For many Filipinos, the dream of working abroad has long been a cherished aspiration.
Whether due to promises of better opportunities, higher salaries, or simply a desire for a change of scenery, the opportunity to work abroad was particularly attractive.
In fact, according to a SWS survey in April 2023, 2 out of 10 Filipinos want to work abroad and the other percentage are already working overseas.
However, in recent years, this dream has changed significantly as more and more Filipinos have turned their eyes to working online as a virtual staff.
Currently, there are 1.5 million Filipinos who are registered to different digital banks or payment gateways such as Gcash and Payoneer which are commonly used platforms to accept international payments.
What factors have contributed to the shift in the Filipino dream from working abroad to pursuing online employment?
Economic Opportunities
The pursuit of economic opportunities stands as a central pillar in the Filipino dream to work online. In a country where traditional job markets are often oversaturated and fiercely competitive, the emergence of online work represents a beacon of hope for many Filipinos seeking to earn a livelihood.
In 2022, the average monthly salary for time-rated workers working full-time in 193 tracked employment across 72 selected industries was PhP 18,423 ($330.08).
As a result, Filipino workers are increasingly gravitating towards online employment opportunities, drawn by the promise of higher wages, diverse job options, and the chance to work with international clients and companies.
Work-Life Balance As a Virtual Staff
In the Philippines, traditional employment may involve long commutes and demanding schedules that could conflict with personal time and commitments to family.
Transitioning to online work offers Filipinos the freedom to design their own schedules and work from the comfort of their own homes or preferred locations.
This freedom allows Filipinos to choose priorities for their time based on what they need, be it taking care of kids or elderly family members, doing housework, going back to school, or following personal interests and hobbies.
Moreover, the elimination of daily commutes associated with traditional jobs contributes to better work-life balance.
In essence, the promise of flexibility and work-life balance inherent in online work appeals to the aspirations of Filipinos seeking greater autonomy and control over their lives.
By embracing online employment opportunities, individuals can achieve a harmonious balance between their professional responsibilities and personal aspirations, leading to improved satisfaction, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Global Connectivity
Working online offers Filipinos the opportunity to connect with clients and employers from around the globe.
In an increasingly interconnected world, this global connectivity opens doors to a diverse range of job opportunities and collaborations.
Filipinos can leverage their skills and expertise to serve clients from different countries, expanding their horizons and broadening their professional networks in the process.
Here are some roles and tasks that Filipinos are known to excel at:
Customer Service: Filipinos are well-suited for customer service positions because of their well-known warmth and friendliness.
Virtual Assistance: Filipinos make good virtual assistants because of their solid knowledge of the English language and their expertise in a variety of administrative chores.
Content Creation: Filipinos are excellent content developers because they have a natural ability for creativity and storytelling. Filipinos are capable of creating interesting and captivating content that connects with viewers, whether they are writing blog articles, creating multimedia materials, or curating social media content.
Digital Marketing: Filipinos are significant assets in the field of digital marketing because they have a thorough knowledge of its principles and strategies.
Technical Support: Due to their capacity for troubleshooting and problem-solving, Filipinos are well-suited for positions requiring technological support.
Overcoming Geographic Barriers
According to IFAD, more than half of the Philippines’s 100 million people are residing in rural areas or provinces with limited job opportunities.
This is one of the reasons why online work serves as a beacon of hope for economic empowerment. In a country where urban centers often monopolize employment opportunities, individuals in remote locations face significant challenges in finding gainful employment.
Online employment, on the other hand, has broken down these geographical boundaries and provided a lifeline for people residing in underprivileged areas.
This opens the door to a world of opportunities for Filipinos regardless of their location. No longer constrained by the need to relocate or commute long distances, individuals can now access a diverse array of job prospects right from the comfort of their homes.
In conclusion, working online has become a cherished dream for many Filipinos, and for good reason. The allure of economic opportunities, flexibility, global connectivity, and the ability to overcome geographic barriers has transformed online work into a beacon of hope for Filipinos seeking to improve their quality of life.
With competitive offers and the ability to showcase their skills on a global stage, Filipinos are embracing their online jobs with dedication and commitment.
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