10 Things To Consider Before Deciding To Become An Online Freelance Worker

With the worsening traffic situation in Cebu, many people are seriously considering work at home jobs. Working online does have its advantages over working in an office. But the life of an online freelance worker may not be for everyone. While you get to own your time, you also have to deal with a number of things that you do not normally do when you were still a corporate slave.
Here are 10 things you need to consider before you decide on becoming a full-time online freelance worker

#1 Do you really own your time?

Time is precious – image source: commons.wikimedia.org

Even as many online freelance workers work at their own pace and at their own time, there are some clients who ask their workers to be online at a certain schedule. These clients are normally companies requiring their workers to work with each other. And many of these workers live in different time zones. Due to this, the client would require their workers to be online at night here in the Pearl of the Orient. The closest experience I had with this situation was when a potential client asked me to be online for an interview. It was not much of a problem since I am normally more productive at night so I was able to stay online for the interview. So before you apply for any online job, just make sure you read all the details, especially if the client would require you to go online at a certain time of the day or night.

#2 Will you be productive?

Are you productive? – image source: flickr.com

There are some people who work best when somebody is monitoring them. There are also some people who work best when they are left to their own devices. Which type of person are you? Can you work with minimal supervision? Or do you need someone to hover behind you while you work? Well, this is actually not an issue if you need to be online at a specific time since your client would likely be online as well. 

#3 Can you work alone?

Working Alone? – image credit: Peter Parcon

One thing I miss about working in a company is working with other people. Due to this, I normally work inside a coffee shop. At least in this environment I get to see people. Heck, the baristas in the coffee shop where I work already know what I order and they immediately punch it in the moment I approach the counter. There are also some times when I work at the Workplace Café and the people there already know who I am. How about you? Are you a kind of person who can work without anyone else around you? This is one question you should answer before becoming a full-time online freelance worker since you will essentially be on your own. 

#4 How fast is your internet connection?

Is the internet speed fast enough?  – image credit: Peter Parcon

There are some jobs that require a suitable internet connection. This is normally for hourly jobs where you would have to log into an online app that will record your work. There are also some jobs that do not really require a fast internet connection since you essentially work offline and go back online to submit or post your work. Before applying for an online job, just make sure to read all the details especially when it comes to the internet connection. This is particularly important if you rely on the internet connection of a coffee shop or you are using those pocket Wi-Fi devices. Some clients would even require a wired connection, especially those that require you to work on the website of the company. 

#5 Do you have a separate area in the house where you can work?

Do you have a suitable work area? – image source: biz.uiowa.edu

This is connected to the second question since it may be necessary for you to find a quiet nook in the house where you can work without any distractions. If you will work as a customer service representative for your client, that place should be quiet. It would not look good if you call or receive a call from the customer of your client and the sound of a dog barking is in the background. I got to talk with a college friend and she said online freelance work was not for her since she is always distracted by the household chores she needed to do. It is always better to make sure you have a separate place in the house where you can work. Or you can also try the different co-working zones in the city, including Regus and the Tide.

#6 Are you comfortable with communicating through email? 

Do you like communicating through email? – image source: pixabay.com

Are you a kind of person who likes to have a face-to-face discussion on the task at hand? While some clients prefer communicating through Skype, there are some clients who prefer communicating through email. Are you comfortable with this mode of communication? You see, in this mode of communication you would not get any answer until your client checks his or her email. For me, I prefer communicating through email. How about you?

#7 How much will you earn?

Earn in dollars – image source: pixabay.com

An online freelance worker with all the necessary skills can earn way much more than any other worker. In fact, I know of some people who work online earning twice or three times the salary of other people in the same industry. But this would depend on your skill set. The more skills you have, the higher your pay. One thing I like about online freelance work is that your clients do not base your pay on what school you graduated from or if you graduated at all. They base on the results you give them. They are results-oriented. So, if you have all the necessary skills, you can probably earn much more than what you used to earn when you worked in an office.

#8 What are the benefits?

Will you get medical benefits? – image credit: Peter Parcon

While an online freelance worker earns much more than an ordinary office worker, they have lesser benefits, unless you get a great client who will provide everything. I know of some online freelance workers who received cash to buy a brand new laptop from their clients. There are also some who receive generous bonuses. But this does not happen often. So, you should consider this since you have to get your own HMO and you will likely not get any 13th month pay or bonuses.

#9 How can I pay taxes?

Bureau of Internal Revenue – image source: philstar.com

Online freelance workers have to pay their own taxes. I actually posted a procedure on how you can pay your taxes. While the process is quite tedious, it will work out to your advantage if you pay taxes. An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a very useful document, especially if you are planning to get a credit card or a loan for buying a car or house.

#10 How can I get paid?

PayPal is one of the preferred payment systems of OFWs – image source: commons.wikimedia.org

If you are looking for jobs through Upwork and other online job sites, they have a payment system where you can get paid. All you need to do is to link your bank account with these online platforms. But if you find a client outside of these websites, you can opt to be paid through PayPal or any online payment systems, like Payoneer.  For me, I use PayPal for clients who found me through my blog or LinkedIn profile. For local clients (Philippine-based clients), I usually ask them to send it straight to my bank account.

Starting a career as an online freelance worker is a very big decision for anyone. It is always important to take into account a number of things before you quit your offline job and join the world of online freelance workers.

Oven Toaster Chronicles

As an online freelance worker, I essentially own my time. All I need to do is to meet the deadlines set by my clients. Due to this, I have time to do some . . . umm . . . experiments. These experiments bring out the chef in me or, should I say, frustrated chef.

Since I was limited to using my oven toaster for cooking, I had to be creative. This was before my brother gave me a butane-powered stove. So here are some of the things I was able to cook using my humble oven toaster.

Breakfast anyone?

Yes, my dear. You can cook meat with an oven toaster

My own version of the ubiquitous Pork Adobo

Pescado Picante con Cebollas

Pescado con Ajo y Salsa de Soja

Filete de Cerdo con Maíz

Pollo y huevo empanados

Pollo empanado con salsa de chili dulce

Cheese Sticks

Vegetable Lumpia

Well, that’s all for now. If you are interested on how I was able to cook these using an oven toaster, hit the comment button below.

Cruising Down The River in Aloguinsan

One of the perks of being an online freelance worker is the fact that you own your own time. You essentially pick the time when you work and where you work (just as long as there is a good internet connection). As an OFW, you can have a vacation while you work. One of my jaunts outside the big city brought me to a town somewhere on the western coast of the island of Cebu. The place . . . Aloguinsan.

 Aloguinsan

Aloguinsan is a fourth class municipality located in the western coast of Cebu. It faces Negros Island and was formerly a part of the town of Pinamungajan. The town is home to a number of tourist destinations, including the Balwarte, Hidden Beach, Hermit’s Cove and the Bojo River.

Bojo River

The Bojo River in Aloguinsan is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the town. The river is 1.4 kilometers long and is home to around 70 bird species. The locals have been able to identify twenty-two mangrove species in the river through the help of experts. The word “bojo” actually has two meanings depending on the language being used. The word means “river ceiling” in Spanish and “hole” in the Visayan language.

Bojo Rive Cruise

The Bojo River has been gaining attention due to the river cruise conducted by the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association (BAETA). The river cruise initially started on June 19, 2009 and takes around three hours to finish. The tour starts off with a short lecture about the river and its denizens along with the organization managing it.  

The Bojo River was also named as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in the World for 2016 during the World Tourism Day. The list is an initiative of Green Destination along with Destination Stewardship Center, Travel Mole’s Vision for Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Travel International, Asian Ecotourism Network, and Quality Coast. It was also a recipient of the 2015 UN Tourism INsPIRE Awards in 2015 for being the Best Community-based Tourism Initiative in the Asia-Pacific region.

The association managing the river cruise actually offers two packages to visitors who want to join the cruise. The first package is the walk-in package, which costs PHP 400. It only includes the cruise of the river itself and the chance to swim close to the mouth of the river. The second package is the full package, which costs PHP 650. The full package requires a prior reservation and would require a minimum of five people. It includes the river cruise, opportunity to swim, lunch, welcome lei and a demonstration on handicraft-making.

Since I was only joined by three other friends, we opted for the walk-in package. It was actually a blessing in disguise since we were able to save a good amount. We had lunch at the place that provides the food for the full package. In effect, we only paid a small amount for the food included in the full package. And since we had another place to visit, we would not have stayed long enough to watch how handicraft was made by the locals.

Tips to consider:

• ·         One very important thing to consider is that you need to pass by The Farmhouse before you can go on the river cruise. All payments, be it for the walk-in or the full package, are made at The Farmhouse. If you go straight to the river cruise without passing by The Farmhouse, you would end up backtracking since they will not allow you to go on the cruise unless you present the official receipt from The Farmhouse.

• ·         Getting the walk-in package may be a better deal for penny-pinchers. You can take your lunch at the Aloguinsan Public Market. One of the stalls there supplies the food for the full package of the cruise.

• ·         If you are not bringing your own vehicle, be aware that there is a specific amount you need to pay when you hire a motorcycle to the place. This prevents any unscrupulous individuals who may take advantage of visitors who may not know the fare.
• ·         Bring suitable clothes for swimming. There is an area close to the mouth of the river where you can take a dip.

The Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan is gradually becoming one of the major tourist destinations in the island of Cebu. With the increasing focus on green tourism, the river cruise is definitely the next big thing in the tourism landscape in this part of the archipelago.

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.

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

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)

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

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. 

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

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

#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

#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

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

#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

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.