I am now a Shopee Seller!

Yes, I am still on Upwork! However, I also want to try my luck on e-commerce. This is because the life of freelance is not that stable, and seldom to get that inevitable long-term contract.

This decision was made after my stint as research analyst on Wonder (https://askwonder.com/) ended. You see, I started on Wonder in March 2018 doing full-time, 40-hr weekly work. The pay was good, and it really came at the most opportune time. For many months, I feel so secured --- then I was so blindsided. It wasn't Wonder's fault to end their Full-Time program for analysts, it is understandable for any business to change their program in the interest of the company. Our contract was changed to per research payment, which the payment is way too low compared to what I usually got from full-time. While I am aware that most freelancing contract is short-term, this particular contract promises a long-term one, thus, I declined other job invites while working at Wonder. I cannot work more than 40 hrs a week because research analyst work is literally mentally exhausting.

Then I realized that online/freelance workers must have a fallback, one that will work regardless of whether I have Upwork contract or not. I am not expecting to be a master seller in Shopee, but even a small earnings is acceptable especially when I have a child who will be in college next school year (yay!).

Please come visit my shop Beauty and Bloom at https://shopee.ph/crissy1978. Happy Shopping :)

Review: Pond's Age Miracle - Dual Eye Cream

At my age, a certain beauty regime is needed to cross that graceful ageing phase. I'm already in my late thirties, and there were obvious evidences to show that. One of my problems is around my eye  area. I tried a couple of eye creams which, unfortunately, didn't deliver.

While I was walking along beauty section in a department store, scouring for another eye cream to use, Pond's booth caught my attention. I have never used any of Age Miracle product line of Ponds and I was hesitant to start using one now. However, it got me curious since Pond's eye cream is a dual one.

This product is a dual action cream that promises to solve my problem. The pink cream is to brighten upper eyes, reduces lines and wrinkles. While the white cream soothes and lighten up eyebags and reduce puffiness. You see, I'm a night owl and this cream is the exact formulation I was looking for.

I have been using it now for almost a month and I am really happy and satisfied with the result. There is a visible change within a week of use and I actually noticed a glowing look under my eyes. I like the white one better for its result, but the pink one can also be used as an eye make-up primer.

Pros:

• Dual action formula
• Fast result (as early as one week, in my case)
• Affordable price than the other brands.
• Pink cream can also be used as a primer for eye make-up

Cons:

• If one cream is all used up, need to buy another even there's the other cream left (in my case, I favored the white cream and uses more than the pink one.

PRICE: Php499.00

Rating: 4/5

P.S. I am now considering to try other Pond's Age Miracle product line because of this.

Upwork (formerly oDesk): The Price of Hard Work

Wow, it seems like yesterday when I posted article Work At Home: oDesk (now Upwork), a guide I made for those skilled stay-at-home moms out there who want to have their time spent productively while being in the comfort of their home.

Two years ago, I was about to post when I reached my first 1,000 hours in oDesk, but haven't had the time to do it and then, forgot it altogether. But today, I know I cannot let it pass without letting other people know the good news! I woke up, overjoyed reading the e-mail I received from oDesk:

I am so proud! 

When I started using oDesk, it never entered my mind that I would stay long or be successful in this platfrom, the competition was overwhelming and jobs were not overflowing -- one job post with 500+ contenders for one position. It made me want to go out and apply in a brick and mortar office. 

Initially, I began with most common job: data entry. Everybody do it. The chance you get hired is 1:500 (maybe lower than this!). I applied, was hired. Only after a few months, I realized that it won't get me anywhere. With data entry jobs, one cannot ask for higher than average rate and the work is not challenging enough to make an impact as a contractor. So, transitioned to be a researcher. Slowly, I noticed the difference: a much higher rate, more challenging contracts and the job variations. 

However, after two years in web researching, I felt the need to change to a more challenging position, something that would make think hard, analyze, and decide. So, I became a virtual assistant at first, but targeting  project management jobs. Fortunately, every time I had a new contract, it gave me new things to learn, discovering skills I didn't know I have. 

Good thing about being a virtual assistant, tasks are limitless.  It is expected that you know how to do different tasks, to improvise, and to be independent. My clients were so kind, considerate, while being professional and disciplinarian at the same time. I really can't thank them enough for molding me to what I am now. They trained me and deliberately challenging me by assigning tasks which not only enhanced my skills, but also expanded my field.  I have never said NO to new assignments, I'd learn from them and I used them to my advantage. Also, the rate is very good. I couldn't ask for more.

After 4 years, 3,000+ hours, 25 jobs, fantastic reviews/feedbacks and 5-star rating, came the e-mail. 

Receiving that e-mail this morning meant everything to me. It shows that people appreciate my hard work. Clients are not only satisfied, but I also meet their expectations, maybe more.

Again, wow!