The Social Job Search Revolution

Gone were the days when all you needed was a resume and references to get a job. Nowadays, HR managers, employers, and potential clients are looking into social media to help them find the right candidate.

So, what does this mean for the work-at-home parent? How can you leverage social media to help you find a job or more clients for your business?

First and foremost, you have to have a social media account, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler or LinkedIn. For a lot of employers and clients, having an online presence increases your credibility and, at the very least, confirms your identity.

Secondly, keep your accounts family friendly. Don’t post or share anything you would hesitate sharing with a stranger. Think like a celebrity when you’re online, protect your reputation and enhance it with relevant posts and information.

Lastly, create a online portfolio of what you can do and market yourself. Catch their attention by showing your best work. Encourage your friends, family and acquaintances to spread the word on what you can do. Remember, it’s not bragging if it’s true and if you’re really good, your portfolio would be more than enough to get you the job.

Source: visual.ly via GiveAGradAGo on Pinterest

Related articles

• Study says social media revolution set to get bigger (thehindu.com)
• Add 1 Job: Using Social Media for Your Job Search (fox40.com)
• Tweeting Your Way to a Job: How Social Media is Changing Career Searches (pure-jobs.com)

Working Without Experience, Yes You Can!

telecommuting (Photo credit: jessamyn)

I’ve met a lot of moms who expressed interest in working from home. Most of those who don’t go through with it have one thing in common. They all believe that they don’t have the experience needed to be able to work at home.

As long as you know how to use a computer, you have experience.

As long as you’ve had a job before, you have experience.

The great thing about working online or having an online, home-based business is you can practically do ANYTHING you want. You can make money on the skills you already have and what you’re passionate about. You can start a business, freelance, or get a job online.

Just to give you an example, let’s say you’re someone with no work experience, you’ve only finished high school,  you know how to use Microsoft Word and Excel, and you know how to use Facebook.

I can already think of several jobs off the top of my head that you can do:

• Data encoder – There’s a lot of competition for data encoder jobs and the pay isn’t much but it’s something practically anyone can do.
• Answer surveys/market research – All you need for this is another email account (to avoid spamming your personal email) and a few minutes to fill up a survey and give your opinion.
• Blogger/writer – If you love to write, why not make a living out of it. It may take a while for you to have regular clients or to set up a blog that earns but it can be very rewarding especially if writing is truly your passion.
• Online retailer – If you know how make crafts, cook, or you have talents like playing the piano, tutoring, gardening, you can sell you products and services on Facebook, Fiverr, Ebay, Etsy, Pinterest, Multiply, Amazon,sulit.com.ph. etc. I have a cousin who likes to bead everything (not just jewelry, bags and other accessories, she also beads kitchen items) and she gets regular clients and custom orders from that single skills. Once, she created a set of beaded cutlery and she was able to sell that set for 4 times what it was actually worth. I have friend, who is a sculptor, who sells her custom clay jewelry and accessories online and she also markets her art classes there.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless, even if you think that you have no experience. All it takes is a little imagination and a little elbow grease.

Related articles

• Work At Home Options For Mums (youngworkathomemoms.wordpress.com)
• The Best Time To Start Becoming A Work-At-Home Parent (wailingsofaworkathomemom.wordpress.com)
• SME Guide: how to work from home (xlntelecom.co.uk)

For The Love Of Local Music

My sister and our friends had this pet project of promoting local music. We didn’t have much. It started out as a internet magazine and interviewed a few musicians. We started out having no money, no staff, no support. It was really a labor of love for us that bloomed into this community of music lovers and musicians. We didn’t really expect much but without realizing it, the work that we did gave a small, stagnant industry hope and helped struggling musicians realize that it is possible to reach for the stars.

I was so surprised when my sister reminded me that our magazine, DavaoMusicNation.com is now a year old. I almost can’t believe we made it this far. Considering how Davao Music Nation  started, it’s easy to see why nobody would make it. But we fought back and we thrived because we loved what we were doing and we believed in Filipino talent.

Now, we have partnerships with major music websites, artists, production outfits and regular contributors. We’re still not making any cash from it but we have the respect and support of the local music industry. We achieved what we wanted to do. We put Davao Music on the map and we survived. We did what everyone told us was impossible to do. And the crazy thing about this is we’re still gearing up for more!

 

When Are You Going To Get A Real Job – How To Deal With Unwanted Advice

Home office (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the things that always comes up in discussion whenever I’m with my friends who also work online is how a lot of people can’t seem to help themselves and tell us that we should get a “real” job.

It doesn’t matter that I’m earning more now than I did in my old office job. It doesn’t matter that I’m working 40 hours a week. It doesn’t matter that I have a fulfilling career. It doesn’t matter that I also encounter the same kind of work related stress.

What matters is that I don’t work in an office, I don’t have a title that I could put on a calling card, I don’t have a boss that makes my life miserable, and I’m not wearing office clothes and make up. Apparently, as long as I don’t have those things, I’m not “gainfully” employed.

For the most part, the advice comes from people who care. It’s annoying but I’ve learned how to live with it. For the most part, I know that the advice stems mainly from the fact that they’re concerned about me. They want me to have my own money. They want me to help my husband with our finances. They want me to feel fulfilled. And those who care are usually happy with this response:

Thanks you for the advice and I understand that you mean well. I’m really touched that you’re concerned for me and my family. But this is the best set up for me and for my family right now, considering our circumstances. I am happy, I am fulfilled, and I have a stable income. If there’s something better out there  I would gladly take it. But for now, this is a good opportunity for me and I want to take advantage of it.

When I give them that answer, they understand. They know that they’re heard and they know I took their advice seriously. They understand that it’s not something that I can use right now but at least they know we’re both on the same side.

But what if the advice comes from people who don’t matter. Complete strangers. Acquaintances. People who think that their opinions should be set on stone and anyone blessed with their advice should follow them or else you would feel the wrath of God?

I have a ton of delicious comebacks for that =)

When are you going to get a real job…

…when my imaginary boss fires me.

…ssshhh, my imaginary boss can hear you…

…you see this (my house), this is all an illusion. We’re actually in a real office. That office that you’re working in is actually your house and you’re working from home.

…when I stop making real money from my fake job.

…when they start letting me wear pajamas to work.

…when a real job can do all my chores, babysit, and errands for me.

…when they release me from house arrest.

…when I can bring my fridge to work.

…I’m enjoying the real responsibilities of my fake job too much to quit.

…but I can’t leave my imaginary officemates. They depend on me.

…I have a real job. I mentally project myself into an office everyday.

…once I get the controls of the TARDIS right, then I’ll be back in an office in my real job.

…once I’m able to climb out of this black hole I call my home office.

…when I shop for groceries again. I’m going to get a  real job, with real milk, butter, sugar…

…and miss “Walking Dead”? No way…

…once I find a cure for my condition, real-job-itis.

Please let me know if you guys have any funny or witty comeback for this. Would love to hear how you guys responded to this annoying question.

Isn’t She Lovely?

Got a lovely gift today from A Gracious Life. My first blog award =)

And what I love about this award is it’s the kind of gift that you can give forward. We moms can do everything and we often don’t get a lot of credit for what we do. Motherhood isn’t easy but it has been worthwhile and rewarding. Having a network of moms who I know can understand and empathize what I’m going through has helped make me realize that despite the challenges, motherhood is magical and it’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

Without further adieu, here are 5 beautiful mommies that I know deserve this award.

Sustainably Single Parenting

The Life After Single

Parenting and Stuff

The Milk Lady

Life As A Mommy

To get your award, all you have to do is:

(1) Click the above image and use it in your acceptance post.

(2) List three things you love about motherhood.

(3) Nominate as many moms as you like and let them know of the award

Why It’s Lovely To Be A Mommy

Baby, you’re funny!

I love a lot of things about motherhood, but the top 3 would have to be:

1. My daughter’s antics. Everyday, my daughter does something or says something that makes me laugh. Whether it’s her complaining that her nose isn’t working, loudly declaring that she’s a monkey, or having philosophical discussions with her toy cars, she’s always looking for ways to tickle my funny bone. Everyday is a laugh riot with her and I’ve never been happier.
2. Grooming my baby. I enjoy grooming my little girl: brushing her hair, cutting her nails, cleaning her ears. She doesn’t have a vain bone and she doesn’t like it when I comb her hair. I know she’s only letting me groom her because she loves me and she’s Mama’s girl.
3. Playing with my girl. It’s like life gave me a chance to relive my childhood through my daughter. Playing with her relaxes me, makes me feel young, and makes me believe that anything is possible.

 

Bringing up Baby While Working

Imagine my baby sleeping like that on my lap while I’m working on my laptop. That was my work at home life 2 years ago.

It feels like yesterday when my daughter was still a baby and she used to sleep on my lap as I worked in front of the computer.

Those were the good old days.

Any sleep deprived mom would tell you that a sleeping baby is the best present you can give to any mom. And as difficult as it was to balance a baby on my lap while trying to  write three 500 word articles on car insurance, I still went for it and persevered. To this day my daughter still likes to sleep on my lap and she can be lulled to sleep my sound of me typing away on a keyboard.

Working with a new baby was tough. Even though I had pockets of time that allowed me to have a part-time writing job, it was hard because we didn’t have any help. My husband helped out a lot with the chores but most of the child-rearing was still my responsibility.

Another thing that always kept me on my toes is my baby’s ever changing schedule. It’s not that she didn’t have a regular routine. It’s just that her routine  changed as she continued to grow. I had to adjust when her nap times became shorter. I had to adjust when she started learning how to sit up, crawl, call for attention, walk, etc.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. You’ll need that village, especially if you’re a working mom. I’m not saying it’s impossible to do it on your own. It is possible because I’ve done it and I know a lot of moms who have done and are doing the same thing. All I’m saying is that working with a baby isn’t going to be easy. You have to be healthy and in the right frame of mind. You have to be strict in keeping routines but be flexible enough to adapt to changes. You have to learn how to ask for help, be open to accepting any help available, and let other people contribute to parenting.

As difficult as it was, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Working from home, even  with the baby gave me a lot of flexibility and control over my schedule. I was able to give my child as much time and attention as she needed. I never had to worry about separation anxiety, feedings, and her schedule because I’m always there making sure that she’s getting everything she needs.

So to anyone who wants to start working from home immediately after having the baby, my best advice would be to make sure you have a supportive spouse/partner/family behind you. Support from people who understand is what will help you get started and keep on going day after day.

Working While Pregnant: Perks and Pains

A pregnant woman (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I know a number of work at home moms who started working while they’re still pregnant. When I was still working as a medical information analyst, my office allowed me, and other pregnant employees to telecommute.

I also know a lot of women who think that the best time to become a work at home mom is while you’re still pregnant. Working while you’re still pregnant does allow a lot of perks.

For the most part, working at home is more relaxing than working in an office. You don’t have to commute. You’re comfortable. You can take as many bathroom breaks, snack break, and naps as you want.

You get an idea of what it’s like to work at home before the kid(s) arrive. You can set aside workspace as you’re preparing for the baby.

Telecommuting and working at home has allowed a lot of pregnant moms to stay productive. However, pregnant working moms, especially those in their first pregnancy, have to be ready for the surprises and problems childbirth can bring.

No matter how prepared you are to work at home, once the baby arrives, everything changes. You have to give your body time to recover and you have to adapt to your child’s needs.

Not Superwomen

We hear stories of moms going back to work after only 2 weeks from giving birth. These moms are admirable but it’s not for everyone. Some work at home moms feel compelled to go back to work so soon because they feel like they don’t have an excuse to take a longer leave. They’re working at home, which should give them all the rest they need.

But that’s not often the case. Even work at home moms have to take extended leaves for their health and for their child. This means a break from business/employers/clients. This means you might have to change everything you’ve prepared for before you had the baby.

I was hoping for a normal, natural birth and I believed I was healthy enough to go back to work in less than 2 months. Instead, I had an emergency C-sections, surgery complications, a colicky baby, mild post-partum depression and limited childcare options if I did go back to work. From being able to work 12 hours a day (even during my pregnancy), I had to stop working completely for the 8 weeks and slowly pace myself back. As much as I wanted to be like Marissa Mayer who went to work after 2 weeks, it would have been impossible.

Once you have the baby, it’s who new ballgame. Will talk about that more tomorrow.

Related articles

• The Best Time To Start Becoming A Work-At-Home Parent (wailingsofaworkathomemom.wordpress.com)

 

The Best Time To Start Becoming A Work-At-Home Parent

telecommuting (Photo credit: jessamyn)

“When is the best time to start working from home?”

I encounter this question time and time again from moms who want to try their hand working from home. It’s also one of the questions had the hardest time finding an answer for because most of the moms I know (myself included) didn’t really have the option of choosing when we can start working. All the working moms I know starting working from home either out of necessity or because the opportunity was there and they had to seize it.

But I think this is a question worth answering because knowing the ideal time to start becoming a work at home parent can make process easier.

Working from home can be a big shock, especially if you’re used to working in an office. Those who don’t have any work experience can also have a hard time working at home because of the high level discipline, focus, and time management skills needed do a full day’s work load consistently.

The Answer

I asked a lot of working moms I know this question. And the one thing that we all agree on is that if we were the choice, we would like to start working from home one our child starts elementary school or grade school.

We believe this is the best scenario for several reasons.

• Grade school classes last all day (at least, for private schools here in the Philippines). This would give work at home parents the most amount of time to focus on work.
• Even if you choose to home-school  there are enough activities and exercises in an accredited DepEd home school curriculum to give parents enough time to work while teaching their child.
• Grade school kids are old enough to take care of themselves and do some simple chores. They’re also old enough to entertain themselves from time to time. This frees up more time for work.

The Alternatives

Unfortunately, most of us don’t really have the option of waiting for the kids to go school before we can start working. What if you’re still pregnant or you just gave birth? What if you have a toddler or several toddlers? Tomorrow, I’ll be talking about the pros and cons on working from home at different stages of motherhood, what you can do to allow working from home possible, and job options.

Related articles

• How Becoming A Work At Home Parent Helped My Marriage (wailingsofaworkathomemom.wordpress.com)
• Office Sharing – An Alternative to Home? (wailingsofaworkathomemom.wordpress.com)
• Making it Work: Working From Home With Kids (apartmenttherapy.com)
• Missing Nanny 6: The Conclusion or The Nanny Returns (wailingsofaworkathomemom.wordpress.com)

My (First) Blood Donation Experience

One of the things I liked most about my husband when we were still in college (aside from the fact that he looked really cute in swim trunks back then) was that he was a regular blood donor and an active member of the Red Cross. I always felt that as a healthy human being, it was an honor and responsibility to share blood. Donating blood is the closest experience you can get to saving another person’s life without risking your own.

Donating blood was something I always wanted to do but was always afraid of doing. I’m scared of needles, and the needles they use for blood donation are BIG.

I know, the needles they use for anesthetics in surgery are bigger. But I didn’t see those needles as I was about to go under the knife a few years back. If I saw them before I had surgery I probably would have fainted.

And for some reason, every time I finally decide to donate blood something happens that prevents me from donating (I get my period, I get sick, I got pregnant).

But this time, I was finally determined to donate blood. There’s really no point in letting my fear overcome all the good donating blood can do. Not only does it save other people’s lives. It’s also been proven in reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing overall iron levels in the blood and encouraging your body to produce fresh, new blood cells. And since you get a quick check up every time you donate blood,  it helps you stay on top on your help. And here in the Philippines, regular blood donors are usually given priority or discounts in the event we need blood for ourselves or for our family and friends.

Yes, I finally did it! And that’s my sister to my left, the one wearing a black t-shirt.

I was nervous the entire time. The good thing about it was I had my sister and friends there to support me. The Red Cross volunteers were also very nice and patient with me. Donating blood does hurt a bit; the medical technicians had a hard time finding my blood vessels which was probably the reason why the process hurt a bit more than it should. But not so much that it would prevent me from giving blood again.

I hope to donate blood again in 3 months and to keep donating for as long as I’m able. And once my daughter is old enough, I would encourage her to do so. I’d like to think that every time we give something, one of the people who receives that gift would pay it forward. And eventually, we’re making the world a better place one small deed at a time.

My Yellow Badge of Courage =)

Little things like donating blood, money, time, services, or goods to your local charity don’t really cost much. It doesn’t have to interfere with your life and it doesn’t have to be a big sacrifice if you don’t want it to be. But if we all did these small acts of kindness, small sacrifices that don’t really hurt , imagine how much better our world would be.

If you’d like to learn more about how to donate blood, just visit your local Red Cross chapter for information.

Related articles

• Help save a life by donating blood (wwlp.com)