Misis Blog – For Moms and Dads

facebook google twitter tumblr instagram linkedin
  • Home
  • FAMILY THREE
  • MOMMY TALK
    • HOME & LIVING
    • MARRIAGE
    • PREGNANCY
    • MOTHERHOOD
  • BABY TALK
    • BABY CARE
    • PARENTING
    • BREASTFEEDING
  • MONEY TALK
    • CAREER
    • BUDGET
  • ABOUT
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • CONTACT

 

Article written by Danny Knight


For many parents who are living with a disability, it can be difficult to take everyone’s needs into consideration in regard to living in a safe, comfortable home.

You may be worried about your ability to maneuver through the home while carrying a baby, or you might be thinking about how you’ll give your child a bath while respecting your mobility issues.

There are so many things to consider that it can easily become overwhelming. 

The key is to think about what will make your life easier, especially if your child is very young.

You want to ensure that each room in your home has safety features that will also allow your family to live comfortably.

Fortunately, there are several simple modifications that can be made around the house that will help you reach your goals.

From installing handrails in the bathroom to replacing all the door and faucet knobs with easy-to-grasp handles, you can make daily activities much simpler for yourself while also ensuring that your safety is a priority. 

Keep reading for some great tips on how to get started. 

Tackle the Projects That Will Benefit Everyone First 

If you have an infant or toddler, there are several things you can do to make your home safer for them that will also benefit you.

Installing handrails, a grab bar, a shower seat, a faucet cover, and non-slip rubber mats in the bathroom is a great start.

Not only will these modifications ensure that your child won’t fall and injure themselves, but it will also help you bathe them much more easily.

You can also add foam bumpers to sharp corners on cabinets, fireplace hearths, and countertops. 

Remove Clutter 

No matter how clean a home is, there’s still the potential for some clutter now and then.

The kitchen counter can become a catch-all and the foyer becomes a place for hastily thrown backpacks and shoes.

Getting organized and removing this clutter from such spaces will help your family get a mental health boost and prevent trips and falls at the same time.

This is especially important if you have a mobility issue. 

Keep the Kitchen in Good Shape 

Along with the bathroom, the kitchen is an area that often sees accidents, so it’s a good place to get started with safety modifications.

Raising or lowering countertops, good lighting, and easy access to appliances and storage are just the start; you can also make sure the flooring is non-slip. 

Don’t Forget the Exterior 

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior when it comes to safety.

You might add lighting to the walkways, install surveillance cameras that help you keep an eye on things via your smartphone, or add a ramp that will help you easily traverse the steps.

Make sure the ramp is made of a material that won’t be slippery when it rains or snows, and that it doesn’t have a lip that will cause an issue with equipment such as a wheelchair or walker. 

___

Making your home safer can be a big job if your home is a good size, but it’s an important one when you have kids.

Not only will these modifications help you stay healthy, they’ll ensure that you’ll have no worries when it comes to parenting or handling daily activities and chores.

___

About the Author: Danny Knight
Danny is a dad living in Philadelphia. He enjoys DIY projects almost as much as raising his two children. He is the co-creator of FixItDads.com, which offers tips for home improvement projects.
December 10, 2019 No comments

 


--



Title: The Five Love Languages of Children
Authors: Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell
Personal Rating: 5/5 

Summary:
From the author of The Five Love Languages, Dr. Chapman teamed up with psychiatrist and author of How to Really Love Your Child Dr. Campbell to write a variant of the book that focuses on children. This book helps parents discover their children's love languages and provides practical advice on how to use the love languages to discipline their child more effectively.


__

A Focus on Loving Children Effectively

As the title suggests, the book focuses on methods in speaking your child's love language and therefore loving them more effectively. 

The book works on the premise that all parents love their children, but does your children actually feel that love?

Dr. Chapman and Dr. Campbell emphasizes how making your children feel unconditionally loved every single day is the very foundation of building a positive and harmonious relationship with them.

And this includes being able to discipline and correct their behavior more effectively as well.

The first few chapters discussed the five different love languages—physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service. 

Each chapter goes into detail the different ways children manifest the need for these love languages, as well as practical suggestions on how parents can speak these love languages to their children.

There are also age-appropriate suggestions on how to discover your child's primary love language.

The authors, however, heavily emphasizes that a person's love language is fluid; that is, it can change over time and may change depending on a particular growth stage. 

They stressed that although your child may have a primary love language, it's crucial to speak all five love languages as much as possible.

Emphasis on Positive Forms of Discipline

One of this book's strongest suits is how it emphasizes the use of positive forms of discipline over negative and punitive discipline techniques. To quote, Dr. Chapman and Dr. Campbell says:


"Nothing makes a child more desperate than a lack of love. However, it does not make sense to demand good behavior from a child without first making sure he feels loved."

"A child who misbehaves has a need. To overlook the need behind the misbehavior can prevent us from doing the right thing [loving them effectively and filling their love tanks]."


 The chapter on "Discipline and the Love Languages" goes on to discuss five ideas on how to control your child's behavior: two positive methods (making requests and gentle physical manipulation), two negative methods (issuing commands and punishment), and one neutral method (behavior modification—i.e., positive and negative reinforcements).


While the authors do not advocate the use of punishment and other forms of negative discipline, they do emphasize the importance of expressing your love to your child before and after administering punishment. 

Spanking is, of course, discouraged at all costs. The form of negative reinforcement suggested by this book is withdrawing certain privileges directly related to the offense.

They further emphasize that the key to effectively correcting the behavior of a child is to do it in the context of love, and in doing so, you should honor and respect their love language.

For example, not using criticism if your child values words of affirmation, or not using time-outs when their love language is quality time, etc.

The Verdict

Hands down, this is the best parenting book that I've ever read. It is an easy and quick read, and one that you can readily digest even when you're not well-versed in the concept of love languages.

The illustrations and suggestions in the book are also quite workable and can be easily applied in practice.

I highly suggest this book to any parent—whether you have young children or adult children. Love, after all, is timeless and it's never too late to make someone feel loved, especially your children.
November 14, 2019 No comments

 



Christmas is almost here! And what better way to show your love both to your family and to local businesses than to buy locally made personalized items?

Here are some of my top picks for local personalized Christmas gift ideas that are perfect for Filipino families.


1. Photobook

Photobook, as the business name suggests, is a platform tailored specifically to creating personalized photograph-based gift items. 

This includes photobooks (a modern printed photo album), calendars, wall prints, mugs, and many more! They serve worldwide but have a headquarter based in Manila.

Personally, I have tried ordering photobooks both from their website and their mobile app. 

If you create your project on their app, your item will be shipped from Manila through Ninja Van at a standard shipping price of PHP 150.

Creating and ordering from their app is so simple and straightforward. You also get to have app-exclusive discounts!

If you create your project on their website (and thus order your project from there as well), your item will be shipped from Indonesia and will be delivered to your doorstep through DHL.

What I like about it is that it's the same standard shipping price as that when you order from the Philippines (PHP 150) but it arrives a lot faster!

For more information, visit https://www.photobookphilippines.com/


2. Customized keepsake jewelry



Keepsake jewelry is a treasure to behold. You can keep photos of your loved ones close to your heart and wear them anywhere with you.

In the Philippines, I have discovered two quality customized keepsake jewellers, and what's best is that their products are quite affordable! 

Please note, however, that their jewelry is not real gold or silver. They use non-tarnish stainless steel material, which may not be as good but still quite durable.

Here are my picks:

Life Story Crafts
They sell handmade photo bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

What I like about them is that they accept payments through PayPal and a variety of other payment methods such as BDO, Cash on Delivery, PayMaya, and Smart Padala—really convenient when ordering online!

How to order: https://lifestorycrafts.com/


Istorya Creations
Aside from custom keepsake necklaces and bracelets, what caught my eye is that Istorya creates handcrafted keychains with text using your own handwriting!

They also offer custom luggage tags, bookmarks, vow cards, and many more.

How to order: https://istoryacreations.com/

3. Customized passport holders



Nothing beats memories created when travelling with family.

And with all the piso fare airplane ticket promos, it's not a distant dream to travel abroad and use your passport.

Luckily, there are customized passport holders that can further sweeten the travel experience—complete with your name and your choice of color and charms!

Here are my picks:

Hola Craft Shop
I have personally ordered a customized passport holder from them through Shopee, and the transaction was quite smooth and fast!

What's more is that their prices are really affordable: passport holders without a lock starts at PHP 140 and passport holders with a lock starts at PHP 160.

They also offer a variety of other personalized items such as card holders, wallets, purses, and key holders.

How to order: https://shopee.ph/santicres 


Alon Arts
Alon Arts also offer personalized passport holders with an added deal—their passport holders come with a really nice (and environment-friendly!) gift box.

Their prices are a lot more expensive, though: passport holders without a lock starts at PHP 359 and passport holders with a lock starts at PHP 389.

They also offer personalized wallets, necklaces, badge holders, keychains, and bangles.

How to order: https://shopee.ph/alonartsbrand


November 14, 2019 No comments

 

Article written by Danny Knight

A child’s bedroom is their safe haven. It’s the only place in the house that belongs to them.

Having personal space is important for people of all ages, and for children, it’s just as important to have this area as they develop autonomously and grow into independent young adults. 

Children on the autism spectrum have different needs to address, such as sensory considerations.

As you begin to design the room that will become their personal space and comfort zone, these considerations should influence the choices that you make. 

If your child has autism, talk to their doctor about how you can focus on their particular needs, and check out these practical suggestions to help you design the perfect bedroom.


Choose Serene Colors 

Picking a color for a bedroom can mean the difference between creating a relaxing environment or a noisy one.

It goes without saying that you’ll want to go with the former. 

Bright colors or patterns can easily overstimulate the senses of children on the autism spectrum, and it can cause irritation or discomfort.

When selecting a color, try to opt for lighter shades of your child’s favorite colors, and look into neutral colors such as beige and tan, or peaceful shades of blue and green.

Neutral and calming colors are also more conducive to a better night’s sleep. 

Think About Insulation 

While the sound of a distant television set or a tumbling dryer can create a soothing background hum for many people, these noises can feel amplified for those with autism.

Children with ASD are sensitive to sound, so be sure to address these concerns when designing your child’s bedroom. 

To help better handle unwanted noises, look into installing thick, sound-dampening carpets and sound-absorbing accessories, like soft blankets, rugs, and oversized pillows.

Remember to also check the doors, windows, and floors for irritating creaks that might not be noticeable to you, but could become bothersome to your child. 


Create a Soothing, Safe Environment 

When decorating your child’s room, it’s important to create a safe room with a calm environment.

The room should be situated in a way to reduce clutter, while maintaining a comfortable setting that will prevent overstimulation. 

For example, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be sensitive to light, so it’s good to be mindful of the amount of light that comes into the room.

Avoid bright, fluorescent bulbs, and invest in heavy curtains to keep the sunlight out in the morning while they’re asleep. 

Safety should always be a priority for parents of all children, but common safety concerns for young neurotypical children can extend into the older years for children with autism.

Here are some safety features to keep in mind: 
  • Furnishings that are sturdy and do not have sharp or overly-pointed edges (add padding if it does). 
  • Covered-up electrical outlets to prevent accidents fueled by curiosity. 
  • Furniture secured to the wall to prevent it from toppling over. 
  • Toys and other belongings in easy-to-reach places so that your child doesn’t have to climb to get them. 

Create Distinct Spaces 

Sudden changes can be a massive hurdle for those with autism, and it’s often easier for them to focus when things are set in a distinct and familiar place. 

By setting established zones within your child’s room—for playtime, learning, and sleeping—you’ll help make basic tasks easier and more predictable for them.

Consider integrating a “special interests” area for them to escape and express their creativity, and include activities that fulfil their sensory needs. 

___

Autism is a spectrum that covers a large range of conditions, and every person with autism is unique and different from the next person.

Not everything will work perfectly at home, but the key is to let your child’s needs become present and address them accordingly. 

While it might take time and some trial and error to perfect the ideal room for your child, don’t lose sight or forget to let your child be a part of the process.

They will ultimately be the best judge in determining the environment that they will be most comfortable in and spend most of their time.

At the heart of it, it’s important to remember that every child is different.

November 03, 2019 No comments

 


---



Title: The New Dare to Discipline
Author: Dr. James Dobson
Personal Rating: 2/5 

Summary:
World-renowned psychologist and marriage, family, and child counselor James Dobson talks about different aspects of discipline in areas of parenting, education, and morality. The book serves as both a guide and a "challenge" for parents to apply age-old parenting "advice" gleaned from centuries of parenting practice and the Bible itself.


__

A Difficult Read for the Modern Parent

I have to be honest that it took me two tries to read this book. 

The first time, I stopped reading it because I found it quite too dry and too boring. 

The second time, I was so ready to throw the book because of its very rigid view on discipline and it places too much emphasis on spanking.

Don't get me wrong. 

I grew up in this kind of rigid discipline system, and while it has its merits, it can be quite difficult to apply in these modern times when young parents like me are exploring "newer" styles of parenting such as responsive parenting and gentle parenting—basically, variants of positive discipline.

Dr. Dobson argues that:

"The best source of guidance for parents can be found in the wisdom or the Judeo-Christian ethic, which originated with the Creator and was handed down generation by generation from the time of Christ."

To him, age-old discipline methods from centuries ago and traditional parenting wisdom passed from our elders, still ring true today.

He claims that "modern" permissive parenting is the root of everything wrong in our current society.

While there are parts that I agree, such as balancing loving kindness and intolerance to any act of deliberate wrongdoing, I beg to defer to his inflexible view on discipline.

There is a reason why "modern" parenting styles surfaced, and that's because traditional discipline methods focus more on corporal punishment rather than respecting the individuality and mental well-being of a child.

On Spanking, Corporal Punishment, and Rewards System

Spanking and Corporal Punishment

As was mentioned, Dr. Dobson underscores the significance of spanking children when disciplining.

While I agree that children should face consequences if an infarction is deliberately made by the child even after several warnings, I do not agree that spanking should be a central part to bending a child to submission.

Several studies have, in fact, supported that corporal punishment has long-term negative effects on individuals. 

Dr. Dobson does emphasize that spanking should be used sparingly and only as a last resort.

He also delineated controlled spanking and child abuse, even emphasizing how a parent who is prone to intense anger should never even spank their child at all costs.

He also added that spanking is not effective when disciplining teenagers and that a different approach should be taken.

Rewards and the Issue of Bribery 

One strong point of this book is that Dr. Dobson has discussed in great length creative ways to reward children and teenagers.

His rewards system methods can be applied both in the home and in school, and can be quite a good resource for teachers.

On the issue of bribery, however, Dr. Dobson emphasizes that rewards are not limited to monetary or other physical things; it can also be as simple as a word of praise, a hug, or a special trip to somewhere a child would enjoy.

He also discussed the best way to apply the rewards system without risking to spoil the child or make it lean towards bribery.

Discipline in Learning and Morality

The Value of Discipline in Learning

Another strong point of Dr. Dobson's view on discipline is how it relates to learning and morality.

He strongly advocates the need to individually assess the IQ of a child in order to better gauge his/her learning.

He also advises against putting a toddler to school way too early and even emphasizes how homeschooling during the early childhood days (before grade school) can be beneficial in molding a child's mental capacity to learn.

He is also against abolishing the grading system, as some schools have implemented, as he believes grading a child can be a good reward system in addition to being a measurement tool.

He does, however, advise that teachers should always grade children according to their individual learning journey (and their IQ level) instead of measuring his/her capabilities according to a generalized grading system. 

A New Dare to Discipline to Uphold Morality

As was mentioned, Dr. Dobson claims that most of society's problems today stem from the lack of discipline.

One issue he discussed in length is the issue of early sex education and media's uncensored promotion of promiscuity and "safe" sex.

He believes that children should be shielded from these, especially when they are still young, and that the introduction of sex education should appropriately be a parent's responsibility—not the school or mass media.

The Verdict

Dr. Dobson's The New Dare to Discipline is a tough read, especially when you're a parent leaning towards a more mindful and positive style of parenting. 

He does express some valid points when it comes to using rewards and the ramifications of lax discipline strategies on learning systems and one's morality.

If you're a parent who likes to do things the traditional way, you will likely enjoy this book.

However, for a parent who would rather explore a more contemporary and gentler way of disciplining your child, this book ''The New Dare to Discipline'' is not the best choice.
October 15, 2019 No comments

 



Thanks to flexible working practices, home offices are becoming increasingly popular.

Many people mistakenly believe that they don’t have the room or budget to create their own home office, but this is not the case.

With a bit of creative thinking and some clever design solutions, you can create a fantastic office in even the smallest of spaces.


Layout Ideas

A well-thought-out layout can make even the smallest space seem like a roomy office.

One way to create the illusion of space is to paint ceilings and walls in light colors, pale pinks, or lilacs, for example.

The right color can also improve your productivity, and research suggests that blue shades can help to make us more productive.

While color is fine if you’re making video calls, a neutral background will look more professional.

Letting in lots of natural light is also a great way of making a room feel “airy” and spacious.

A piece of statement wallpaper, even if it is just a small square behind your desk, can add interest and create the illusion of space without being too distracting.

A plant, even something small like a cactus, can add greenery to the room and gives it a natural feel.

Research also suggests that even a small plant can have a positive impact on our health and well-being.

Alternatively, you can use lighting to create the illusion of natural light and space. A colorful, statement lamp is not only functional but can add interest to an otherwise dull space.

If you’re creating an alcove office, or re-purposing a corner of the hallway, try using paint and flooring changes to zone the space.

Wherever you’re planning on placing your home office, pay attention to outlets. You don’t want to have to climb through a sea of cables to get to your desk.

De-Clutter

Work out what you’ll need, such as a desk, computer, and chair. Including only essential items on this list will help to minimalize clutter.

Research conducted by Harvard shows that a minimalist office can help you to focus for longer.

Make the Most of What You’ve Got

Repurposing items that you already own can save you money.

If you need to purchase new items, look for them in-store discounts. Signing up for store newsletters is also a good idea.

Sometimes, they’ll enclose a handy discount voucher code.

Design Solutions Can Save Space

When looking for furniture, consider how much space you actually need.

If you’re only using a laptop, you’ll be fine with a small desk.

Today, home office desks are available in a range of styles. This means you’ll find something that fits perfectly into your home.

Built-in desks and furniture are great, space-saving solutions.

For example, a drop-down or pull-out desk can be concealed within kitchen joinery.

Not only can this be cleared away when it isn’t in use, but you can also use it to supervise the kids as they do their homework.

Of course, you’ll also need an office chair.

While you’ll want something small enough to fit into your office space, it should also be comfortable.

Many home office chairs are now foldable, meaning that you can tidy them away at the end of the day.

Dual function items, such as a printer with a built-in scanner, will take up far less room than having both a printer and a scanner.

Shelving units with built-in organizers can also help you save space, as well as money, in the long run. Shelving is also a great way to make the most of any vertical space.

Tall bookcases and wall mounted storage can also help to keep the floor clutter-free. This helps create an illusion of space.


October 09, 2019 No comments

 



Lately, I've had a few friends who asked me about my homebased job.

I'm not a freelancing ninja, like some people I admire like Jason Dulay, but I do have an interesting story to share that might help other moms (or non-parents) who would like to start working from home.

So here it goes, my story of how I started freelancing as a writer (and some tips to give you an idea!) and how I became a full-time homebased worker with a salary that's more than good enough to support a small family.

This is a long post, by the way, so better bookmark this in case you need more time to read it in its entirety :)



1. How I Started My Freelancing Journey

I was fresh out of college when I learned about online writing and blogging through my best friend, Jan Hilado.

Equipped with a laptop and a Globe Tattoo prepaid internet stick, I was so eager to start working online and earning money, even with such mediocre equipment (back then, computer specs and internet speed weren't even a requirement for online jobs).

Setting Up My oDesk Account to Get Jobs

In 2011, oDesk was the most popular freelancing platform (freelancing platform is like a Mynimo or JobStreet for remote jobs).

I signed up for an account, and then started applying for jobs. 

When I signed up on oDesk, I had to learn how to evaluate my skills and strengths so that I would know which jobs were most suitable for me.

It was also key to creating an attractive freelancer profile (a freelancer profile is your online resume). 

In my case, I've always had a love for writing, and the only "experience" I had was writing on my diary and contributing to the school paper (I was not even a staff), so you could say I was totally inexperienced.

But that didn't stop me from getting an online job.

To be honest, I only got a few jobs through oDesk, mostly SEO content writing jobs (content writing means writing website articles, usually company blogs).

I started at a very low rate at $1 per 500 words! But I didn't have any idea that that was a low rate, and I was still building my portfolio, so~

Discovering Other Freelancing Platforms: OnlineJobs.ph

As the years went by, I realized that the oDesk fees were taking such a big dent from my earnings (on top of the PayPal fees).

What's more is that oDesk is now called UpWork, and it has so many "premium" features now that would require you to shell out money in order for you to make the most out of it.


So I opted to find freelance work elsewhere. 

I didn't try other freelancing platforms, simply because I know they get a huge chunk out of your earnings, but I found OnlineJobs.ph to be the exception.

I like it best because there aren't any fees and you can be hired directly by employers, so you get to earn more. 

The downside with being directly hired outside of a freelancing platform is that, there's a bigger chance that you can be scammed (i.e., not getting paid for the work you've done).

So far, however, I've only been scammed once, and that was only a week's worth of work.

Setting Up My PayPal Account to Get Paid

Back to my 2011 story. I then set up a PayPal account so that I can get paid.

From a freelancer perspective, PayPal is basically a payment platform where overseas employers can pay you, and then you receive the money through PayPal and withdraw your earnings straight to your back account.

To set up a personal account on PayPal, you only need to have:

  • your personal information
  • your bank account details
  • for verification purposes (verification is a step needed on PayPal so that account restrictions, such as withdrawal limits, are lifted), a credit card (not a prepaid credit card) or UnionBank EON card (which is easier to acquire than a traditional credit card).

Handy guides:

  • How to Set Up a Personal PayPal Account
  • How to Get or Apply a UnionBank EON Card

I suggest you do your own research using Google to learn more about this.

As a freelancer, you need to learn how to be self-reliant and resourceful because, as I learned from my experience, not everything will be laid out for you and you have to use the power of Google to learn things :-)

Photo by Startup Stock Photos from Pexels

2. Freelancing while Working Full-Time as an Office Worker

For a long time, I was mainly an office-based employee working full-time, while working freelance when I come back home from work. 

So you may ask, what do you mean by freelance?

Freelance means that you work as an independent contractor; in other words, you are self-employed. This also means that your work isn't permanent.

You may work part-time (around 2 to 4 hours per day) or project-based (just until the project is done).

But most of the time, if you're a freelancer, you have flexible work hours as long as you submit your deliverables on time.

Being a freelancer also means that you don't have benefits; SSS, PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG, and taxes will be shouldered by you.

Since I was already employed back then, I didn't have to worry about any of those :-)

For those wondering how to pay for your taxes as a freelancer, you can refer to the following guides:

  • How Freelancers can have an ITR in the Philippines
  • Complete BIR Taxation Guide for Self-Employed and Freelancers
Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush from Pexels

3. Learning the Ropes with No Formal Training

In my years of freelancing, I picked up a number of skills: SEO content writing, product review writing, web content writing, marketing copywriting, social media management, and many more.

All these I learned without any formal training.

As I mentioned, it's crucial to be self-reliant and resourceful if you are to become a homebased worker.

There are, of course, free and paid trainings to learn various skills that are relevant to remote work, but then again, formal training is not really that necessary.

While getting formal training can give you an edge over the competition, in my opinion, what matters most is your willingness to learn and having a can-do attitude—and this means having serious Googling skills.

You can learn a lot through Google Search. And some employers are also more than willing enough to train you or give you time to learn the ropes as you go.

If you do want to have formal training, I suggest enrolling to Jason Dulay's VA Bootcamp. 

I haven't tried, but I'm an active (though silent reader) in their Facebook group, FreeLancers In the Philippines (FLIP) - by Jason Dulay.

(And NO, I wasn't paid to endorse him. I just feel like he has great authority in giving helpful trainings for aspiring homebased workers.)

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels

4. Getting More Clients Outside of Freelancing Sites

As I mentioned, I wasn't a big fan of oDesk/UpWork. Outside of freelancing platforms, I got more writing gigs through referrals from friends.

LinkedIn was also a surprising social media site that I didn't expect I could get remote work from, but I did.

And Facebook was a game-changer for me. Through groups on Facebook, there's a treasure trove of online job opportunities where you can be hired directly. Here are Facebook groups that I suggest:

  • Online Filipino Freelancers
  • FreeLancers In the Philippines (FLIP) - by Jason Dulay
  • Freelance Jobs Philippines
  • Filipino Freelancer Online Home Based Job (Upwork, Elance, oDesk etc)
  • For writers: Freelance Writers Philippines

It was on Facebook, in fact, that I was hired by my current employer, which brings us to the last part of my story.


5. Finding a Stable Homebased Job and Working Remotely Full-Time

I started working as a part-time writer for my current employer, a digital marketing company, in 2015.

For two years, I was on a freelancer status (meaning that I didn't have employee benefits). I did, however, get a constant stream of workload and a generous monthly pay.

In 2017, I got married and had a baby. Since I've always wanted to be a hands-on mother, my husband and I decided that I quit my office job and start working from home. 

It wasn't an easy decision to make, and we had to consider a lot of things, but I was fortunate enough to have a boss who was so kind to offer me a full-time homebased job, complete with statutory government benefits and a flexible work schedule :-)

Read: 5 Things to Consider Before Deciding to Become a Work-at-Home Mom (WAHM)

Since then, I became a remote employee—which means that I have a fixed monthly salary, I work 40 hours per week, and that my employer handles my taxes and other government-related stuff (SSS, PhilHealth, and PAG-IBIG).

All these in the comfort of our own home.

I also maintain a couple of freelance copyediting jobs from time to time.

It also pays well, provides flexible work hours, and offers quite a manageable workload that doesn't interfere with my full-time job nor my time for my family.

And that, folks, is how I became a work-at-home mom :-)

Closing Note

Working from home definitely has its benefits, the main one being not having to deal with lengthy commutes and heavy traffic.

But it also has its fair share of downsides—the first one on the list: today's fierce competition in the freelancing space.

My general advice is that you don't jump off ship immediately.

Try applying for part-time online jobs first, if time permits, and test the waters.

Homebased work is not for everyone, and it's not that easy to become successful.

Remember: All good things take time. If it's easy to achieve, it's also easy to lose. Just be patient and never lose your determination as you navigate the turbulent waters of online work.

September 17, 2019 No comments
Newer Posts
Older Posts

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Kristenne, misis to Jerome and mommy to Kitty. I'm a work-at-home mom, writer, and editor. Learn more about what my blog is in the About page. If you'd like to work with me, or you have other questions and concerns, please feel free to contact me.



Follow Us

INTERESTING TOPICS

BABY CARE BABY TALK BLOGGING BREASTFEEDING BUDGET CAREER CEBU BLOGGER FAMILY THREE HOME AND LIVING LIEBSTER AWARD MARRIAGE MOM BLOG MOMMY BLOGGER MOMMY TALK MONEY TALK MOTHERHOOD ONE AND DONE ONLY CHILD PARENTING PARENTING BOOK REVIEW PHILIPPINES POTTY TRAINING PREGNANCY PRODUCT REVIEWS TRIANGLE FAMILY WEDDING

recent posts

FOLLOW ME @INSTAGRAM

Created with by ThemeXpose Shared by Way Templates