Image from Entity Creative
Yesterday, I posted how I was able to increase my salary by
adding in a few online jobs on top of my profession as a teacher. Today, we
would be focusing ourselves on how to get started. Technically, these are just
the basics to jump start your freelancing career.
Before we get started, let me stress out that these
online/freelance jobs would act as a supplement of your current job. These in
turn can add income on a weekly or monthly basis for you. If you have the time to visit the Internet for hours a day, you would really have the time to do some online jobs. Plus, you are getting paid for it.
So let us begin.
Checklist:
Computer connected to the Internet
This is the most basic requirement in order to begin an
online job. You must be able to have a computer be it a laptop or a desktop
that is connected to the Internet. Most of the time, employers are seeking for
faster connection hence it might be ideal to upgrade your bandwidth.
Software
The most basic software that you need to install is Skype. This
aids communication between you and your employer. During the application
process, they might hold an interview using this software. Hence, if you don’t
have this one yet, it is advisable that you install it. There is also other
software your employers might recommend such as time management software that keeps
track of your working time. This holds true for Odesk applicants wherein Odesk
would recommend downloading their time software. If you are not comfortable
with this, you can just voice out your sentiment to your employer to turn it
down. I for one don’t want my hours to be tracked.
Payment Method
Most employers prefer to use PayPal with regards to paying
their online employees. Hence, it would be best to create a PayPal account that
is connected to your bank’s ATM. However, PayPal needs to verify you first. If
you have a credit card, this can be used for verification. The site will charge
100.00 for the transaction and once verified they will return the entire amount
to you. Don’t worry it is safe. After that you can link your PayPal account to
your ATM where the money would be deposited. If you don’t want to go through
this method, you can get Unionbank’s EON Card. This card will verify you and
the money would be deposited here too.
Time
Another big checklist that you must consider when jumping to
online jobs and freelancing would be the time. Since we have a full time job,
it is best to identify when the best time for you to do freelancing is. Don’t
worry as most jobs are flexible. However, you need to be able to dedicate a few
hours in order to finish the requirements. There are also part time online jobs
that you can consider if having a full time one would prove difficult on top of
your current profession. It all boils down to time management and efficiency.
Attitude
Having an online job or a freelance job is not a walk in the
park. There are many things to consider here most especially if you have a full
time job apart from this. Just like savings, you need to have discipline to
make it work. You must be able to present to prospect employers that you have
the skills they are looking for. However, most of the time, they are inclined
to train you provided that you show them you have the right work ethics and
discipline. Oftentimes, they would be harsh in terms of feedback. Don’t let
this get into your system. Those are pretty constructive comments for you to improve.
You may also be working in teams hence it is but right that you are also a team
player and a good follower. But what is important here is you can be able to
deliver the work required of you.
I heard few friends and acquaintances who were able to earn
as much as 50,000 or more because of having an online job on a monthly basis. Most
of the time especially the ones who are into freelancing, they can dictate
their hourly rates hence they can be able to earn more in the process. Imagine how $300 can help you with your monthly finances. You can certainly use such amount to beef up your investment right? And I would
love for you to experience that too.
P.S. To those doing the 52 Week Money Challenge and 52 Week Money Challenger Version 2, it is Week 2 already! Did you deposit the next amount yet?