Posts

Freelancers, Take Note: Does a US Client's Invite and Sponsorship Guarantee Your Tourist Visa?

Image
You're a Filipino freelancer and your U.S. client just dropped the big news—they want you to visit Stateside. Exciting, right? Many freelancers are finding themselves in this very position. But here's the kicker. An invitation or even a sponsorship from your U.S. client isn't your golden ticket to a tourist visa. Contrary to popular belief, that email invite is just one piece of the puzzle. So what's the actual key to unlocking that coveted U.S. tourist visa? It's all about proving you have strong ties to your homeland, the Philippines. This shows you're not someone who will commit visa fraud.  Dive deeper with us as we unravel why it's particularly challenging for Filipinos to secure that U.S. tourist visa. Why It's Tough for Filipinos to Get a U.S. Tourist Visa Let's take a step back and understand why getting a U.S. tourist visa is often a hurdle for Filipinos. Trust me, the process isn't designed to be difficult just for the sake of it. First

The Endearing Legacy of Matthew Perry: Celebrating the Man Behind the Laughs

Image
When news broke of Matthew Perry’s passing, it felt like a punch to the gut. It’s strange how someone I’ve never met could have such a profound impact on my life. But that’s the magic of television and the art of acting.  For years, during my ups and downs, I turned to “FRIENDS” for comfort. And more often than not, Chandler Bing’s sarcastic quips and perfectly timed jokes pulled me out of a funk. As I sit down to pen this tribute, I can’t help but think of all the times Chandler, and by extension Matthew Perry, felt like a real-life friend. He made me laugh through the screen when I thought I’d forgotten how.  Today, I want to celebrate the man behind my favorite character and the laughter he brought into so many of our lives. The Birth of an Icon: Chandler Bing Chandler Bing wasn’t just another character on a TV show. He was an experience, a phenomenon, if you will. From the very first episodes of “FRIENDS,” it became clear that Chandler was different. He had sharp wit, dry humor, an

Invest In Success: Why Upwork Fees are a Freelancer’s Stepping Stone

Image
In the early days of my freelancing journey, I too saw Upwork fees as a bitter pill to swallow. The deduction from my hard-earned income seemed more like a penalty than anything else. However, as I delved deeper into the freelancing world, my views began to evolve. This article unfolds a new perspective, aiming to shift the lens through which you might see Upwork fees. It's not about an expense that nibbles on your earnings, but an investment that lays down a pathway for a flourishing freelancing career. I aim to unravel how Upwork, with its structured platform, paves the way for showcasing your skills, building a robust work history, and accumulating reviews that become your freelance reputation's cornerstone. Setting the Stage: Upwork's Platform Imagine stepping into a bustling global marketplace, where opportunities to showcase your talent are aplenty. That’s Upwork for you. It’s not just a platform; it's a community where freelancers and clients come together to cre

Why Common Sense Is Often Overlooked but Essential in Freelancing

Image
Have you ever wondered why some freelancers handle projects like pros while others fumble? You’d think it’s all technical skill, but often, it’s just common sense. This idea hit me during a chat with a fellow freelancer. He was puzzled by the lack of common sense he saw in new freelancers—evident from the questions they posted on Facebook groups. Why does this matter? Because common sense is more uncommon than you’d think, but it’s a cornerstone for freelancing success. This blog won’t just be me talking; we’ll include thoughts from Jamie, JC, Nilan, and Jay. So, stick around, and let’s crack the code on why common sense is your freelancing superpower! Audience Insights: What Do People Think? I threw a question on Facebook to spice things up and bring more viewpoints into the mix. I was curious to hear from my friends and former colleagues, who bring various experiences. So, what did they have to say? Jamie’s Perspective : Jamie leans toward the idea that teaching common sense is diffi

Can You Still 'Fake It Till You Make It' in 2023's Cutthroat Freelance Market? Truth Revealed!

Image
" Fake it till you make it. "  We've all heard the saying, usually thrown around in self-help circles or perhaps as some whispered career advice from a well-meaning relative. Once upon a time, the unwritten code saw many freelancers ascend from humble beginnings to towering heights of professional glory. But the question that looms as we navigate the trenches hyper-competitive freelance market is: Can you still pull it off in 2023? Gone are the days when you could merely put together a portfolio overnight and count on landing a few naive clients willing to give you a shot. Today, clients are savvier than ever, equipped with tools and metrics to scrutinize every claim you make. In a world awash with options, they can afford to be choosy—and they are. So, is the age-old tactic of faking your way to success a relic of the past, or does it still hold water in today's cutthroat freelance arena? Strap in. We're diving deep to unravel the truth in a landscape where impos

How to Evade Freelancer Burnout in 2023: Unplugging in an Always-Online World

Image
I get it. The typical advice for freelancers to avoid burnout is as stale as last week's bread. You've heard it all—set boundaries, take breaks, find work-life balance. But let's face it, that doesn't scratch the surface of what's really going on, does it? We're in 2023, a more online and interconnected world than ever before. Old strategies may not cut it. You see, this piece isn't your average run-of-the-mill advice column. Here, I'm taking you on an exploration into the hidden triggers and subtle life changes that can lead us, freelancers, straight into burnout territory. And I promise, it's unlike anything you've read before. I'm talking about digging into the nitty-gritty—daily routines, digital obsessions, even the little voice in your head whispering, " I can't take this anymore! " So go ahead, and grab a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or whatever tickles your fancy. Get comfy. I’m about to give you a roadmap for navig