The Freelance Writing Dream: Is It Real for Filipinos?
Let’s face it, we’ve all had that moment. Sitting in traffic, sweating through another Manila rush hour, thinking, There’s gotta be a better way. For many Filipinos, freelance writing looks like that better way. But is it really?
I remember when I first started. My tita kept asking, Bakit hindi ka nalang mag-BPO? (Why don’t you just work in a call center?) It’s a fair question. The stable paycheck is tempting. But something in my gut said there was more out there.
The Filipino Edge in Freelance Writing
Here’s the thing: As Filipinos, we’ve got some secret weapons in the freelance writing world.
1. English Proficiency
We grow up with English everywhere. It’s like we’re marinated in it. That’s a huge advantage when most clients are from English-speaking countries.
2. Cultural Adaptability
We’re like chameleons. We can write about Thanksgiving like we’ve been eating turkey our whole lives, then switch to cricket like we’re die-hard fans. It’s our superpower.
3. Work Ethic
Let’s be real, we hustle hard. It’s in our DNA. Clients notice and appreciate it.
The Roadblocks: It’s Not All Sunshine and Lechon
But let’s not sugar-coat it. This path has its share of potholes:
1. Time Zone Tango
Ever had a client call at 2 AM? Yeah, it’s not fun. But it’s part of the game.
2. Payment Puzzles
PayPal fees eating into your earnings? Clients who think $5 for a 1000-word article is generous? Welcome to the club.
3. Family Friction
Anak, kailan ka mag-aasawa? (Child, when are you getting married?) Try explaining to your parents that you’re building a career, not just playing on the computer.
Leveling Up: From Survival to Success
So how do you go from scraping by to actually thriving? Here’s what worked for me:
1. Niche Down
I used to write about everything from pet care to cryptocurrency. But when I focused on tech writing, things changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t just another writer. I was the tech guy.
2. Build Your Brand
Start a blog. Get on LinkedIn. Share your work. It’s like planting seeds. It feels pointless at first, but give it time. Those seeds grow into opportunities.
3. Never Stop Learning
Take courses. Read books. Follow industry leaders. The more you know, the more valuable you become.
The Filipino Freelance Writer’s Toolkit
Here are some tools that’ll make your life easier:
1. Grammarly
It’s like having a strict English teacher looking over your shoulder, but in a good way.
2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Say goodbye to ridiculous bank fees when getting paid in foreign currency.
3. A Good VPN
Because sometimes, clients want writers from specific countries. A VPN lets you be digitally anywhere.
The Reality Check
Look, I’m not going to tell you it’s easy. There were nights I questioned everything, staring at my laptop screen, wondering if I should just give up and apply to that call center job.
But here’s the truth: If you stick with it, if you push through those tough times, it gets better. Way better.
Today, I work from my favorite coffee shop in Makati. I set my own hours. I choose my clients. And yeah, I make more than I ever would have in a traditional job.
Is it for everyone? No. But if you’ve got the passion and the perseverance, there’s a real path here. A path to not just surviving, but thriving as a Filipino freelance writer.
So, what do you say? Ready to write your own success story?
