Hey there! So you want to work from home, huh? I get it. I’ve been there.

Back in 2014, when I first started looking into remote work, people thought I was crazy. “You want to work in your pajamas?” they’d ask.

I’ve perfected the semi-formal look: polo or suit on top, boxers on the bottom. Zoom calls only show the top half anyway, so why bother with pants? Now everyone’s doing it, and honestly, it’s pretty awesome.

I’ve been working remotely for over a decade now, and I’ve learned a thing or two about where to start. The landscape has changed a lot since those early days, but the core principles remain the same: find the right platforms, present yourself well, and don’t give up.

How I Got Started

Let me tell you how this whole remote work thing started for me. It wasn’t some grand plan - I was just tired of the hustle and bustle of commuting. You know, the 6 AM alarm, the tricycle and jeepney rides in Davao City, the office small talk about weather and weekend plans, and pretending to care about your coworker’s latest karaoke performance.

I remember sitting in my cubicle in 2014, watching the clock tick by, thinking “There has to be a better way.” So I started looking online. Back then, options were limited, but I found a few platforms that actually worked.

The first few months were rough. I was applying to everything, getting rejected left and right. But I kept at it, tweaking my approach, learning from each “no” I got. Eventually, I landed my first remote gig, and honestly? It changed everything.

Where I Actually Found Work (And Where You Should Look)

1. OnlineJobs.ph - My Starting Point

Look, I’m going to be honest with you. When I first started, I was scared of the big international platforms. I thought I needed to compete with people from all over the world, and honestly, that intimidated me.

That’s when I discovered OnlineJobs.ph. It’s specifically for Filipino professionals, which means:

  • Less competition (seriously, this matters)
  • Employers who get our time zone and work culture
  • Jobs that don’t require you to be a coding genius from day one
  • Real people you can actually talk to

My honest take: This is where I got my first remote job. I was nervous, but the employers were understanding and patient. It’s like the training wheels of remote work - perfect for getting your feet wet.

2. LinkedIn - Where I Leveled Up

After I got comfortable with OnlineJobs.ph, I started exploring LinkedIn. At first, I was intimidated by all the “thought leaders” and fancy job titles, but I learned that LinkedIn is actually pretty useful.

Here’s what I discovered:

  • The job postings are usually from real companies
  • You can actually see who works at companies you’re interested in
  • People are surprisingly willing to assist and responsive
  • The Easy Apply button is a game-changer (no more filling out the same form 50 times)

What I wish I knew earlier: You can upload different versions of your resume on LinkedIn. Some companies prefer flashy, photo-heavy resumes, while others (especially traditional ones) want simple, straightforward formats like Harvard recommends. Having both versions ready saves you time.

3. Upwork - The Big Leagues

Okay, so Upwork is where things get serious. I was hesitant to try it at first because I heard horror stories about low-paying gigs and difficult clients. But once I got the hang of it, it became my main source of income.

Here’s the thing about Upwork:

  • You can work with clients from all over the world (which means better pay)
  • There’s literally every type of job you can imagine
  • They actually protect your payments (unlike some other platforms)
  • You can take skill tests to prove you know your stuff
  • Some projects can last months or even years

Reality check: Don’t expect to land a $50/hour project on your first try. I started with $5/hour projects just to build my reputation. It’s not glamorous, but it works. Now I charge much more because I have the reviews to back it up.

My Step-by-Step Approach (What Actually Worked)

If You’re Just Starting Out:

  1. Improve your English - This is crucial for remote work. Practice writing, speaking, and reading regularly
  2. Start with OnlineJobs.ph - Don’t overthink it, just start applying
  3. Learn as you go - Take courses, but don’t wait until you’re “ready”
  4. Move to LinkedIn - Once you’ve got some confidence and experience
  5. Try Upwork - When you’re ready for the bigger challenges

If You Already Have Some Experience:

  1. Polish your English skills - Even if you’re good, there’s always room for improvement. If it’s another language, just learn the basic greetings and common phrases
  2. Jump straight to LinkedIn - You probably have more skills than you think
  3. Set up Upwork - Your experience will help you stand out
  4. Keep OnlineJobs.ph in your back pocket - Sometimes local gigs are easier

Look, I know this sounds like a lot, but here’s the thing: you don’t have to be perfect to start. I definitely wasn’t. I learned most of what I know by actually doing the work, not by taking courses first. But good English skills? That’s non-negotiable for most remote jobs.

Quick Skills Boost (Don’t Overthink It)

Look, you don’t need a PhD to start remote work. Here are the platforms I actually use:

  1. Alison - Completely free certificates . Perfect for testing the waters without spending money. Get at least 2-3 certificates to show you’re serious.

  2. Udemy - Great for specific skills like digital marketing, programming, or design. Wait for sales (they happen constantly).

  3. LinkedIn Learning - Professional stuff like leadership and communication. Good for networking too.

My take: Don’t wait until you’re “certified” to start applying. I learned most of what I know on the job, not in courses. But having a few certificates definitely helps you stand out.

Creating a Winning Remote Work Profile

Resume Essentials & Career Development Tools

  • Professional format with clear sections
  • Choose a great font - Use something modern like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica. Seriously, don’t use Comic Sans, it’s 2025.
  • Relevant keywords for your target industry
  • Portfolio links showcasing your best work
  • Contact information with professional email

Essential Career Tools:

Platform-Specific Optimization

  • OnlineJobs.ph: Emphasize Filipino work ethic and availability
  • LinkedIn: Use industry keywords and professional tone
  • Upwork: Highlight specific skills and past project results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Generic applications - Customize each application to the specific job
  2. Poor profile photos - Use professional, high-quality images
  3. Incomplete profiles - Fill out all sections thoroughly
  4. No portfolio - Showcase your work with examples
  5. Giving up too early - Remote work success requires persistence

Success Strategies for 2025

  • Follow remote work blogs and communities
  • Join professional groups on LinkedIn and Facebook
  • Attend virtual networking events and webinars

Build Your Personal Brand

  • Create a professional website or portfolio
  • Share your expertise through content creation
  • Engage with industry discussions on social media

Continuous Learning

  • Set aside time weekly for skill development
  • Stay current with industry tools and technologies
  • Consider advanced certifications in your field

The Future of Remote Work

Remote work is not just a trend—it’s the future of employment. Companies worldwide are embracing remote-first policies, creating more opportunities than ever before. The key is positioning yourself as a valuable remote worker who can deliver results regardless of location.

Whether you’re just starting your remote work journey or looking to advance your career, these platforms and strategies will help you find the right opportunities. Remember, success in remote work requires the same dedication and professionalism as traditional employment, but with the added benefit of flexibility and often better compensation.

Start with OnlineJobs.ph if you’re a beginner, gradually move to LinkedIn and Upwork as you gain experience, and never stop learning. The remote work landscape in 2025 offers unprecedented opportunities for Filipino professionals—seize them!