I’ve been working from home for the past two years. I’ve no regrets but have minor complaints. It wasn’t a drastic change for me, because I had been taking care of my kid and I was never really interested in becoming a corporate slave. When I was given the chance to work at the comfort of my own home, I just had to grab it. Besides, writing is what I am passionate about.

If you’re thinking of quitting your day job (or night job for that matter); I’m telling you right now to sleep on it, not only once but a million times. The transition from being a Makati Girl to a WAHM can be quite daunting.

Loneliness from the lack of a social life is the first hurdle. I work in front of my PC for more than 10 hours a day, and the only means of communication to the outside world is through Instant Messenger and Email. Thank heavens for SMS! But there’s a way to turn this curse into a blessing. You don’t have to go out that much, so you will probably save a lot of money. And besides, WAHMs shouldn’t work on weekends (I don’t unless I really need to). Saturday and Sunday is reserved for my family and friends.

Say goodbye to expensive make-up, nifty accessories and glamorous office attires! I always tell my brother that I miss wearing jewelries, skirts, blouses and heeled stilettos because I don’t have to dress up for work. His suggestion … wear them while working in front of my PC. It was a sarcastic and yet funny comment, but I swear I thought about doing that a dozen times already. So if you like indulging in shopping for office clothes, love buying those super high heeled pumps and rummaging through the tiangge for the bracelet that will make match your clothes … working from home will make you unfashionable! I have been seen wearing my nightshirt, pajamas and nightgowns. I lost all will to go to the salon for a pedicure, manicure and even a decent haircut. Why? Because no one will see me. But that changed when I realized that I had to take care of myself.

You’ll become boring! Because most of the people I know don’t understand what Internet Marketing or Web Content Writing is, I have become the most boring person in the whole world. Or so I thought until I started dating again. Guys seemed really interested in finding out how I was earning money while watching TV. Go figure! But the point is, because I was willing to offer something new to the conversation (as well as give them new insights on how to earn while they lazy around the house surfing the net for porn), I became the most fascinating person in the whole damned world!

If you don’t become boring, you become so popular amongst your friends, relatives and acquaintances – who are all probably looking for a chance to earn US dollars. I’ve been able to refer a lot of people to my clients/bosses and I have to say that it’s very fulfilling. Up to the point when employers start emailing me with complaints about my referrals. That rarely happens, but be ready for it nonetheless. If you don’t know how to separate business from your personal life, just tell them you signed a confidentiality agreement with your boss.

If you are not used to staying up until the wee hours of the morning, then it’s not really a good idea to look for American clients. Focus on Asia and Europe – most employers pay USD which is the stable currency over the internet. I usually work until 10 or 11, unless I’m waiting for a client or employer. I write in the mornings, when I am most productive and do all other tasks in the afternoons and evenings. The time difference can be a bit frustrating, especially since most employers prefer that you work when they are awake. I’ve just been very lucky with my clients and my boss, as they understand that hiring a Filipino writer means that I will most likely be sleeping when they are awake. Expect quite a number of emails when you wake up.

There’s also the lack of corporate perks. Because you work on a contractual basis, you don’t get medical benefits or paid leaves. Again, I have to reiterate that I’m fortunate because my boss is willing to invest in me. I get paid an extra amount for Government benefits (SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig). My internet connection and Paypal Charges are also subsidized by the company I work for. If you have children, you might want to think about working online, because children tend to get sick a lot. But if you have a husband or if you are willing to get your own health card; then it will not be a problem.

I’m not trying to discourage or persuade you, I’m just sharing my experiences. I hope that this post has been a great help to moms who have been emailing me asking if it’s a good idea to start looking for work online. The one and only advice I give them, don’t quit your day job and try it out for a couple of weeks. The great thing about being a WAHM is that you have the option to work anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection available.