It has been ten years since I first started my career as an online freelance worker. I can still remember channel surfing and seeing that young lady being interviewed about her job as a home-based freelancer. Ever since I watch that show on what was formerly known as QTV, my life has changed. While there were instances when I worked in a “real” company, much of my ten years were spent working as an online freelance worker.
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| Basic Freelancing Equipment |
While there are numerous advantages when you work online, the biggest advantage is that you own your own time. Well, that is, if you have a job that does not require you to be online at certain times of the day. As a content creator, I basically own my time. I work at my own pace as long as I meet the deadlines set by my clients. While I do know some freelancers who work based on the US time zone, they still earn more than some BPO workers. And they work in the comfort of their homes. No need to worry about traffic or being late because of flooding in the streets. Heck, each time a storm comes, I see a lot of posts from fellow OFWs thanking their home-based jobs since they do not need to wade through the knee-deep, and sometimes waist-deep, waters just to reach the office. Even as working as an OFW has a lot of pluses, if you are planning to start a career as an OFW it is necessary for you to have a number of things ready so you will be properly equipped for any task your client may ask you to do. I came up with a list of basic things you need to have at home before you start working online.
Laptop/PC
This is the most important thing you need to have. Since these are “ONLINE” jobs, you need to have a laptop or PC so you can connect to the internet. There were actually some freelancers who started off working in an internet café since they did not have funds to buy a PC yet. But, after they were able to save up, one of the first things they bought was a PC.
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| A laptop or PC is the most basic equipment a freelancer needs. |
While many online jobs only require a basic PC or laptop, it is better if you get one with as many features your budget can handle. I used to have a PC, but have focused on using a laptop since it gives me the freedom to work just about anywhere with an internet connection. A number of online jobs may require you to have a laptop with an i5 processor and 4GB RAM. But, if you can find one with better specs that fits your budget, go for it.
Stable Internet connection
A wired internet connection works best for an online freelance career. You can find a good provider that can consistently give you a stable internet connection. Your location actually determines which provider you should choose. Years ago Cebu freelancers were only limited to the two major providers. But this has changed and will continue to change with the entry of third-party providers that have started to offer their services in places far from the capital. These days, we can choose from Globe, PLDT, and Sky Cable. Soon, Converge ICT will be entering the Cebuano market.
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| A stable internet connection is necessary for online freelance workers to find projects. |
In addition to a wired internet connection, you should also get a back-up internet connection. Once again, your location will dictate which provider you should get. At my location, I got a Globe Tattoo since one of the main towers of the company is around two to three kilometers from where I live. I used to have a Smart Mobile Wi-Fi, but the signal was not what I expected. So, you should check your area on which provider has a better signal. A backup internet connection is essential in case something happens to your main provider. It would be ideal if your budget can handle two wired connections from different providers. But, if you can only afford a pocket Wi-Fi, check your area first before getting one.
Power Protection / UPS
While our power supply has improved ever since a couple of decades ago, it is still essential for you to get power protection for your devices. An uninterruptible power supply is ideal since it gives you a couple of minutes of power in case a blackout or brownout happens. It also gives you the chance to save important documents or your work, especially if you are using a PC. For laptop users like me, a UPS is still good to have at home. We never know when someone from the power company wants to play a joke on their customers or something.
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| A UPS is advisable in case of power outages in the area. |
But, kidding aside, a UPS is something you should consider when you are thinking about getting equipment for your online career. You can also opt to find a place where you can work while the power is out. Here at the Queen City of the South, there are several options where I can work in case the power is out. I can go to the nearest coffee shop or one of the many co-working spaces in the city. Several of them are open past midnight while some are open 24/7.
Worktable
Another item you may need to get for your career as an online freelance worker is a durable work table. While I normally work in a coffee shop, I used to have a work table where I placed my PC and printer. A work table allows you to have a semblance of being a professional since you have an actual space where you can work. It also allows you to go on “work mode” while at home.
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| A simple worktable will not cost that much for a new online freelance worker. |
You can start off with a small work table that you can find at a department store that costs a little over PHP1,000. But, if you saved up, you can consider other worktables available in the market. These worktables can be bought online.
Headset with microphone
Since I am a content creator, I actually do not need a headset with a microphone. But, there is a growing demand for virtual assistants in the online marketplace. These virtual assistants normally have to talk with their clients and, at times, call up the customers of their clients. There are also a number of online sales jobs that will require you to cold-call people on the list given by the client. Due to this, a good headset with a noise-canceling feature and a microphone is ideal for these types of jobs.
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| A reliable headset with microphone is needed for some VA jobs. |
If you are planning to start a career as an online freelance worker, it is important for you to have everything ready to make sure you can fulfill all the tasks of your clients. Do not fret if your budget is not enough to buy everything listed above, you can get a good secondhand PC or laptop and a pocket Wi-Fi so you can start looking for your first client as an online freelance worker.
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| Online freelance worker's equipment |
Would you have any other items you want to include on the list? Hit me up through the comments section below.
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