When I was 17 years old, I’ve tried and worked in Epixtar Call Center at Eastwood, Libis. For 6 months, I have struggled working during dawn while going to school during daytime. I only had 5 hours of sleep everyday. Imagine me reviewing for my exams while making calls (as I was a Sales Executive - UK Toucan Telecom outbound accounts) and bugging residents of United Kingdom. 
Anyway, my point of telling this is to give an introduction on how eager and determined I am to work even at a young age because I believe that when in college, one should learn to discover how and where to earn their own money and not rely on their folks.
And so, my hunt for a greener pasture began. I scoured the whole Internet to find the best and easiest ways to earn money. It was tough and took me a long time to finally find my secret…
I have tried to be a Work at Home Sales Executive and Online English Instructor for Koreans. I found these jobs from BestJobs. If you wish to try these two paths, you can comment me and I’ll endorse you to my personal contacts on both companies.
My wage from my previous jobs was the average Filipino salary. (PHP 8,000 to 15,000) Working for 8 hours a day at home (has it’s own benefits) and receiving this measley amount of money made me strive more in finding new ways to earn from home.
I found several freelancing sites:
The On Demand Global Workforce - oDesk
GetaFreelancer.com
Elance.com
I created an account with all them and started to make myself familiar with each of their system and navigation. It was not easy. Creating an account with them should take a short time but the process of establishing your profile was the hard part. The one I’ve decided to focus on was Odesk.
Reasons Why I chose to focus on ODesk:
- Their website was user-friendly, easy to navigate and more professional looking.
- I have easily discovered how the system works.
- There are many Filipino profiles that I’ve found who are really earning good.
- A comprehensive and easy to follow step by step guideline
Discover how I have established my profile and reputation in Odesk on my next posts.
I'm a freelance Search Engine Specialist with almost 2 years experience in this arena. I'm also in the medical field but preferred to do freelancing to gain more independence, flexibility in working hours and to have more time for my loved ones. I have proven results in ranking keywords with corresponding (deep link)landing pages on the TOP 3 pages of Google Results.
Hi Micah,
You are such a talented lady! You’re really an inspiration for aspiring freelancers in Odesk.
I’m one of those aspiring ones. I am working in a Data Conversion Company. My experience in this company may not be sufficient to become a freelancer. As I see it, freelancers in Odesk are genius. For an average-talent person like me, what are the chances of getting job in Odesk? I had applied several jobs but I was never invited in an interview.
Definitely I will wait for your next post on additional tips that would help me and other aspiring freelancers get hired in Odesk.
Always be an inspiration to others!
Merla
You know Merla, everything should start with determination and self confidence. Don’t tell yourself that you’re just an average person. Even if you believe you are, you’re not going to be an average person forever. It is us along with the guidance of the Lord who will turn the wheel to whomever we will become in the future.
My advice is that you must first set your goals. Think and decide if you really have the desire to earn lots of money through odesk. After you have done that, it’s time that you take some actions in fulfilling your goal. Start by making your profile look professional and reliable. I have a post about that, it might help you. (Completing Your oDesk Profile - Part 1)
You know what? I will just write a post about this within this week so you better check on my site every now and then. I always want to help my co-odeskers in finding work and I’d really love to give you guys lots of tips. Better SUBSCRIBE to my RSS so new posts will be sent to you automatically. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me a comment. Thanks Merla! I’d love to hear from you again.
Hi Micah!
You know what, having read this and your other articles, I could feel the sincerity of your response on the comments. You not only inform your readers but motivates/encourages them too by giving good advices. You also lift their spirits up.
Keep up that nice attitude! As they say, “always be a blessing to others” and you’re one of them.
Stay safe =)
Thanks Carol.
People like you keeps me motivated in doing what I do.
Whenever I help other people even in my own little ways, I can feel that God continues to guide, forgive and bless me.
I got your email but wasn’t able to read it further as I’m really stuck with work.
But I’ll read it and respond to you privately. Wish you all the best and success!
Micah