Summary

The content discusses the multifaceted nature of freelancing, detailing the author's personal journey through various freelance roles such as transcriptionist, online ESL tutor, and virtual assistant, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced in each.

Abstract

The article "Opportunities And Obstacles In The World Of Freelancing" provides an insightful look into the life of a freelancer through the author's experiences. Beginning with transcription work, the author emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability required in freelancing, akin to the multitasking demanded of a stay-at-home parent. Despite the ease of entry, job security remains a significant concern due to the project-based nature of the work. Transitioning to online ESL tutoring, the author notes the satisfaction derived from leveraging personal interests and skills, alongside the growth in communication and self-management. However, the reliance on a stable internet connection becomes a notable impediment in this field. The author then delves into their most fulfilling role as a virtual assistant, praising the intellectual stimulation and financial reward it provides, while acknowledging the strain of working across different time zones, which can lead to health issues and reduced productivity. The piece concludes by affirming the abundance of freelance opportunities for those equipped with the right skills, while stressing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of freelancing's inherent uncertainties.

Opinions

Freelancing offers a flexible work environment that can be particularly beneficial for stay-at-home parents, aligning with their existing skills.
The author initially underestimated the challenges of freelancing, believing it to be straightforward, but later recognized the complexities involved.
Project-based work in freelancing can lead to insecurity due to the lack of consistent employment and the need for constant job searching.
Online ESL tutoring is presented as a fulfilling job for those with a passion for English and the ability to adapt to technology, yet it is vulnerable to disruptions caused by poor internet connectivity.
Being a virtual assistant is seen as a highly rewarding role, both intellectually and financially, but the challenges of working with clients in different time zones can significantly impact one's health and performance.
The author believes that skill development is crucial for sustained success in the freelancing world, as it directly influences job prospects and the ability to navigate its ups and downs.

Opportunities And Obstacles In The World Of Freelancing

Landing from one job to another while learning along the way.

Freelancing is when someone works not for the company but themselves rather. That being so, freelancers or independent contractors may take on contract work for companies or individual clients however, they still are considered “self-employed” and not “employees”.

In essence, this system is the epitome of working without pressure and not having to suffer from a stressful commute to the workplace yet, it has underlying issues that spark anxiety and depression to some if not many.

Transcription

I first learned about freelancing back in 2012 through social media ads. I remember my first project was to transcribe videos about Yoga that was 30 to 90 minutes long. The goal was to submit as many perfectly accurate video transcriptions as I could in a week and that’s it. In transcription, all you need to have is typing and good listening skills.

“Speed and accuracy” I always said to myself. I was 24 years old and just a stay-at-home mom so the job was somehow related enough to my mothering skills. Speed in doing all the house chores while the kids are sleeping. Accuracy in making sure everything is done accordingly and safely for my kids.

So I thought, “freelancing is easy-peasy”.

Downside: Job Security

While the job was a piece of cake, it was still just project-based which means it did not last long enough for me to prepare and land another job. My Korean client said that they have gathered all the videos they needed and had to let me go but would contact me once they would need my assistance. Of course, they did not.

I was not very skilled and knowledgeable back then so when I tried to look for another client needing a transcription job, I could not find one with the same “entry-level” project.

Online ESL Tutor

Until in 2013, a friend of mine invited me to join her as an Online ESL Tutor to Chinese kids. The skills needed were the ability to speak the English language, knowledge in using the computer, Skype, and MS Office, and long forbearance.

Eagerly, since I love English, I applied for the job and started right away, without undergoing some training.

Again, I said, “I love this piece of cake job of mine”.

Working as an Online ESL Tutor, many of my colleagues have managed to develop their skillset, self-confidence, communication skills, and most of all, their ability to work from home with kids while staying sane.

Downside: Internet Connection

Despite that, obstacles happen. In my country, internet connectivity is many times at a snail’s pace and it just keeps on getting more and more problematic over the years.

Besides, freelancing has the rule of “no work, no pay” so there is definitely no room for loss of internet connection nor power outage problems.

Virtual Assistant

This is the freelance job I enjoy the most! It does not only allow me to broaden my horizons since I get to learn something new in each research project but it absolutely foots the bill of all our monthly expenses as well.

Another advantage is I get to use the administrative skills I gained from my office job before so it is feel-good work to set up a home office and be the boss of my own.

Downside: Time Difference

Since most of the time, my clients live in different time zone, I need to be thinking about my team or client’s time instead of mine. That means if my client lives on the opposite side of the world, then I must be working and try my best to stay awake all night.

If you are like me, who is an early bird rather than a night owl, then most likely your productivity would also shrink.

It has been studied by experts that sleep deprivation results in productivity loss, absenteeism, and output errors.

As a result, I could not stay doing Virtual Assistant jobs for long. In my 3rd month of working in the graveyard shift, I started developing severe headaches, insomnia, and weight loss.

Wrapping Up

Briefly, to conclude, the world of freelancing has indeed given many opportunities for people especially mothers like me. Mentioned above were just a few. Yet, one must be prepared physically, mentally, and skillfully.

Each type of job has its own advantages and disadvantages and may vary from each person’s perspective. The most important thing is to never worry about losing work because there are plenty of freelance jobs for each of us out there.

Just a reminder that only the skilled are chosen so never stop educating yourself, no matter what pros and cons you may encounter along the way.

Thank you for reading! JJ Sum