Every time people learn that I work from home, I’m almost always inundated with questions. On here, I noted the questions I get most and the answers to those questions.
Q: How’s that? Do you work freelance?
A: Depends on the company. There are companies that accept freelance remote workers but there are also entities and organizations that hire you either as a fulltime contractor or as a regular employee.
Q: What’s the difference between a contractor and an employee?
A: A contractor is someone whose services are contracted (i.e. there’s a contract you will have to sign) by an employer for both short-term and long-term projects but isn’t considered a regular employee of the company. In other words, you don’t get the free laptop or that paid vacation everyone else in the office is gushing about on Instagram.
A regular employee, on the other hand, is considered an “employee” who can expect to receive the same benefits as on-site employees of the company do.
Q: How do you get your pay?
A: The same way everyone does: through a bank. Depending on the arrangement you have with the employer or the practice in the company, you can either have your payment directly transferred to your bank account or via a third party like PayPal (Payoneer is the new kid in the block). From PayPal or Payoneer, you then transfer your money to your bank account (or GCash— whatever you prefer).
Q: What is PayPal? How do I get one?
A: PayPal is an online payment system that functions like the traditional paper check.
In simple terms, it really is just a website (or a mobile app) where you can receive virtual money from people. Of course, you can also use it to transfer money to other people or pay for online purchases. Sign up for an account here! Choose “Receive payments with PayPal.”
On PayPal, the email address you use becomes your account identification. So if an employer asks, “what’s your PayPal?” so he can pay you, you just answer, “it’s emailaddress@yahoo.com,” or gmail.com or whatever email you used to register at PayPal.
Q: How often do you get paid?
A: Depends on the company and their practice. Some pay weekly, some pay bi-monthly.
Q: How do you get a homebased job?
A: When I was just starting, I get my homebased jobs anywhere on the web. Meaning, I just google “Homebased jobs,” or “Work from home + Philippines,” or “Remote jobs.” I basically play with keywords and move from there. I don’t recommend this now if you’re just starting and can’t tell a scam from a legit job. Instead, try websites that have systems in place that’ll help you see scammers from a mile out. Nowadays, even Jobstreet.com advertises legit homebased jobs (You have it easy, guys!)
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: Short answer: no. There isn’t even an educational requirement for most jobs though, for jobs requiring specific skills, you will be asked for your portfolio as proof of qualification.
Q: How’s the hiring process?
A: Well, first you get an invitation for interview (usually via Skype). Most employers conduct video interviews but some are content with text chat interviews. Then they generally hire you on the spot or schedule you for another interview or a written test. The whole process, including the waiting, takes about 2-3 weeks.