My Journey Towards Freelancing
- MEA Freelance Services
- Mar 25, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 31, 2020
Hi there! Please allow me to share my story before I landed into a freelancing world.
I am 37 years old. Married with no kids (yet). I was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy way back in 2005. Aside from being a working student during my college days, I’ve had working experiences in two different companies.
My first job after graduation was as an Accounting Clerk. I got promotions to a different position level in the operation department. I worked there for almost nine years until I decided to leave my managerial position because I wanted to give myself a chance to pursue my dream... to become a Certified Public Accountant but unfortunately I failed. I did not pass the CPA Board Exam. After a year I decided to start finding a job and work again. Maybe a CPA title is not for me.
In 2016 I got a new job as an Accounts Payable Clerk in another company. I was so happy at that time because it’s really my dream to work in an accounting office, you know working with other accounting staff, having my own cubicle with a computer and printer that only me can use. I love my job but after four months my immune system has weakened. I travelled almost one hour from home to the office every day, back and forth, five days a week. I got stressed and I have to quit my job to prioritize my health condition. And my full-time housewife journey begins…
Someone told me that being a full-time housewife is a privilege that everyone couldn't have. Yes, it is, but being a plain housewife is not what most people think it is... a very easy and relaxing life? No, it isn’t. It is stressful actually, especially in my situation. Not having a child yet adds on stress for me, i also got allergies and anxiety attacks. Maybe because of lots of stress or hormonal imbalance? I don’t know. These all made me feel depressed. I feel weak and worthless.
Job opportunities knocked on my door but I cannot accept it. I wanted to but I feel I’m not yet physically ready to work away from home because of my unstable health. I don’t want to take responsibility that I myself am not sure if I could give what they expected from me.
I lose my self-esteem. I feel insecure. I don’t want to socialize with others like my colleagues and friends not because I am an introvert (which I really am) but it’s because I feel I am nothing compared to them. They have their own family and a good career. I don’t know how to start a conversation with them for I have nothing interesting to share. I lose confidence.
But that doesn't end my story yet. I am so blessed I overcame all of those negative feelings. Every day is a healing process. With my experience, I would like to share my ways in overcoming depression.
Ways to Overcome Depression
Find and Do Something That will Make you Busy
In my case, because of never-ending household chores, I get bored with my daily routine and every time when my husband leaves and closes the door to work, it makes me feel sad and lonely. It reminded me that I am stuck and left behind. I always overthink negative thoughts and it added to my feelings of being unhealthy.
As the doctor told me, I have to do something to keep myself busy, try something new to break my routine. I tried gardening, baking, and what I love doing most is Yoga. I do Yoga exercises/meditation at home even up to now. Yoga is really a big help for me in fighting stress and depression. It relaxes my mind and releases all the tensions from my body. I also introduced myself to watch inspirational and motivational videos on YouTube.
There are many things that we can do to fight loneliness, to distract our overthinking mind because overthinking may lead us to depression.
Pray While Waiting
I feel depressed because of my situation, I wanted to do something but I feel weak. I waited until I gained back my energy and strength. I did not lose hope. I prayed hard, asked His guidance and grace, believing that there’s something good that God is preparing for me.
I did not let depression drag me down. I minimized my social media activities as the doctor advised me to do. I go back to reading real books instead of Facebook. I watched educational/informative YouTube videos to refresh my brain.
I also give time to read the Bible and any religious scriptures. It made me feel more secure and contented.
One night, I cried everything out to Jesus. I surrendered my situation to Him. I told Him "Lord, if this is really what is meant for me, being just a plain housewife, I wholeheartedly accept it but if there’s a way that I can work again and be a housewife at the same time please lead me into that way." I am not a skillful woman, but I believe that I can learn anything with God’s grace.
And one day, when I opened my Facebook news feed, I saw a post from Filipino Virtual Assistance about Online Freelancing Course. At that moment, I claimed it’s the answer to my prayer. Knowing that I can learn new skills and can work home-based, and at my own pace… “Oh, God! Thank you! This is really what I prayed for!” With my faith in God, I decided immediately to give it a shot. For the first time, I did not ask my husband's opinion about it, only until I got enrolled in the FVA Academy.
Now I am starting a new journey, an online student and soon to be a work-at-home housewife, an aspiring Freelancer.
Keep on Believing, Stop Overthinking
I truly believe that God answers everyone’s prayer. That may not happen right away but in His perfect timing. As long as you keep your faith in Him everything will change no matter how hard you think it is, no matter how impossible it may happen. He will give you something that is really meant for you.
"Everything happens for a reason." I do believe on this quote. You may not know it now, but someday you will see it clearly and you’ll be grateful that it did happen to you. If you believe and surrender everything to Him, He will lead you to something that He prepared for you.
I know sometimes we cannot avoid overthinking, especially if we are disappointed with something but we have to control it. We have to teach our mind to stop overthinking, just surrender it to God and He will make everything clear and easy for you to accept and let go.
We can’t control everything but we can control our mind, we can control our emotions. Don’t entertain negative thoughts because it will only worsen the situation. Accept and surrender. God will never fail you.
Whatever you’re going through right now, accept it, embrace it. One day you’ll be thankful you had experienced it. Don’t worry too much about it for God will not give any situation that you cannot handle.
Pray and surrender all to Him. We cannot do it alone, we always need help to make life easier. We need Jesus in our life.
Life is stressful but so meaningful and beautiful to live.
Today as I am writing this, I am so thankful to God that I went through all that because I became stronger and I never thought that I could write and share my story to the public and give some tips through my experience. I hope you learned something good from me.
As of now, I am still learning some freelancing skills but I am already open to serve any individuals or business owners who are in need of virtual assistance. I’ll be more grateful to help and be a blessing to others.
Please don’t hesitate to click my services and feel free to contact me anytime. My pleasure to help you.
God is good all the time!
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