Life in the Philippines is hard. While there has been good news lately that our unemployment rates have been steadily going down bit by bit, the reality is that the pay we need for the lifestyles we want just doesn’t match what we actually make. So, how do we get around this? We make more money.
Earning money in this day and age is much more flexible in terms of what you can do to earn an honest living. For the majority who don’t have generational wealth, a job — whether part-time or full-time — is still the way to go. You’d be surprised at what counts as a job these days because, let’s be real, most of these jobs didn’t even exist back then!
A Personal Journey Into Online Teaching (ESL)
Earlier this year, I was employed but looking for a way to augment my salary. My job’s pay was only enough to survive but not to live. All I had was a good understanding of the English language, fast internet (thanks to streaming), and a lot of time on my hands. That’s when I discovered online teaching, specifically ESL or English as a Second Language work.
The platform I applied on was helpful in preparing me for my slots, but unfortunately, despite all those tireless mornings and evenings, nobody ever booked my schedule. Thankfully, all’s well that ends well because I got a different job that paid enough to compensate for both my old job and the side gig. But what if I had kept grinding?
I touched on ESL slightly there, but let’s expand on it a bit. Where could you try ESL, and is it even hard to become an ESL teacher? Realistically, applying to be an ESL teacher isn’t as hard as it seems, especially if it’s an online position.
If you’ve worked from home during the pandemic or have WFH BPO experience, consider ESL as something you could do on the side. Usual requirements include a good headset with a microphone (depending on the organization’s requirements), decent internet speeds, a quiet environment, and a webcam. If you’ve worked from home or had a remote job during the pandemic, you probably already have these lying around. If you’re worried about things like pronunciation or vocabulary, these are skills you can practice and improve online!
As for where to look for ESL work, there are multiple options available. Online platforms like RareJob, Engoo, Cambly, and Preply are good places to start. There are even in-person institutions where you can teach ESL. For these, you can find opportunities on job-hunting sites like LinkedIn, JobStreet, or even in relevant Facebook Groups.
Virtual Assistant (VA) Work: The Modern Secretary
Apart from ESL, another line of work I could’ve opted for — if the stars had aligned — would have been Virtual Assistant (VA) work. VA work is one occupation that didn’t really blow up until recently, especially during the pandemic. It allowed many people to enjoy the benefits of working from home even before the pandemic started. While it definitely has high-income potential, there are some challenges to consider, like being an independent contractor and not necessarily having regular benefits.
Workloads and responsibilities vary depending on who you ask, especially since there are also Remote Workers — people who just work remotely but aren’t necessarily VAs. But at its core, VA work is all about assisting whoever you’re assigned to, whether it’s a CEO or another employee at the company. Tasks might include arranging calendars, managing social media content, or even attending to CEO requests, to name a few.
It’s somewhat difficult to pinpoint how one even prepares for VA work. But like ESL, a good internet connection is a must. The device and other equipment depend on the employer. Sometimes, employers provide laptops, tablets, or phones, but more often than not, you’ll need to use your own device.
If you’re looking for VA work, Upwork is one of the most notable platforms. Fiverr is more focused on specific services you can offer as an employee. Reddit can also provide leads, but given the local job scene in the Philippines, Facebook groups with good networking opportunities are a step in the right direction.
“Greatness at Any Cost”: The Story of Senyorito Jake De Leon
Sometimes, if you really want something, you have to take fate into your own hands and make it happen. The grind may be long and tiresome, but as the Magic: The Gathering card “Dark Confidant” says, “Greatness at any cost.”
That’s Senyorito Jake De Leon, a professional wrestler for PUSO Wrestling. In a photo captured by Delight 37:4, he’s seen locking Zack Sabre Jr. — widely considered one of the best technical wrestlers in the world — in a submission hold. You’re probably wondering how he got there. Honestly, I ask myself that too.
You’d think wrestling the best in the world would be a lucrative career. And if you grew up watching WWE, you’d probably think the same. You see these celebrities with endorsements like it’s no big deal. With the upcoming update to the Netflix library, they’re sure to secure that bag. But that’s not the case for our Filipino hero.
The Business Behind The Wrestling Dream
Like most Filipinos, Jake had to augment his income — not only to survive but also to live out his passions. To earn a consistent income for living expenses, training, and traveling for wrestling gigs outside the Philippines (like his appearance at Singapore Pro Wrestling’s “Champions Never Yield 3” show), Jake De Leon (JDL) does social media marketing and business development for a foreign brand.
Now, if you’ve read this far, you’re probably thinking, “How does this all connect?” The thing is, while JDL’s job may sound traditional, it’s actually one of those jobs that emerged with the shift in the marketing landscape. When he graduated, social media marketing was just beginning to take shape, so there were no proper references for it. It’s difficult to learn things on the fly, but he persevered, and look where he is now!
He even applied what he learned from social media marketing to his wrestling social media profiles, which helped him land sponsorships too!
Before I ended my conversation with JDL, I asked him if he thought the resources available today made it easier to prepare for and qualify for newer jobs. He agreed, saying there are now more references available online. With the right mentor and enough diligence, the sky’s the limit on what you can achieve and where you can go.
The Road Ahead: Embracing The Change in Jobs
Life may be difficult, especially in a developing country like ours, but things are looking up if you know where to look. Unemployment rates are going down, employment rates are going up, and new job opportunities have opened up thanks to technology.
If you feel like there’s nothing for you, do some research and be diligent. Even if you don’t think something is a “real” job, it might actually be one after all.
A Parting Invitation
Check out Senyorito Jake De Leon and other Filipino pro wrestlers at PUSO Wrestling. While job hunting can be frustrating and even demoralizing, watching a good show can definitely lift your spirits.
With free shows on their Facebook page — and great ones at that — it wouldn’t hurt to tune in!
