The Most Common Homebased Jobs For Newbies
The Philippines is the 6th fastest growing market for freelancers in 2019, according to the Global Gig Economy Index by Payoneer – an online Payment platform. And true enough, freelancing gigs and home-based jobs online are gradually becoming more common in the Philippines.
More and more Filipinos who aspire to lead a more balanced but rewarding lifestyle now turn online for income-earning opportunities. Whether you just want to have a side hustle or you’re a mom who wants to work from home with their kids, it’s worth knowing that this is now a viable option.
If you don’t know where to begin, these common home-based jobs are some of the best starting points to propel yourself away from that 9-5 job culture into the world of freelancing and remote work!
1. General virtual assistant
One of the most common remote work that doesn’t require a specific degree. The role of a virtual assistant (VA) is broad – it can range from simple office tasks like administrative tasks, schedule managements, creating presentations, and handling your boss’s emails, managing social media accounts and more complex digital marketing roles. It’s going to depend on the industry or business that needs the VA – it can be virtually anything.
When applying for a VA, just think of it as a secretarial job but only through the internet. And sometimes, for more high caliber VA needs, basic technical skills may be needed to at least navigate through different CRM platforms and tools that may be necessary for the business.
This job can be easy, but you must first understand your limitations as a VA and apply for one that will match with your real-world skills.
Scope of responsibilty
- Administrative work
- Data entry
- Managing calendars
- Schedule meetings
- Some Photoshop or design tasks
- Some social media marketing
- E-commerce
- Some writing work (business emails, presentations, report, etc)
- Making and answering phone calls
- Create presentations
A VA’s job is a mix of these things, some may be applicable and some aren’t. One thing’s for sure though, working as a VA means being a jack-of-all-trades – you provide the assistance that your boss may need.
Basic skills needed
- English communication skills – written and oral
- MS office skills – word, PowerPoint, excel
- Email and project management
- Familiarity with social media and digital marketing
Minimum qualification
While a degree related to the industry that the VA is engaged in is an advantage, it isn’t necessary. Most employers will overlook this as long as the VA possesses the skills required by the client.
Range: ₱20,000 to ₱100,000
Average monthly rate: ₱35,000
Average hourly rate: ₱150 to ₱200 ($3 to $4)
Where to apply for a virtual assistant job?
- Upwork.com
- Onlinejobs.ph
- Myoutdesk.ph
- Cyberbacker.ph
2. Customer service representative
With the popularity of call centers in the Philippines, freelancing sites/ remote work sites have also taken a slice of the BPO pie. However, offshore companies who hire home based CSRs are usually SMEs that are looking to regulate their customer support budget. Since these businesses will employ directly, not through a BPO company, remote workers can usually get a better rate and compensation than working in call centers.
Homebased CSRs basically do the same role as call center agents in BPO, minus the daily commute and strict company policies. The qualification is basically the same as in any call centers, but the educational background will not be necessary. The only challenge in this type of home based work is the competition online.
Scope of responsibility
- Respond to customers inquiries
- Troubleshoot or solve product or service related issues encountered by customers – live chat, phone, or email
- Hit the company’s customer satisfaction rate target
Basic skills needed
- English communication skills – written and oral
- Computer savvy
Minimum qualification
- No specific degree is required but preferred
- TEOFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificates
Range: ₱20,000 to ₱40,000
Average monthly rate: ₱30,000
Average hourly rate: ₱150 to ₱250 ($3 to $6)
Where to apply for a homebased customer service job?
- Upwork.com
- Onlinejobs.ph
3. Online English teacher / English as first language (ESL) teacher
ESL has been around in the Philippines for quite a long time now. Due to our fluency in the English language, non-English speaking Asian countries like Japan and South Korea have been tapping the Philippines to aid them in learning the language.
With the aid of the internet, ESL learning is increasingly being offered online providing unlimited opportunities for both non-English speaking students and ESL teachers. Filipinos are among the qualified and preferred teachers commonly hired, together with other English speaking nations like the USA, UK, Canada, and India.
ESL instructors specialize in teaching English as a Second Language or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). ESL instructors typically teach classes in elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and universities. While many high paying ESL jobs may require a specific degree, generally it isn’t required to get this job. However, in recent years qualifications like TESOL, TOEFL, and even IELTS have become more common, probably due to their vast availability now online.
Scope of responsibility
- Preparing lesson plans in accordance with students’ learning needs
- Designing and presenting educational material
- Tailoring lessons to accommodate differences in learning style and speed
- Evaluating students’ progress
- Preparing and disseminating progress reports at regular intervals
- Remaining knowledgeable about and respectful of cultural differences within the classroom
- Assisting students with their technical difficulties, where possible
Basic skills needed
- English communication skills – written and oral
- Computer savvy
Minimum qualification
No specific degree is required, however, certifications like TOEFL and TESOL are compulsory by most ESL companies. These can be acquired simultaneously while teaching as part of its requirement are teaching hours.
Range: ₱20,000 to ₱45,000
Average monthly rate: ₱30,000
Average hourly rate: ₱100 to ₱250 ($2 to $5)
Where to apply for an ESL job?
- Acadsoc.ph
- Rarejob.com.ph
- 51talk.ph
- Bibo.com
4. Telemarketer / Appointment Setter
Just like customer service jobs, telemarketing jobs are no longer just offered in BPOs – they are now in the free market of freelancing and home-based jobs online. Depending on the company or client that you will be working with, you’ll be making outbound calls to generate leads or sales. It’s still an extra challenging job, but it’s extremely rewarding when you really do it right. Other than your basic salary, you’ll also earn commissions for every successful appointment or sale or lead that you generate.
Scope of responsibility
- Generate leads or sale through cold calling
- Create reports
- Prospecting customers and clients
Basic skills needed
- English communication skills – written and oral
- Computer savvy
Minimum qualification
No specific degree is required, but work experience in call centers either as CSR or telemarketing will be an advantage.
Range: ₱20,000 to ₱40,000
Average monthly rate: ₱30,000
Average hourly rate: ₱150 to ₱250 ($3 to $5)
Commission: can go up to ₱20,000 or more depending on the client.
Where to apply for a home based telemarketing job?
- Upwork.com
- Onlinejobs.ph
- Easyoutsource.com
Unlike a regular office job, remote or home-based work opportunities don’t really have a clear cut academic qualification for many roles, most of the time. This is both an advantage and a challenge, especially for newbies. The key is to focus your efforts finding homebased jobs that are aligned with certain roles and responsibilities you’ve had in the past, it doesn’t need to be an exact match of your job title.
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