity during the day. Discarding these habits while taking into account the 5 things online freelance workers should have may allow you to enhance your career as an online freelance worker.