I’ve been part of the worldwide web workforce for 3 years, 5 months and 11 days now. Never mind the minutes and the seconds for I could not really recall the exact time I first logged in for work as a digital freelancer. For someone who works online, my daily commute entails exactly the distance from my bed to my desk. I also get 24 hours access to the dining room, my own bathroom (such a blessing) and best of all I get to spend more time with my kids and wear my pj’s to work if I choose to. No more joining the throng of people who are all in a hurry to get to their cubicles.No more waiting for the next bus or the overcrowded train. Best of all, no boss breathing down my neck the entire day as he waits for that report he’s been asking from me since last week (eek!).
I get to bring the “office” with me everywhere I want as long there’s internet connection. Like what they often say, home is where the heart is but work for a digital nomad like me is where the Wi-Fi is. It does not really matter if I decide to finish my work in the nearest co-working space nearby, as long as the clients get the results on time. Yet, there’s always a trade off to this almost perfect life. Working from home also means I have no one to talk to during lunch hours especially if my kids are all in school. No more queuing near the water station to discuss plans for the next team building. Social media sites are now my BFF’s (girl’s best friend) during breaks. Not complaining by the way, for I also earn a living through these social media platforms. Nevertheless, I no longer plan on going through grueling commutes again or braving the nastiest weather just to get to work.
Most people in my country who are still not so used to the idea of freelancing and remote work are often puzzled by the kind of work I do. My children by the way are often asked about what I do for a living. They try to explain it in the simplest way they could based on what they see and how they understand it. Hoping they get understood afterwards. Some people still see me as someone who prefers to stay in front of the computer the entire time. Or just another mom who’d rather stay home instead of going out there and getting a real job in some fancy company. Yet, I’m quite happy with what I am doing even if most people never take my work seriously. I am happier and more at peace, for I no longer run around the house like a headless chicken, while making sure everyone’s needs are being attended to. I am blessed and for that I am eternally grateful.