What to do, self?
An article about how I started my freelancing journey during this pandemic.
During the Start of the pandemic, we didn't think much about how it will shake our lives big time - at least for me.
Start of the pandemic
The first few weeks and months were good - I can say for myself. I resigned from my job then I got the chance to improve my cooking and baking skills while staying at home. Cooked and baked a lot of things. Especially those suggested by the 5-minute Crafts or BuzzFeed Food.
Cloudy mind
From the height of doing my long-time wants (Freedom, cooking, baking, reading books that I bought a long time ago, ordering stuff that I don't really need online, and playing games), overthinking and anxiety started to enter the scene. I feel lost. I doubt myself. I felt like what was I doing? I'm missing my chances.
Realization
I resigned to the job where I get to sustain my living and enjoyed those things – my so-called "leisure time", I've realized that what I'm doing won't do any good for my future. I like baking but I didn't see it as my profession – the same goes with others. Build a small shop online, taking care of my nephew, and managing my mom's business. From all of that, nothing suits my cravings for self-improvement.
New Start
My friend who's a Virtual Assistant introduce me to the world of freelancing - what he's doing and what it's all about. I thought the "freelancing" was meant for the photographers only. He said that why shouldn't I try freelancing while I'm still figuring things so at least while I'm still not decided over things – I get to improve some of my skills and learn new things. The same day, I was browsing my news feed on Facebook and I saw an ad from the Filipino Virtual Assistance Facebook Page about their promo for their online courses.
Decided
I’ve checked almost all of their posts and accounts to verify their legitimacy (as a newbie or anyone if you want to purchase or get a service online – be vigilant and meticulous), and found out that it is indeed a legit site. Shows and proves a lot of results and have an admirable owner - for being so busy and yet doing and accomplishing a lot of things in one body (which I can't imagine myself handling those responsibilities). I was so excited to try it. It boosted my drive to try new things and improve myself. I suddenly have a purpose. It feels like the Lord had answered my prayers and gave it o me as a present right before my eyes and all I have to do is to open it so I did – I reserved my slot!
Learnings
While doing the coaching session's I realized that - THIS IS IT. THIS IS FOR ME. Also, I've realized that It's not that easy as I thought. Working abroad with no traffic - I can't imagine myself traveling from one place to another with at least a 2-hour traveling time. Call me overreacting but I'm sure that that that would be the feeling of someone who worked abroad. Finding it hard to adjust to the changes and differences. Here are the top 5 of my realizations and learnings while finishing the course.
First - you need to focus on what you are doing. Just because you are on it doesn't mean you already did it.
Second - Just because you have what you need, you'll feel at ease. Push yourself to do better - if not, best!
Third - it is hard to do all of the things you need to do if you won't have proper time management. Especially if you have a lot on your plate.
Forth - Just because you are enrolled in an online class doesn't mean you can't be friends with your classmates. I'm a shy type of person so I appreciate my classmates' initiative and efforts in creating a group chat where we can ask things that we are confused about or stuck with the lesson. Most especially - the kind and encouraging words that they are giving.
Fifth - It will all be down to YOU. How you will take all the chances that the Lord gave you. Will you make the most out of it or you'll just take it and do nothing. Courage is not enough, you also need a lot of dedication - dedication to improve yourself.
Also, don't forget to thank and gave it all to the Lord. What ever you are doing and going through, He listen's and knows what we need. I'll leave one of my favorite verse here for you.
I'm leaving the FVA Consultancy Academy 's website for you to check the available courses you can choose from.
How about you? How was your pandemic journey so far? Contact me and let's talk about it. Feel free to contact me as well for freelancing services.
Lastly, keep on improving yourself, but don't forget to take care of your body too. It's okay to pause and slow down. You can check Matt D'Avella's video about it too. One of my faves too :)