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People come into your life for a reason.
Yup, even the toxic one.
Though not all encounters last, there’s a purpose for each person you meet.
Just like Criselda, who came to know freelancing through a friend.
If not for that, she wouldn’t be able to take a rest from a toxic environment that puts her health at risk.
Not to mention that freelancing also allowed her to spend more time with her son and husband.
“Gusto ko hawak ko na ang oras ko, nagagawa ko yung mga gusto kong gawin kasi hindi na tayo bumabata. Ang dami ko na din attempts na mag-resign since 2016 pa and natuloy lang nung May 2019. Gusto ko din kasi maka-ipon at makapagpatayo ng sarili kong business.”
Let’s get to know more about Criselda, her challenges and wins, in her freelancing journey.
Ano kayang business ang gusto niyang itayo?
Did her health improve after transitioning as a freelancer?
What are the perks freelancing gave her?
Find out on this replay.
Crissy inspires a lot of aspiring employees in the corporate after she got promoted from being a production operator to a Quality Control Leader. Having more duties and responsibilities, this also made her sickly, stressed and ended up hospitalized almost every month.
Find out how she changes her mindset and started transitioning herself into freelancing. Now, she enjoys a healthier, happier and content life in freelancing.
What is your experience in speaking to people?
I was a trainer for my previous company, became a line leader and went up as a Quality PIC. I also share my experiences to motivate new hire employees to work in the company. I was also given the chance to work in Japan.
When you joined the VA Bootcamp, what are the things that you discovered?
I enrolled last year during the promo. What I really like about this group is they always answer inquiries on the page.
How much time did you spend researching before you got into Upwork?
It was two weeks before my Upwork profile got approved and I was also at the hospital during that time. I tried watching YouTube videos and fixed my Upwork profile.
You said something a while ago, that bigger opportunities demand bigger responsibilities. Is it the same in freelancing?
In freelancing, your boss is your client and you have a certain job to fulfill.
Stress induced sicknesses. What were those? What did you suffer from out of stress?
I had migraine, sleepless nights, and developed allergic rhinitis because of the health hazards while working.
When was the time that you figured out your value?
When I already earned the Rising Talent badge in Upwork, I started at $5 and I tried to add different projects on my portfolio. I tried different platforms like FreeUp, Onlinejobs.ph, Hubstaff and started to increase my hourly rate up to $25 per hour.
How’s your life as a student of VA Bootcamp?
I was busy with 2 full-time clients and 3 part-time. I managed to work during the day and study the online courses at night. I also want to learn web design. I want to level up as a freelance.
What is your niche?
I’m more on graphic design, social media content and still a virtual assistant.
Do you use free Canva?
I am using Canva Pro but you can use free Canva or use Canva Pro by adding your PayPal account. I also use Freepik but you need to pay to edit designs. I also use Photoshop, Canva, Bookball for low content books, and Adobe Illustrator.
How did you consider yourself a newbie? How long did it take you to start craving for more?
For the first 3 months, if you’re a newbie, you need to familiarize with the process and tools, and learn a lot of things. After 3 months, I had to level up and get more clients since my previous clients recommended me to their friends.
How were you able to convince your husband to join into freelancing?
I showed him what I’ve earned from my long term clients. He used to work far from our house and commute everyday so he decided to join freelancing.
When you were about to resign from your former job, did your family oppose your decision to resign?
They didn't, because they were more concerned about my health, and because I had suffered from pneumonia almost every month.
Are you healthy now?
Yes! I’m not tired and stressed now. I’m healthy, happy and content for what I have. I can also buy anything I want.
Do you have a client who pays for Canva Pro?
Yes, my client pays for our Canva Pro in making designs that come with templates.
What is next in your freelancing career?
I started my own business in publishing my own book designs in Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Redbubble and learn about marketing.
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good morning phoenix
Ang manggising ng 6 times!!!
Ahhh the company/office politics, it beats you down really and can take a toll on your mental and physical health, especially if you do not know how to handle it.
I agree. Unfortunately.
Tama.. dapat maging resourcefull ka
Good morning, Phoenix!
freelancing = resourceful
Naimbag nga bigat kadakayo sir Phoenix
Watching this while working. The beauty of freelancing. Yep, yung mindset of complacency na I can always go back to the corporate job
So true, need to have that mindset of having a sense of urgency.
First time to watch VA Bootcamp Live interview 🙂
Myline Liberato-Azupardo hope you like it
AT Guintu yes of course, just want to know more how VA works
Yes, that is true, all those previous experiences and exposures prior to freelancing, these all converge towards what you can do/offer when doing freelancing, you can use these.
"It's all about your mindset"
yeah tama, dapat correct mindset
Watching
Phoenix nailed it - having the hunger.
Anong niche ni Crissy now?
Yes. Tama Crissy, Phoenix. Taking risks doesn't mean to jump blindly, rather taking calculated risk - ipon muna ako for 6 months emergency fund in preparation for freelancing.
Good morning po
Desperation shoould not lead to disillusion. Good thing there is FLiP and VAB 🙂
Sa corp all around duties & responsibilities
Correct they will brief you that we are a family hahaha!
No considerations
It all boils down to profit ...
no OT pay madalas.
They will say something good to you that you are asset and in the end you are not well compensated. MORE on OTY sila hahaha
I really want to be a freelancer since I am not getting younger at PWD pa.
check this out https://vabootcamp.ph/blog/the-ultimate-newbie-guide/
Galing! lumilingon sa pinanggaligan malayo ang paroroonan
Kung newbie ka, wala kang mailagay da portfolio mo? Ano ang dapat gawin?
https://vabootcamp.ph/blog/the-ultimate-newbie-guide/
Dapat po ba talaga expert ni graphic design?
How to be a freelancer
Try to check this out too - https://vabootcamp.ph/blog/the-ultimate-newbie-guide/
give value first so clients would know your value. equal pay for equal work.
Ask for me, i really enjoy being a Va student. I was able to explore the canva. Tuwang tuwa ako sa design ko.
Masaya yung mga clients, kapag ang client concern sa staff nila.. Gold client nayun kasi may mga client na padadalhan ka ng pera pambili ng gadgets at minsan may pabirth day ka hehe I love freelancing
free pa rin canva mo maam? yun lang po ba gamit mo for graphic design
Pag newbie, be willing to learn and embrace the process.
my mga client po ba na sila ngbabayad for canva pro?
Check this free canva lessons - https://bit.ly/freecanvacourses
Good morning everyone. Mariette from, Lipa City ,Batangas
I really want to know everything about freelancing and i want to be a part of this company
Check this out - https://vabootcamp.ph/blog/the-ultimate-newbie-guide/
Try checking this po. https://vabootcamp.ph/blog/paano-maging-online-freelancer/
Nathe Mae Miranda, eto nath
health is wealth din po kasi. God bless maam
Health is wealth and you cannot buy happiness (despite what others may insist to the contrary for the latter).
thanks Ms. Crissy for that inspiring message , God bless your journey
Free po yan?
Yes free webinars
Yes, very much free.
Thank you miss Crissy. GOD bless you.
Thanks so much, Crissy. Kudos to Phoenix for being up early today 🙂
Yes free webinar
May I know who conduct the quizes after Training is finished so I can download my Cert. of Completion, Sir?
after you finish each course you can down load your certificates from your dashboard
Here is the link to the paid courses - https://vabootcamp.ph/enroll-in-the-virtual-assistant-bootcamp-2/
tama po. 7months bago ako ngenroll. 6 months bago ko natapos.kahit slow basta sure.maraming dasal lng po talaga.ask knowledge from heaven above.
Thank you Ms. Crissy. You made the right choice.
Thank you so much Miss Crissy for sharing this wonderful opportunity
Thank you crissy
Thank you ms crissy
Thank you Ms.Crissy
thank you ms. crissy aspiring newbie freelancer po. kaka inspired God Bless
I am a Senior citizen will you be willing to coach me?
Thank you, I did Sir Phoenix
I'll be adding you in my messenger Ms. crissy
thanks Crissy, looking forward to be coach by you
Thanks din po
THANK YOU so much for the learning and inspiration!!
Wrong spelling ha ha ha as for me. Sorry po.
hello,from Laguna
Hello watching from Quezon City
Yes, exactly po Sir Phoenix
Wow, congrats Ms. Crissy
Thank you, Ms. Crissy, for sharing your experience in the freelance world.
congrats Criselda Abarquez
While watching this video i feel little bit nervous and think that I need more Ideas to learn about Freelancing.. Think positively....
Ang galing mo talaga mam Crissy. Kahit nung nasa company pa tau hanga na ako sa galing at tyaga mo.
So proud mam cressy