In a rapidly changing business landscape, many Filipinos are freelancing to give their families a better life and accelerate their careers. But on top of personal and financial growth, freelancing makes people feel more stimulated and happier than getting traditional jobs.
With hundreds of work-from-home job opportunities, Filipinos can quit their full-time jobs and make money in freelancing. If you’re planning to do the same, we’ll help you determine if this is for you and identify what freelance jobs best suit your skills and experiences.
What is freelancing?
Freelancing is a modern work arrangement where individuals offer their skills and services as independent contractors rather than employees of a traditional company. This dynamic and rapidly growing sector allows professionals to take control of their careers, choose their projects based on their expertise, and set their own schedules.
With the rising gig economy, freelancers can achieve a better work-life balance, increase their earning potential, and access a broader range of clients and opportunities.
In the Philippines, more than 1.5 million are already offering their freelance services overseas. Workers want to work remotely and enjoy their freedom to work at their own pace. According to the World Economic Forum (WEForum), global businesses have increasingly depended on ‘on-demand workers’ to bring critical skills into their organization while being flexible with contracts, especially during the pandemic when the economy is still uncertain.
By the end of 2023, according to Mastercard, the gig economy is expected to reach $455 billion in global activity. But while freelancing has become an attractive option for those seeking flexible hours and freedom to choose where to work, there are cons to it too.
Pros and Cons of Freelancing
Knowing how to be a freelancer brings many benefits, but there are disadvantages too.
Pros of freelancing:
1. Allows for more flexible hours, weekends off, and remote work options.
Freelancers are not tied to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule and can work when and where they choose. This flexibility allows them to better balance work with other commitments, such as family or personal pursuits, or decide when they are most productive.
2. Provides a platform to develop diverse skill sets.
By working on various projects for different clients, freelancers are exposed to multiple experiences and challenges that can help them grow professionally and personally. This diversity in skills and experience can help them become more versatile and well-rounded, making them more valuable in the job market.
Aside from that, working on various projects can help freelancers stay motivated and engaged, as they are not confined to a single job or set of responsibilities. By continuously developing and expanding your skill sets, you can stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing job market and increase your earning potential over time.
3. Offers potential for increased earnings.
Working on multiple projects simultaneously allows you to earn more money as a freelancer. The amount you can earn is largely dependent on the number of projects you take on, the complexity of the work, and your level of expertise.
When you seek out new and challenging projects, you can increase your earning potential over time and enjoy greater financial stability and independence. This, in turn, gives you the freedom to make choices about your career and life that you may not have had as a traditional employee.
4. Offers autonomy and control over one’s career.
As a freelancer, you are responsible for growing your career, from finding new clients and projects to setting your rates to determining the type of work you want to do. This level of control and independence allows you to shape your career in ways that align with your personal goals, experience, and expertise.
5. Enables individuals to pursue projects that align with their personal values and interests.
Pursuing projects that align with your values also allows you to make a positive and lasting impact in the world and contribute to causes that you believe in. By choosing projects that align with your values and interests, you are not only creating a more meaningful work experience for yourself, but you are also able to bring your unique perspective and passion to the projects you work on, which can lead to better outcomes and greater success.
When you pursue projects that align with your personal values and interests, you are creating a career that is profitable, purposeful, and fulfilling.
Cons of freelancing:
1. Lacks a stable source of income and job security.
Unlike traditional employees who receive a steady paycheck, freelancers are paid on a project-by-project basis and are responsible for finding new clients and projects to keep their income flowing. This may lead to periods of uncertainty and instability, as there may be times when you do not have a steady stream of work or a guaranteed source of income.
2. Requires continuous effort to secure new clients and projects.
Freelancers must actively seek out new work and build relationships with clients in order to maintain a steady stream of income. This can be a significant challenge, as you are responsible for marketing your services, building your professional network, and negotiating your rates and terms. It requires effort and dedication to continuously secure new clients and projects.
However, by developing strong marketing and networking skills and building a strong professional reputation, you can increase your chances of success and get the clients or projects you need to succeed as a freelancer.
3. Involves taking on the responsibilities of running a business.
Freelancers are also business owners. This means that you are responsible for all aspects of running your online business, including managing your finances, marketing your services, hiring more people, and handling administrative tasks. This can be a significant challenge, especially for those who are new in the freelance business.
4. Limits access to traditional employee benefits.
When you decide to pursue a freelancing career, you must know that you do not have access to the same benefits traditional employees receive. This includes health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and other types of support that employers often provide.
However, you can elect these benefits for yourself. Many service providers are now offering health insurance packages and other benefits to self-employed individuals, although you have to pay for them independently.
High-Paying Freelance Jobs for Aspiring Filipino Freelancers
If you want to get started with your freelancing career, there are many work opportunities for you. Here are the highest-paying freelance jobs you can apply for.
1. SEO Expert/Specialist
An SEO expert or specialist helps improve the client’s website visibility and ranking in search engine results. They use techniques such as keyword research, link building, and content optimization to improve a website’s search ranking and drive more traffic to the site.
2. Content Strategist
A content strategist plans, creates, and manages a company’s content. They develop a holistic content strategy for their client’s marketing collaterals, website, social media and e-mail, making sure that the content aligns with the company’s marketing goals. They also ensure that content is consistent, relevant, and valuable to the client’s target audience.
3. Web Development and Design
A web developer is responsible for building and maintaining websites. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create and implement website designs. A web designer brings the website to life, integrating visual design with usability to develop a website that creates value for the client and its customers.
4. Social Media Management
Social media managers create and execute a company’s social media strategy. They manage the company’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and create content that engages with followers, promotes a product or service, and builds brand reputation.
5. Copywriter
Freelance copywriters write compelling copy for their client’s marketing materials. They write copy for websites, brochures, advertisements, and other marketing requirements and use persuasive writing techniques to engage the target audience to make a purchase.
6. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual content for a company, including logos, graphics, and illustrations. They use various design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create visual elements that help communicate a company’s message and shape brand identity.
7. Video Maker/Editor
A video maker or editor creates and edits video content for a company. They use video editing software to create professional-quality videos that engage the target audience and promote the brand. They usually work with writers to complement their copies with animations or stock footage.
8. Computer Programmer
A computer programmer writes code that is used to develop software, applications, and websites. They write code in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++ to create functional and efficient software solutions.
9. PR Consultant
A PR consultant manages a company’s public relations and reputation. They develop and execute PR strategies that promote the company and its products or services, resolve publicity crises, and work to build and maintain positive relationships with the media and other stakeholders.
10. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative support to businesses and individuals remotely. They can schedule appointments, respond to emails, manage projects, and handle their clients’ social media accounts.
11. ESL Teacher
English as a Second Language teachers provide instruction techniques to help students improve their English skills, and provide support and guidance as students learn and practice speaking, reading, and writing in English.
Platforms Where Freelancers Look For A Job
Finding freelance work has become easier and more accessible than ever before. Check out the different online platforms that offer freelance business or job opportunities.
1. Upwork (https://www.upwork.com/)
Upwork is the world’s largest freelancing website, which offers freelancers a wide range of job opportunities in fields such as software development, writing, design, and more. The platform allows freelancers to showcase their portfolio, apply for job opportunities, and get paid for their work through a secure payment system.
Upwork’s mission is to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. They strive to do this by helping businesses find the right talent and freelancers find the right work, and by creating a platform that facilitates successful relationships between the two.
2. Online Jobs PH (https://www.onlinejobs.ph/)
Online Jobs PH is a Philippine-based freelancing platform that connects freelancers with local businesses and individuals. The company’s goal is to provide Filipinos with legitimate online job opportunities and to help businesses find talented and reliable remote workers.
By connecting freelancers with local businesses and individuals, they aim to support the growth of the Philippine economy and create more job opportunities for Filipinos.
3. LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/)
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, connecting businesses, and job seekers. It was founded in 2002 with the mission to connect professionals around the world to make them more productive and successful. The platform has since grown to become the world’s largest professional network, with over 900 million members in more than 200 countries.
When you create your LinkedIn profile, you can showcase your skills, experience, and portfolio to potential clients. Likewise, companies post job listings, search for potential candidates, and connect with job seekers directly through the platform.
4. Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/)
Fiverr is a leading platform for digital services, where businesses or individuals can source freelancers with the expertise they require. Known as a “micro-task” site, it allows you to complete short, simple tasks referred to as “gigs.” It offers a convenient solution for anyone seeking to outsource quick projects to professionals in a wide range of fields.
With a vast pool of talented freelancers, Fiverr is the world’s largest marketplace for digital services, making it a go-to destination for all your outsourcing needs.
5. Freelancer PH (https://www.freelancer.ph/)
Freelancer.ph is one of the largest freelancing platforms in the world, connecting more than 64 million employers to freelancers across 247 countries. Their mission is to help businesses grow by connecting them with the talent they need, and to help freelancers find meaningful work that utilizes their skills.
The platform offers a safe, secure, and easy-to-use platform for both employers and freelancers, with a range of resources to help them do great work.
6. Toptal (https://www.toptal.com/)
Toptal is designed for seasoned freelancers. It is an exclusive platform for top freelance software developers, project managers, finance experts, and other professionals across the globe.
By only accepting the best and most experienced freelancers, Toptal provides businesses with access to top-notch talent for their projects.
7. Simplyhired (https://www.simplyhired.com/)
Freelancers choose SimplyHired because it offers a unique pay-to-contact model that gives them access to job opportunities that they may not find elsewhere. The platform’s free job postings by employers means that freelancers have a wider range of job opportunities to choose from, and its user-friendly interface makes it easy for them to find and apply for jobs that match their skills and qualifications.
8. Indeed (https://ph.indeed.com/)
Indeed is a global job search engine that helps job seekers find employment opportunities and helps employers reach a wider pool of job applicants. It has more than 300 million unique visitors every month, helping millions of freelancers connect to new opportunities.
Through Indeed, freelancers can search for jobs based on keywords, location, and other criteria, and employers can post job listings and search for qualified candidates.
9. Guru (https://www.guru.com/)
Guru offers a wealth of job opportunities in a variety of industries, including tech, design, writing, and more. With its vast network of businesses and projects, freelancers can find flexible, well-paying work that fits their skills and interests.
Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or new to the community, Guru is a valuable resource for finding meaningful and rewarding work.
How a Freelancer Gets Paid for Their Services
Being a freelancer allows you to take control of the way you get your payments. If it’s your first time getting a freelance project, you can bill your client on an hourly, per project, or retainer basis.
Hourly
This type of payment is based on the number of hours the freelancer works. The client pays the freelancer a set hourly rate for their work, and the freelancer tracks their time using a time tracking tool.
BEST FOR: Ongoing projects or tasks that require you to work at an inconsistent number of hours or on as-needed basis.
Project-based
This type of payment is based on the completion of a specific project or set of tasks. The client and freelancer agree on a fixed price for the project, and the freelancer completes the work within a set timeline.
BEST FOR: One-off projects or projects with a defined scope and timeline.
Retainer
This type of payment is a combination of an hourly rate and a project fee. The client pays the freelancer a set monthly fee for a set number of hours, and any additional hours outside of the agreed upon retainer fee are billed at the freelancer’s hourly rate.
BEST FOR: Long-term projects or recurring support needs.
As you map out your freelancing journey, it’s best to support your financial management with an intuitive app like Beppo.
Beppo is an all-in-one financial control application designed with freelancers in mind. The platform allows you to send invoices, track money, track and file your taxes, and join the in-app community.
Last Piece of Advice
When starting your journey to become a freelancer, it’s important to choose a niche. With the growing number of freelancers globally, you’ll most likely compete with others to get a decent, high-paying gig. But when you’ve identified your niche and where you’re good at, you’ll be able to land a high-paying job in no time.
Connect with Beppo to know more. Or visit our website https://beppo.com.