Where can I apply for online jobs aside from Upwork?

If you have been following my blog, then you might be aware that one of my personal advocacies is to promote freelancing and working from home opportunities especially in areas where there are limited employment opportunities are available. This is also the same reason why we started the Negros Online Workers here in Bacolod.

Anyway, let me share with you one of the newest freelancing platforms which I really love.  

In fact, we consider this as one of the best yet unsaturated markets for online workers. 

How does it work? 

FreeeUp helps thousands of businesses from all over the world hire top talent for their business projects. As a freelancer, you can offer over 85 different skill sets at the hourly or fixed rate that you set yourself.

The most in-demand skills are as follows: 

• Ecommerce 
• Amazon and Shopify
• SEO
• Facebook Ads
• Graphic Design
• Video Editing
• Sales & Marketing
• Web Development and Design
• Content Writing and Copywriting 
• Accounting
• Chatbot Creation and Management
• Customer Service
• Social Media Management
• Product Sourcing and Product Listing

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should join FreeeUp as a freelancer: 

1. Above-Industry Rates - You get to find high-paying clients in FreeeUp. The platform takes pride in providing high-quality service where only the top 1% of virtual professionals are accepted. Given this promise, clients are willing to pay a premium to get top-notch service. 

2. No Service Fee - Yes, you read that right. Unlike other platforms, FreeeUp does not charge and extra 10-20% service fee. If you are wondering how do they earn if they do not charge a service fee, they bill the clients an additional amount on top the rate that you specified. In this way, it is the clients who shoulder the extra charges and not the freelancer. 

3. Excellent Support Team - The FreeeUp team is readily available to assist you should you have any concerns or questions. They are available to chat via email, skype, and WhatsApp. You can even reach out directly to the owners, Nathan and Connor if you have any concerns. 

So, the big question is ---- how to start?

1. Create a FreeeUp account via this link.

2. Choose "Apply as a Freelancer" and fill out the form. 

**You can also write my name, Ma. Clarice Lao, as your referrer.

3. Wait for the results of your application. If you pass the initial screening, you will be scheduled for an interview which will be conducted via Skype chat. 

Click here to view the full hiring process.

IMPORTANT TIPS WHEN APPLYING: 

1. Mention the jobs and projects that you have completed including all the certifications that you have. Be specific. 

2. Include the link to your portfolio and sample work 

So, what are you waiting for? Be part of the Top 1% of the freelancers worldwide and start growing your VA and freelancing business. Sign-up today via this link: 

Do you have any questions, message us at www.facebook.com/mymetrolifestyle

The Downside of Freelancing - Are you Guilty?

I love working at home. If you have been following my blog, you may have read my story on why we took the leap from the corporate world to freelancing. However, despite the good things and perks of working at home, one cannot deny that there is also a downside to our story. 

One of the common health problems of freelancers is brought about by our sedentary life. Without the need of a daily commute, one may just jump out of his/her bed and directly to his/her workstation. Exercise may easily be neglected where walking has been very minimal.

Aside from the lack of exercise, having a regular and healthy diet has been challenging. With no fixed schedule, skipping meals then binge on snacks after the shift has been a part of many freelancers' daily routine. 

And guess what? I am 100% guilty. 

After getting sick and realizing that health is indeed wealth. One must never too busy for a healthy lifestyle. We should never forget that our body needs regular exercise and a balanced diet. After all, it takes time and commitment to stay healthy. Here are some tips on how we can have a healthier life as freelancers. 

1. Exercise for at least 10 minutes a day - Ten minutes of push-ups, squats and lunges a day can help. Consistency is very important so do it on a daily basis. 

2. Eat small meals - Instead of skipping meals, try to eat five (5) small meals divided throughout the day. 

3. Have healthier food choices - Eat more fruits and vegetables. Replace processed white bread and pasta for whole wheat bread to increase fiber intake. 

4. Get more dietary fiber daily - As recommended by the Philippine Food and Nutrition Research Institute, adults need 20-25 grams of dietary fiber daily. Since I have very limited access to fiber-rich food, we can also take dietary fiber supplements. 

So, no matter how comfortable we are at home, don't forget to choose a healthier lifestyle. 

Reminders to all Online Workers and Freelancers

Some realizations about life, work, and sickness. :)

• Do not overwork yourself. Health is wealth. The money that you worked for will just go down the drain once you get hospitalized.

• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep weakens your immune system. If you have a weak immune system, everything else follows.

• Have PHILHEALTH coverage, it helps with the hospital bills. If you can get an HMO, then it's much better.

• Inform your client, let them know your situation. They will understand. 

• Be prompt with your tasks, make sure you don't have backlogs. So that in cases that you have a bit of "downtime," it's still manageable.

• Lastly, build your passive income streams. Find a way to earn even if you're not really "working." There are a lot of options such as financial investments, affiliate marketing, blogging, etc.

Surprising Perks for Senior Citizens in Bacolod

Getting old isn't really so bad. One of the best perks when you reach dual citizenship (a.k.a. Senior Citizen) is that you get special discounts and privileges. 

Some of the law-mandated and government-initiated privileges include: 

• Discounts and VAT Exemptions on medicines, medical tests and procedures, medical supplies and equipment, food and basic commodities, hotels and transportation fees, recreation centers and in places of leisure such as cinemas, parks, museums, etc. 
• Automatic PHILHEALTH coverage under the Senior Citizen Category
• Exemption from paying terminal fees at all ports owned and operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) nationwide. 
• Priority lanes in government offices and commercial establishments
• Free dental and medical services in government facilities

But that's not all --- In Bacolod City, senior citizens get extra privileges aside from the ones mandated by law. Some of which are: 

1. Lopues Centre - 10% discount on selected dry goods. We were able to try in at Lopues East only and I have yet to verify if it is the same in other branches. 

2. Ayala Capitol Central Cinema - Free movie every Monday during its first screening. Make sure to just present your Senior Citizen ID issued by the City of Bacolod. Other SC cards issued from another city are not honored. Only 20% discount will apply. 

Source: Ayala Malls Capitol Central FB Page

3. Azta Urban Salon, Ayala Capitol - 20% discount on all services

Source: Azta Urban Salon FB Page

** If you visit on a Monday (perhaps, after watching a movie) for only Php 200, you can get a haircut and a FREE Loreal Hair Spa. The FREE hair spa offer is valid until August 15, 2019.

4. Waxcuvado Salon, Ayala Capitol  - 20% discount on all services

You can read more about their services, here. 

Do you know any other special privileges available for Senior Citizens? Feel free to comment below or send us a message at www.facebook.com/mymetrolifestyle so, that we can add it in this post.