Anyway, I’ve been offered jobs in Manila too (so I have to move from Cebu to Manila for that) but then again I’ve rejected it. Many people wonder why, it’s a great opportunity I know but why am I not interested at all?
That’s mainly because I prefer to work freelance – meaning not working exclusively for someone, or for a company.
Let me share with you my five (5) reasons why I’d prefer a freelance job, than a job with a high position and a huge salary.
Work Anywhere and Anytime
Most of the freelancers can work anywhere, and anytime, but some clients online are micromanagers. As for me, I prefer to work flexible. Not only because of the 9-5 work, but also because I have an insomnia and I’m trying to get rid of it. There are also times that I work at night, so I wake up late. Most of the times too, my mind works a lot way better late in the afternoon or at night.Plus, I’m a traveler. I’m one of the WithLocals Ambassador here in the Philippines, so I have to go somewhere from time to time. And being able to work anytime and anywhere, I can cover the hours that I wasn’t able to work. Plus, this can help avoid SEO patterns too (since I work in different hours).
Different Clients = Different Niche
As someone who offer a SEO service, you get a lot of inquiries by different business owners. It’s sometimes a disadvantage on not having an experience on a certain niche or market of a business. Having an experience on that, is a huge advantage it can make things a lot easier since you most likely know what are your audience. And being able to have and try different market and different business niche, is really great and a plus.More Clients, Great Portfolio
Well, of course if you’ll got different clients, you can also get more clients. Having said that you’ll get clients on different business niche, and a number of clients, can totally help with your portfolio. Some clients who wish to hire someone are attracted to someone’s portfolio, this can totally be a plus for you – especially as someone who works online.This is why designers (graphic designers, web designers, etc.), and SEO specialists like me like being a freelance.
Drop Anytime
The disadvantages of working online, is that you may get fired anytime. Even if you do sign a contract with the employer, which can really still be useless since we’re both from different countries and its quiet a waste to go to that country if you only wish to get paid.But then, not all employers does not follow the contract. Most of the employers whom I have a contract with did worked with me for that specific months/years that the contract is valid. But then, there are jobs online wherein employers does not have a contract, you can totally get fired anytime. It’s unstable.
More Clients, Better Income (and more source of Income)
Having said above, and that the employer can fire you anytime it’s not wise to work for someone exclusively. A lot of client do ask me for this, but really, it’s not wise at all. It’s an unstable job, and having no income in a snap can kill online workers like me. It’s hard to replace a client and find another job – it’s a competitive market online, especially with the hiring process.Also, some clients wants someone really cheap, they pay low and offer low salaries. P10,000 (around $250) won't get us much and just enough to pay bills. Yes, Philippines is cheap but not that cheap - FYI.
So, I really appreciate the clients that I have now as a freelance SEO specialist and the clients who are open for freelancers like me.
But please take note, that being able to work as a freelance needs a self-discipline. Some people can’t just control themselves but if you can, why not be a freelancer, right? Still, it can be sometimes hard to find a client who’s okay with working someone for a freelance, especially if it’s a direct client. But if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find some opportunities on oDesk, Freelancer, and similar platforms.