Our Freelancing Life – From $2 Tasks to Building Dreams

When I look back at where this freelancing journey started, I can’t help but smile—not because it was all smooth and easy, but because grabe how far we've come. It wasn’t a straight road, and it definitely wasn’t always bright. But one thing is for sure: it changed my life.

I first entered the world of freelancing back in 2015, when I stumbled upon a site called Odesk—now known as Upwork. I had no idea what I was doing at the time. I wasn’t confident in my English, I had zero idea about freelancing strategies, and I didn’t even own the best tools. But something in me said, “Why not try?”

That “why not” opened a door I never expected.

Starting Small – But Starting Anyway

My first few jobs were small tasks—research, data gathering, simple writing. I was surprised that people were actually paying me, even just a few dollars, for things I thought were too easy.

I got my very first long-term client who stayed with me for two years. I didn’t have any fancy credentials or fluent grammar, but what I had was dedication. I made sure I delivered what was asked, even if that meant staying up late, rereading instructions over and over, and Googling words I didn’t understand. 😅

That same year, I found another platform: Freelancer.com. That’s where I truly found comfort. My tasks ranged from looking for photos of specific places in Mindanao to giving my personal opinions about certain provinces, cities, or local customs. It was like sharing my home, my culture, to people from the other side of the world.

From Mindanao to the World

One of the most memorable clients I ever had was from France. He was dating a Filipina from Mindanao and wanted to know more about the culture, the language, and even our common expressions. Imagine that—me, someone who once doubted my English, became his personal teacher and translator.

He was kind, patient, and supportive. He didn't care if my grammar wasn't perfect—what mattered to him was that I could explain things in a way he could understand. And that gave me a huge boost of confidence.

At that time, the pay wasn’t huge—around $2 to $25 per task, depending on complexity. But for me, it wasn’t just about the money. It was about the fact that I was able to earn from home, doing something that felt natural and fulfilling.

And honestly, back in 2015-2016, “freelancing” wasn’t even that popular yet. Wala pa masyadong may alam. Most people still believed na kailangan nasa office ka para kumita. But here I was, building something quietly behind my laptop.

The Pause I Didn't Expect

But life isn’t always sunshine and freelancing wins.

By 2018, things started to change. For personal reasons, I stepped away from freelancing. I applied and worked as a call center agent—a job that many respect, but for me, it felt draining. Every day was heavy. The pressure, the schedule, the mental toll—it started to affect not just my work but my whole self.

I fell into depression. And if you’ve ever been in that dark place, you know how hard it is to even dream again. I felt like I lost the version of myself that once believed in possibilities.

Rising Again – Slowly but Surely

Then came 2021. A shift happened.

Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was prayer, maybe it was both—but something told me to try freelancing again. This time, I had experience. I knew how things worked. And slowly, with a heart full of hope, I started to take clients again.

By 2022, with the help of my husband, we took a bold step and started a small freelancing agency. Nothing grand or fancy—just the two of us, working from home, helping clients with virtual tasks, content, and local insights. We didn’t have a team or a big office. But we had each other, our laptops, and a whole lot of faith.

The Journey Is Ongoing

Now, we’re still here—still freelancing, still learning.

We’re not yet at the “success story” people usually expect. We don’t have six-digit monthly income or flashy client lists (yet 😅). But what we do have is growth, and that’s more than enough for now.

Every time I look back at our struggles, especially those times when I was doubting myself, when I cried over declined proposals or late payments, I remind myself: God never left.

From the first $2 task to building our own agency, from the late nights to the happy dance every time a client says “Thank you,” this journey has taught me resilience, gratitude, and faith.

Final Thoughts: For Anyone Who’s Starting Out

If you’re just starting freelancing, or maybe you’re in the middle of it but you feel lost—don’t give up. Your journey may not look like others. You don’t have to be fluent in English, or be the most techy person in the room. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your heart to serve, and your faith that you’ll grow.

Freelancing isn’t just about freedom or income. For me, it’s about finding myself again.
And I’m so thankful I gave it another chance.

To anyone reading this—if I can do it, so can you. 💻💙

Need help or advice about freelancing? Feel free to comment or message me.