Like many Filipinos, I once believed that working overseas was the best path toward building a better future. In 2015, I moved to Dubai and started working as an Assistant Sales Manager for a vegan cosmetics company. Looking back, that job was actually one of the best experiences I’ve had.
The work was exciting, the environment was great, and my bosses were incredibly supportive. I was given a company car, free gas, and the freedom to do my job well. Life was comfortable and stable, and I genuinely enjoyed what I was doing.
At that time, I didn’t imagine that my career path would eventually change so much.
Coming Home for a New Chapter
In 2019, my partner and I started planning our wedding scheduled for February 2020. After thinking about it carefully, I decided it was time to return to the Philippines and start building our life together.
I flew home in September 2019. I wasn’t worried about finding a job right away because my focus was on preparing for our wedding and settling back into life at home. Also, I believed that with my work experience abroad, finding another role would be manageable.
When the Pandemic Changed the Job Market
Shortly after our wedding in February 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began. Like many industries around the world, job opportunities quickly became uncertain.
By late 2020, I decided to explore online work and was hired for an online BPO role. While it was a work-from-home opportunity, the job required night shifts, which quickly became difficult to manage. At that time, I had a baby, and balancing night work while caring for her was challenging. Hearing her cry at night because she needed me made it clear that the setup wasn’t sustainable.
After about a month, I made the difficult decision to leave the role. It wasn’t just about the job; it was about choosing what worked best for my family.
That experience pushed me to look for a more flexible remote career path, which eventually led me to freelancing.
Discovering the World of Freelancing
After leaving the BPO job, I started exploring other opportunities.
My aunt’s husband, who had long worked as a freelance sales professional, told me that freelancing offered many work-from-home opportunities.
At first, I tried looking for freelance sales roles, but most required cold calls and night shifts, which again didn’t fit the kind of routine I wanted for my daughter. I wanted her to grow up with a normal sleep schedule, and that meant being present at night.
In January 2021, I started researching freelancing opportunities through online communities, forums, and Facebook groups where freelancers shared advice on how to get started.
At the same time, I created profiles on platforms like Upwork and OnlineJobs.ph and began applying for entry-level remote roles. I spent time learning about digital marketing, researching different online skills, and understanding how freelancers build their careers.
My First Freelance Break
On January 31, 2021, I landed my first work-from-home freelance job.
I was hired as a researcher for a digital marketing agency, earning $250 per month. While the pay was modest, the opportunity opened the door to the world of digital work. The setup was flexible, and the focus was on completing tasks rather than tracking hours, which allowed me to learn quickly and adapt to remote work.
For someone just starting out, that setup felt incredible.
Not long after, my client offered to teach me Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Of course, I said yes.
I have always believed that learning new skills opens doors, and SEO was a skill that could significantly improve my career.
Learning SEO and Expanding My Skills
While working with that client, I continued building my skills in digital marketing by taking online training through Coursera and other learning platforms. I spent a lot of time learning about SEO and understanding how digital marketing works in real projects.
As my skills improved, I gradually took on more SEO-related responsibilities, and my income began to grow over time. One of the things I appreciated most about freelancing was the trust and flexibility. As long as I delivered the work properly, I had the freedom to manage my time and even work with other clients.
This motivated me to continue expanding my skill set. I also started learning social media management, especially since during the pandemic, many businesses were focusing heavily on building their online presence.
That decision turned out to be a good one, as it eventually helped me secure two additional social media clients, further growing my experience and opportunities in the digital marketing space.
When Opportunities Started Finding Me
Slowly, things started changing. Instead of only applying for jobs, clients began reaching out to me directly through OnlineJobs.ph.
My freelance career was growing in ways I never imagined. Eventually, my husband joined me in freelancing as well.
One of the most unforgettable moments came when we realized that even during the height of the pandemic, we were able to start building our own house.
I started freelancing on January 31, and by April 1, we had begun building our home. It felt surreal. In a time when the world was struggling, freelancing had given our family stability.
Growing with Great Clients
One of the most meaningful parts of my freelancing journey has been the people I’ve worked with along the way. Freelancing is often seen as working alone, but in reality, the right clients can become partners in your growth.
In August 2023, I connected with Irene through a community my sister recommended. I joined their Slack community and eventually started working with her. To this day, she remains one of the best clients I’ve ever worked with.
One thing that immediately stood out about Irene is how much she values the people she works with. When discussing work, she would ask about your hourly rate and what you believe is fair, and she genuinely tries to advocate for that. It’s rare to find someone who not only respects your skills but also wants to make sure you are compensated properly.
At the time she hired me, I was also expecting a baby. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, Irene welcomed me to the team and encouraged me to take the time I needed before and after giving birth. That level of understanding and trust is something that is rare in many workplaces.
Today, I continue to work with Irene and the team at IreneChan.co, supporting projects related to SEO, GA4, and link building. The team environment is collaborative, communication is clear, and there is a strong culture of respect and flexibility.
Experiences like this highlight how freelancing can connect you with companies and teams that truly value your skills.
Enjoying the Benefits of Working From Home
Working from home has changed my life in ways I never expected. What started as a simple search for a remote job eventually gave me a career that allows both stability and flexibility.
One of the biggest benefits has been the financial progress that came with growing in the digital space. Over time, remote work allowed me to earn more sustainably while working from home.
It also gave me the freedom to travel while still working, and the opportunity to complete an additional course while managing my job, something that would have been difficult in a traditional office setup.
But the most meaningful part for me is being able to see my kids grow up while staying close to home. Instead of missing moments because of long hours or night shifts, I get to be present for the everyday things that matter most.
Looking ahead, I’m grateful to continue this journey, building a career that supports my family while continuing to learn, grow, and help businesses succeed in the digital space.
