Shifting Industry

What is it like to be in a different world?

Shifting industry is a very tough decision, easy to get discouraged and indulge different questions in your head that say...

How am I going to apply for this job?

Am I ready to be a freelancer?

I'm a newbie, with no background in the virtual world.

But when the pandemic hits globally, I had to stand out amid the uncertainties brought by lack of experience. I conducted research, read articles, watched YouTube videos, and enrolled in a freelancing course by Filipino Virtual Assistance (FVA) Academy. I'm able to develop new skills and learned different online tools and applications. These include approval of my profile at various freelancing sites (Upwork and OnlineJobs.ph), and utilization of HubSpot, Canva, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn). FVA Academy helped us, students, to acquire and master new skills, and be able to land the right job opportunity.

Changes are inevitable. But the question is, how do you transition? Here are some tips you can follow to make the shift successful.

1. Feel no shame and treat it as a steady battle.

Switching from different industries cannot happen overnight. You don't have to feel bad but take it as an advantage and embrace the process step-by-step. As you slowly build your portfolio and gain reviews from your clients, you have to plan ahead and continuously upgrade your knowledge and skills.

2. Be economically prepared.

Working full-time as an employee, you enjoy all the perks of health, social, and dental benefits plus incentives and bonuses. So you have to save up before you quit

3. Identify your niche.

You have to research and highlight your strengths when deciding what opportunity you will take. You can use your previous job description and adopt it to online freelancing. Once done, you have to prepare and constantly perfecting your pitch for future partnerships, which later on will help you decide on your fee.

4. Create your space and stay organized.

Set aside a place at home to be productive. Put all materials together by subject to make them easier to access. Remove all clutters and make yourself distraction-free and comfortable.

5. Have a to-do-list.

List down your priorities for the day. Set pockets of time to complete your tasks and make sure you stick to your schedule.

6. Have a work-life balance.

Give yourself enough time to walk away from your computer screen and phone. Take breaks and have proper time management.

Going to freelancing is an exciting experience but you have to keep in mind that there will be an adjustment period. You have to be in control and upkeep your act of balancing everything. Practice patience and always keep in mind your reasons for making the switch.