Stepping up my WaHM game at the Entrepreneurs and Freelancers Forum 2020
A little over four years ago, I decided to become a work-at-home mom (WaHM).
And I talk about my journey all the time.
I was a stay-at-home mom for a year leaving a customer service manager position in one of the biggest retail stores in the country. My sister gave me her old laptop a few days after I gave birth because she thought I could use my writing skills to earn a bit on the side.
Nearing the end of 2015, I decided to finally do it.
 |
| At The Freelancer Fair 2017 with my former colleague, husband and son Photo credit to The Freelancer Fair FB Page (by Geroge Buid) |
My first clients were friends, and later on, companies found me, too.
Life was getting harder in terms of finances, and when the news reached us that we needed to move to another apartment, I decided it was time to step up with my career and find a more stable job online.
I created profiles in online job marketplaces. I joined freelancing Facebook groups. I signed up for free and paid courses, both online and in physical classrooms.
Eventually, I found my first regular online job as a Social Selling Consultant with an Australian company whom I stayed with for over two years. That was in September 2016.
What I liked best with working online is that I'm able to take on more jobs for as long as I can deliver. So in April 2017, I accepted a part-time job as a Content Marketing Copywriter for a Canadian company. I am still with them until now.
In November 2018, I left the Australian company with a heavy heart because they were like family to me. I went to teambuildings, get-togethers, and surprise parties with them. I even met my BFF there.
I joined a retail company in the US as an Ambassador Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist. Last year, I celebrated my first year with them and I'm looking forward to more.
I joined a retail company in the US as an Ambassador Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist. Last year, I celebrated my first year with them and I'm looking forward to more.
My biggest takeaway
Here's an excerpt:
"I am writing this because of a "possibility". And that possibility is that you can be a mother and still pursue your dreams."
I was often told that my degree and Latin Honor were getting wasted when I decided to be a stay-at-home mom. But through working from home, I was able to fulfill dreams for myself and my family while still playing my roles as wife and mom.
 |
| Work anywhere. This is my portable workstation while waiting for my son to finish his class. |
Today, through freelancing, we are able to have a better life.
I have fulfilled my dream of becoming a writer (HRM graduate here, btw). I earn money and handle our budget. Our son can go to a good school. We, now, own a house (after renting for years). We drive our own car. We used to have no savings at all, but now, we've already made four long-term investments.
But the best would have to be being able to be around for our son. My husband works corporate, so even if he wanted to be more present, he can't. This is where we make up to him. I drive our son to and from school every day. Despite having work and not finding balance (yes, no balance, got deadlines, ya know) I get to eat meals with him, read books, watch him as he rides his bike, attend every school event. You know... Working from home made me PRESENT.
I can't be more thankful for that.
Stepping up my game for 2020
When I was starting, I got by from asking help with fellow mom freelancers, watching free courses online and attending workshops.
I thought, "This will pay off."
True enough, it did!
One of the organizations that had been part of my WaHM journey is Manila Workshops. I'm a suki of their workshops and have applied all the learnings I gained from attending. In 2017, I even joined as a Media Partner for The Freelancer Fair 2017.
This year, Manila Workshops will be hosting another amazing event called Entrepreneurs and Freelancers Forum 2020 and Bare Nanay will once again be a part of it!
This gathering of both aspiring and successful business owners and freelancers will happen on January 11, 2019 (8 AM - 5 PM) at Bayanihan Center, Pioneer St., Pasig, MM.
Let's take a deeper look in the lives of entrepreneurs and freelancers thru 15-minute powerful talks from an amazing roster of speakers, network and mingle with game-changers and showcase your products and services to boost brand awareness.
A message to my fellow moms:
Like I always say, I celebrate all moms. Whether you choose to stay at home, work outside your home or work from home, you are wonderful.
 |
| Breastfeeding, yayaless WaHM |
I am writing this for the mom who is sitting at home dreaming of all the things she wanted to do but thinking she will never be able to do them anymore. I am writing this for the mom who's tapping away on her keyboard in the office thinking of how much she misses her child at home but she had to be somewhere else to make ends meet.
If you're already in this industry, hello! Let's meet, perhaps! It's always great to attend opportunities to learn and grow our network.
I'm inviting you to join EFF 2020, because of a possibility.
And that possibility is that you can continue to achieve your dreams while being a mom and a wife.
I am juggling a full-time job and two part-times, but I'm here watching my son build buildings out of Legos. I am right where I want to be.
Don't be afraid to be more. Don't be afraid to try. Don't be afraid to step up.
Motherhood never stopped me.
I hope you won't ever think that it can stop you.
See you there!
__________________________________________
Want to get a discount?
Get Php 700 off from the regular rate when you use EFF2020XNINI.
Want to get a discount?
Get Php 700 off from the regular rate when you use EFF2020XNINI.
Buy your tickets here.
If you want to learn more about Entrepreneurs and Freelancers Forum 2020, check out the following links:
Find out more about the awesome job that Manila Workshops is doing, visit them at:
0 comments