Gem Talks

My first post for 2018!

So many things have happened in 2017. The last quarter has been extremely productive for me and I couldn't thank God enough for all the projects He showered me with. This 2018, my goal is to always include my passion in the things I will accomplish this year. This includes updating my blog and a regular video content creation for the memories I treasure the most.

With this, I am starting "The Sunday Currently"

Are you at your wit's end not knowing how you can juggle all the different responsibilities at work and at home? It is part of the work from home life. And I will be honest, this is one of the reasons why working from home isn't for everyone.

Today, I have a pile of clothes in the washer that I've soaked since last night but I am still finding the time to START doing. I have dirty clothes on the floor to compile and put in the wash bin. I have dry clothes to unhang, fold, and arrange in the cabinets. I am currently teaching my kid and helping her with her homework. I haven't swept the floor nor arranged the toys lying on the floor. The house isn't entirely a mess but it isn't neat either. Among all these, I also have to take note of the school tasks for the two kiddos for the coming days.

It's already 5:30pm and I haven't gotten back to checking my inbox to answer emails that are work related. I have to read materials for a project I need to work on and I haven't even started yet. Times like these, my patience gets easily tested. Feeling like a failure or inadequate is common. I sometimes compare myself to other moms.

Recently, we had an unexpected visitor who helped us set up our Pisonet business at home. He said "di niyo to nalilinis no?". Although he probably was just being honest, for me, his statement was like a mockery that I haven't been doing my job as a mom.



I have to be honest that there are times when it gets to me. But thinking about how I can make everything work, I realized I need to start applying these things in my life to become a more efficient work from home mom.

 #1. Communicate clearly with the people I am with.

 My husband noticed my sudden low energy and he told me every time he sees me, it looks as if I am so bored. I told him I wasn't bored. There's actually a number of lists to do in my head that's making me anxious. He offered to help wash the clothes. (Although I still need to muster all my strength to trust and delegate household chores)

 #2. Hire a part-time helper.

 It is hard to find a stay at home helper or nanny these days. But finding a lady washer and/or someone to iron clothes would take a lot of burden off of us.

 #3. Let kids be kids.

Let them be messy. Don't lose your cool when they are noisy and when their toys are everywhere. Teach them at an early age how to clean up after playtime. This is a skill so be patient while being consistent.

#4. Take a break.

Instead of lashing out and crying (specially during PMS days), go on a date without the kids. Utilize your parents to look after your kids (schedule this in advance). A change of environment, even for a short time, is good to recharge our energies.

It is never easy. Finding a balance needs a lot of adjustments. And the adjustments sometimes never ends. We could sometimes lose our cool but when we focus on the bigger goal or the reason why we work hard and choose to work at home, we can sleep and hope that tomorrow will be better.

One job that can be done at home is a virtual assistant. If you think that virtual assistants are only for women, you've got it all wrong. Even men can be virtual assistants too! I know a couple of dads who get to take care of their kids while working at home. Isn't that good news?

Gone are the days where a job is exclusive to a specific sex. Being a secretary isn't just for women anymore but also for men. In 2003, Men made 5% of the VA industry and in our country, it is continuously growing. The rule of this age is if you are qualified, why not?

Apart from the administrative tasks, VAs also do technical jobs like updating and fixing a website, creating and designing marketing images, creating videos and a lot more.

So I would like to greet all the "dad" virtual assistants I know a 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! 

Working remotely is now becoming the next best thing to employees and freelancers. People are now switching to working from home because of so many good reasons. The innovative technology has made it possible to do meetings via remote video calls and do the same quality of work while saving work space because you are working at your home.

If you are still wondering why you should start a career at home, let me give you 5 reasons.

1. No commute. 

No commute means less stress. The traffic in the country is a topic that is self explanatory in this item. I know a lot of workers who commute 3 hours going to their office and 3 hours going home. Don't you just love not having to drive or commute again?

2. You save more money.

When you work from home, you don't have to spend money for transportation. You also don't need to eat at fast food chains and restaurants every day. Just imagine how much are you paying for your lunch and numerous work breaks at 711 or Ministop.

3. You eat healthier

You get to cook your meal which I tell you is way healthier than eating something that somebody else prepared. You don't know how much salt, sugar, or msg is in your food. Have you ever dreamed of a successful diet? When you work from home, diet seems more possible and easier.

4. You get more sleep

Got a deadline? You can do those extra work hours and you will not feel bad about not getting enough sleep because once you are done, your bed is just a few steps away!

5. Last and most important of all is you get to spend QUALITY time with your family.

A lot of employees are missing their children's milestones because they spend a lot of time working in the office. Elderly parents are more sensitive and would need more care and attention. This is the most precious benefit working from home can give you. Anyway, aren't they the reason why we want to earn money?

I made the scariest decision in my life when I resigned from work and switched to become a freelancer and a work from home mom. Looking back, it was the best thing I have done for myself and for my family.