VIRTUAL REALITY: Your home–your virtual office

October 17th, 2007 by Sexy Mom · Viewed 4742 times · 31 Comments

Your home—your virtual office. And the extension to your virtual office? Could be Starbucks, or Gloria Jeans, even your friendly internet café next door. A virtual office is possible even while you are on holiday. Your virtual office could be anywhere—anywhere or any corner of the world where the wonders of internet connection is available. Of course, a DSL or broadband connection is the best scenario. And your partner? Your ever reliable computer, whether it be a PC, branded or not, or your ever favorite MacBook.

Nowadays, more and more people turn to home based work—it all depends on what their priorities are. Of course, the majority of the work force still go to traditional offices, but at a certain point in one’s life, one thinks about staying at home, being with family and in control of one’s time. And these thoughts are from people of just about any age, from the fresh graduates to the retiring ones. My eldest son, J Angelo saw the lures of home based work at an early age, in his mid-20s, while I did only after I took early retirement.

The Philippine Diaspora

In the Philippines, the past 30 years have seen a migration of millions of people, a brain drain, going out of the country, to test what they perceive to be the greener pastures in the other parts of the world. Many have proven successful in their own fields, many come back home while it is not too late to start life anew, while some have preferred to stay in their host countries, still some are even in hiding from the authorities as overstaying or illegal visitors, receiving pay that is less than what their legal counterparts receive.

All these things, the Filipinos sacrifice, just to earn those extra green bucks, euros, yens, dinars, etc., at the earliest instance transferred to their families in the Philippines. Would you believe, that during my travels in the past 20 years, I have seen Filipinos working in poorer countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and even China? Oh, well, at least for some of these countries, the migrant Filipinos work as middle managers for hotels and quality control supervisors for large factories.

Of course there have been lots of success stories, but plenty of sad ones, too, in the process splintering the most basic unit of the society—the family, the Philippine diaspora, as we call it. But this is an entirely different story. Let me just talk about the happy scenario of Filipinos staying put in their beloved country—where somehow the mall mentality still prevails.

Unemployed and underemployed Filipinos

Whilst there are budding to middle size businesses and individuals in the US, Canada and other parts of the world who find paying the salaries and social benefits of their local secretaries, clerks, assistants and other office workers too stringent, here we are in the Philippines, having a surfeit of fresh graduates and people in want of employment. They are not be employed for various reasons, like very little jobs are available in the market, or pay is not at all attractive—not even within th minimum wage for some to live a decent life, or the offices are simply too far, leaving very little take home pay after factoring in budget for food, transportation, clothing, etc. And for those working in the call centers, think about the health and security risks associated with their work.

Filipinos are so talented, innovative, hardworking, and with a jolly disposition, the traits so well known of Filipinos in many parts of the world. Prospective employers would like to deal with Filipinos for all sorts of jobs, from IT-related work like programming, web design and web development giving their Indian counterparts a run for their money, to nursing care, to teaching jobs. Name it, Filipinos can do it, and will do it. And let us not forget our caregivers, domestic helpers, artists, and skilled people all over the world, even in war torn areas. These people—whom our government calls heroes are heroes indeed.

Yes, there are available options-VIRTUAL REALITY

For all of these jobs, Filipinos still have the option of staying in the country—and not going with the bandwagon of people wanting to move out. Not being vulnerable to scrupulous recruiters, to whom the poor unsuspecting persons wanting for employment sometimes go to.

Those who are fully employed can also take the opportunity of earning extra, home-based.

Thanks to people who have a vision, people who in their own quiet way fulfill their goal of helping co-Filipinos improve their lot and earn decent money, at the same time working in the comforts of home, being with family, and in control of their time. Yes, this is VIRTUAL REALITY. Virtual assistants, virtual accountants, virtual programmers, virtual events organizers, and many more—all working from a remote location.

It is only a matter of matching the skills of employees with foreign employers’ requirements, and doing so through the right channels. Making into full use high technology gadgets, like computers, VOIP, instant messaging, telephones, etc. Yes, this arrangement has become acceptable by a number of countries—where employers pay less than half of the same services, sometimes even of better quality that they would get from their own local workers. They do not have to worry about social security and benefits, office space, and yes, hiring and firing of employees.

On the other hand, e-commerce, professional bloggers, freelance writers and researchers have been hitting it bigtime. I bet, most of these people are home-based. We have read a lot of success stories in the print media and television. All of these take a lot of hard work, networking, and again, vision.

There’s HOPE

Maybe, just maybe, with more parents wanting to stay at home and finding the right home-based jobs matched with people with vision who make all these arrangements possible, quality of life may be better, family ties stronger, and lives happier, starting from the very basic structure of society—the family.

I know, because I for one work home-based, sometimes in my night clothes, sometimes in Starbucks, or Gloria Jeans with my kids in tow, together with my ever reliable MacBook.

If you want to learn more, just ASK! I am only a comment away, or an email away.

Tags: Blogging and the Internet · Information · Jobs

31 responses so far ↓

analyse // Oct 18, 2007 at 3:51 am

wow, this would open opportunities to those who want to stay at home and control their time. and yes, if these jobs are available, probably, we could keep fellow pinoys at home!
francesca // Oct 18, 2007 at 4:12 am

hey, gusto ko rin yang homebased work sana, pero wheres the time????

Sarap nga naman mag work na nakapajama na lang, with hot tea at the side.

Di na kelangan habol to commute. Today pa naman on strike mga french trains!
Bangladesh » Blog Archives » Bangladesh: Anti-Christian Rumor Helps Fuel Attacks - Worthy News // Oct 18, 2007 at 4:14 am

[...] VIRTUAL REALITY: Your home–your virtual office …my travels in the past 20 years, I have seen Filipinos working in poorer countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and… [...]
amymd // Oct 18, 2007 at 7:02 am

My husband lectures on medical informatics, Dine. He gives free lectures to fellow doctors regarding this kind of work, virtual reality,to be able to augment their income and change their minds in going abroad, as there are already few of us left to practice in the provinces. But very few embrace the idea.
But I agree with you…there’s hope.
jhay // Oct 18, 2007 at 9:01 am

Yep. There’s hope indeed.
chase // Oct 18, 2007 at 10:13 am

This indeed an opportunity to other Filipinos to earn alot while working at home or even at the office (without the boss knowing lol). I also agree of the brain drain of our country which is actually a sad thing. But some people left the country for reasons other than financial. In my case, I wanted to be in a country that is tolerant and gays have equal rights. Focusing more on the economy and helping the poor rather than morality and religion since it cant feed hungry mouths.

Anyway, I need pointers on these opportunities so I can help out my friends here.
julie // Oct 18, 2007 at 2:35 pm

Thanks Dine, for this wonderful post. The perspective of earning money has changed over the years, with people focusing more on family matters and quality time with the family. In due time, I would like to enjoy such opportunities.

I am interested about this opportunity for my husband who also works part-time doing consultancy works in some offices needing his IT know-how. We are in the process of weighing our options and this probably is one options we might consider.

Take care.
jireh // Oct 18, 2007 at 5:44 pm

hi tita dine! pasensya na po di talaga natuloy yong pagwork ko for u, as much as i really want to, wala kasi akong pc dito, naiwan po sa bacolod pero siguro next yr po pwede na God bless po tita dine
Tom // Oct 19, 2007 at 11:13 pm

That’s my dream! Work at home (or virtual office), in my own time, no more bosses but me as President, other than my wife as the Chairman, Vice-
Chairman, Treasurer, CorSec – of course.

Meantime, I’m doing it on a part-time basis as I’m preparing to do it full time.
annamanila // Oct 24, 2007 at 3:04 pm

You know of course, I would—sooner or later—ask. Good luck in your virtual office management!
PJ Punla // Nov 16, 2007 at 1:52 am

hi there Tita Dine.

I’d also like to ask about this project, and would like to sign up for it.
zyne // Jan 11, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Hi. I happen to come across this site and I’m quite intrigued about it. I am really interested in having a home based job. And in fact, I’m already frustrated in finding one. Can you possibly help me regarding this concern and provide an opportunity for me to have a home based job?
Jonathan // Jan 12, 2008 at 9:52 am

I happen to be in an outsourcing company that allows me to work at the office or remote. At least I have the option to go to the office if I want some interaction with my co-workers or just stay at the comforts of my home to avoid traffic, rain or heat. just one of the benefits of the internet.. ^_
mercy marquez // Mar 3, 2008 at 3:58 pm

i would like to sign up for it..how???
Happy Sleep: the body needs it most : The D Spot // Mar 16, 2008 at 5:52 am

[...] I simply fell asleep for 2 full hours. I was so embarrassed, I knew my staff, who are all working home-based, knew I was missing in [...]
arominrapster // May 5, 2008 at 2:43 pm

I’m interested could you give me some info regarding this matter.
nathan // Jun 2, 2008 at 8:02 pm

hi…

i am seriously interested with this kind of job…

be it part-time or full time…

kindly send the requirements and compensation package, and if it tops my current package then i’ll be resigning with my current company and go full time with this…

thanks a lot and more power
Mon S // Jun 5, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Yup. It’s a nice option. But it takes more discipline especially for the younger set since you won’t have a boss breathing down on your neck
arlene zaldivar // Jun 21, 2008 at 6:50 pm

i am interested for this job.and this is my first time to try this kind of work….
thanks and more power
curious and interested // Jun 30, 2008 at 9:04 pm

hello. i was wondering if you could send me an e-mail on what is involved with this line of work. thank you.
camille // Sep 13, 2008 at 12:00 pm

Hi po, i am very interested in a homebased job.. kahit part time po.. kasi keysa nakatunganga sa harap ng computer araw araw, it would be nice kung i am also working at the same time dba po? =D please let me know how to start with this kind of job, and how to apply. thanks! and more power!
Roy Manuel // Oct 16, 2008 at 3:37 pm

hi!

i am interested with this job.
any scope details for this jobs how to work?

need info bout this..

thanks.
Dia // Dec 16, 2008 at 5:19 pm

I always hear about this virtual employment thing and I sometimes wonder if it’s just a bait for people to click on a site given that working from home is truly too good to be true especially to those who are unemployed.

Is there a real company that offers such position? I mean for real.

Sexy Mom: Yes they are for real. For people who work online, like slef-employed, everything is virtual. On the corporate structure, my office has just completed requirements for Phil registration—all our staff are online, home based. You may call me if you like, I can explain: 4335474. cheerio
kathy // Feb 4, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Hi,

I was just surfing around and luckily found your site. I’m a mom of 2 kids and is currently staying at home. I was a quality analyst in a call center but I had to stop because of cancer. I had surgery last dec but since they can’t remove the tumor, I still have pain in my spine and my right leg. I’m really interested in working at home to help my husband. Please let me know how or where I can apply.

Thanks.
Riz // Mar 13, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Hi Ms Dine,

I am interested to work from home if you can help me. I have been searching for a home-based job but was just scammed 3 times already. I am currently working in a call center and i would like to switch to a home based job. Please let me know the requirements.

Thanks
Ana // May 3, 2009 at 10:32 am

Hi there, this write-up caught my attention since I’ve been wanting to work at home. I’m a mother of 3 grown-ups and currently working as a consultant for 4 companies. I still want to earn extra bucks and would appreciate it very much if you could advise me on where and how could I apply to any of this virtual office work.
Renee // May 23, 2009 at 4:16 pm

Hi,

I have been working as a freelance writer but am really more interested in the work of a virtual assistant. Could you give me more ideas and possibly where I could apply as one? I would rather hear from you because I feel i can trust you rather than search and send resumes and not hear a thing from said employer. Thanks and will be waiting for your reply.
kers // Jun 22, 2009 at 10:16 am

hi ma’am. i’d like to hear from you as to how you can help me having an online job as virtual assistant. thanks so much. YM : kerstinne25
mikay // Jul 21, 2009 at 1:59 pm

hi i’m mikay looking for a homebased part time or full time data entry job that is legitimate and not a to good to be true…can you help please…thanks you and Godbless!
Sandi // Sep 4, 2009 at 8:58 am

Hi, I would like a part time work at home job that does not involve the phone. I have been working full time for several years as an appointment setter. I would like more time to spend with my kids, just want off the phone for a while! All help apprectiated!
rhux // Oct 18, 2009 at 1:50 am

Hi,

This is really an interesting post. however, I dont still have an idea on where to apply? what site to visit? and what qualifications were needed in order to make the cut.

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