Finding part-time work that fits your schedule and skills can feel impossible.
I’ve been there. Juggling studies, a full-time job or personal commitments always came first, leaving little room for earning extra income.
But the rise of digital opportunities changed everything for me, and it’s now doing the same for countless Filipinos. From students and fresh graduates to full-time employees, building a steady part-time income online is more achievable than ever – on your terms, from home.
As someone who’s navigated this path, I know how life-changing it can be. But with so many options, figuring out where to start is overwhelming.
That’s why we put together this guide: to share practical steps earn part time online income in the Philippines and help you get closer to your goals.
Table of Contents
Getting Started: Part Time Online Income in the Philippines
1. Assess Skills & Interests
When there are countless options for online part-time income, you have to begin somewhere, and the best place to start is with yourself.
Take a moment to assess your skills and interests. What are you good at – writing, graphic design, programming, or maybe teaching? Identifying what you enjoy doing and what you’re already skilled at will help guide you toward the right opportunity.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What skills have I developed through my studies, work, or hobbies?
- What do I want to learn or improve on?
- What kind of career do I want to have 5 years from now?
- If I could turn any hobby or interest into a job, what would it be?
- Which of my skills do others frequently compliment or seek advice on?
These questions can help you focus on your strengths and give you a sense of direction.
Here’s an example of how i did it myself:
What kind of career do I want to have 5 years from now? I’ve always wanted to become a digital entrepreneur. For such a big dream though, it felt very overwhelming not knowing where to begin. So, I decided to start small. I enjoy creating content that could help people. So, I started writing online guides for various educational websites. And not to be barred by equipment limitations, I even did writing work using a mobile phone.
2. Do Your Research
Once you’ve identified your skills and interests, it’s time to do something a lot of people seem to hate: Research. Research is like checking the MRT map before you board – without it, you might set out for Cubao but end up in Taft, heading in the exact opposite direction. Don’t get lost, do your research.
- Go where the hiring people are. Visit job platforms to study the requirements for the work you’re interested in. These platforms include popular places like Onlinejobs.ph and Upwork. Look closely at what hiring parties are asking for and the value they seek from candidates. By understanding these expectations, you can tailor your approach when you eventually look for clients.
- Go to the ‘not so obvious’ places. Don’t overlook where people naturally discuss the problems you’re trying to solve. Facebook groups, Reddit, and even the comments sections of related YouTube videos can be great places to identify potential clients.
- Join online communities. Communities and groups where people share their experiences are invaluable for beginners. This can help you prevent making any costly mistakes. Try joining Online Filipino Freelancers on Facebook or r/buhaydigital on Reddit.
- Check the trends, but don’t chase them. It’s no secret that the most trending online part-time income opportunity these days is becoming a virtual assistant. Learning the reason why can help steer you toward profitable opportunities. However, while being a VA might be trending today, always consider if it’s something sustainable for you in the long run.
- Explore the competition. Look at what others are offering in your chosen field. Check out freelance profiles on platforms like Fiverr or OnlineJobs.ph (OLJ) and see how they present their services. I did this myself when starting out and noticed that by specializing in niche areas, I could stand out from the competition. This insight can help you carve out a unique position in a crowded market.
Ultimately, thorough research will prepare you to seize the right opportunities. But remember, don’t get caught in endless research – the next step is to set a goal and take action.
3. Set a Goal
When starting out, it’s important to set both short-term and long-term goals. Think about the bigger picture – what do you ultimately want to achieve through online part-time work? Maybe you want to supplement your income, transition to a full-time remote career, or develop a specific skill set.
But while it’s good to have a long-term vision, it’s equally important to break that down into smaller, manageable steps that you’re confident you’ll be able to reach. If you’re working a full-time job, consider how much spare time and energy you have left at the end of the day and plan your goals from there.
a) Example
If your long-term goal is to transition into a full-time freelance career, start with a short-term goal of earning ₱5,000 a month through freelance gigs. Once you achieve that, aim for ₱10,000, then ₱20,000. By consistently hitting these smaller targets, you’ll gradually move closer to your bigger career goal.
- Short-term Goals to Consider:
- Building a portfolio – you can build this slowly during your spare time. Even if you don’t have a formal paying client, you can work on building your portfolio through related hobbies or providing your service to your friends and family.
- Getting your first client –with the research you’ve done, show your portfolio to potential clients/employers wherever they might usually hang out (formal employment sites, social media, Reddit, etc…)
- Completing your first gig – put your best foot forward. Your primary goal is to impress your first client to get a good review and a potential referral.
- Gaining your first client review – make sure to ask for feedback from clients. Work on things that need improvement, and compile the rave reviews that you get.
- Setting aside specific hours each week for your part-time work – as you gain confidence in your skills and ability to earn online, you can gradually increase the amount of hours and work you put in each month.
b) How to Put It into Practice
Example: Becoming a YouTube Video Editor.
- Building a portfolio – You can start by editing your own videos about topics that you’re interested in. You can even work on some projects that you’re family or friends might appreciate.
- Getting your first client – One way to do this is by looking for content creators whose work you like but you think can be improved with your editing. Check out if they have any contact details on their page, and then share your insights with them and show them your portfolio. You can even try to make a short sample of what you have in mind for their content. This process can take a while and you’ll likely get a lot of rejections and unseen cold emails.
- Completing your first gig – Once you’ve found your first paying client, do your best to impress. Go the extra mile if needed.
- Gaining your first client review – always get your client’s feedback. It will improve your work and your relationship with your client. You also use any positive feedback as social proof to get more clients
- Setting aside specific hours each week for your part-time work – slowly increase the amount of time you dedicate to finding more clients while always keeping in mind to only take on projects and clients that you’re confident in being able to manage well.
These small wins build your confidence, give you experience, and help you stay on track toward your long-term goals.
4. Decide on a Method
Now that you’ve set a goal, it’s time to decide on a method to earn online. There are various ways to make money online, each differing in difficulty and flexibility. The key is to choose the right path that fits your schedule, interests, and short/long-term goals.
Start by focusing on one method first. In my own experience, I started small by writing online guides for educational websites. Once I gained some experience, I began exploring other skills that aligned with my long-term goals, such as social media design and video editing.
While it’s tempting to try out multiple things at once, the learning curve and time requirements can be steep. Sticking to one path initially allows you to build experience and gain confidence before exploring others.
By deciding on one method to begin with, you’ll find it easier to build momentum and later branch out into other online income streams.
4 Common Methods for Achieving Part-Time Online Income in the Philippines
There are a lot of ways to earn online but some of them can be very rigid in terms of time commitment. We’ve listed below common methods that we know people actually earn a part-time income from:
1. Video Call Consultations / Services
Overview:
Video call services are an excellent way to monetize your skills and interests. It gained significant traction during the pandemic and lockdown era. Common services offered through video calls include tutoring and telehealth consultations. But you don’t have to be limited to the usual offerings.
Music jam sessions, on-demand virtual assistance, or even competitive game training are just some of the ways that people have been creative with this method. You’re free to do so as well, as long as you can provide VALUE to your clients.
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate. Setting up is straightforward, but building a client base and managing bookings can take some effort. You might also experience the hassle of people wasting your time by canceling at the last minute.
Flexibility:
High. You can work from anywhere and set your own schedule, which is perfect for balancing other responsibilities.
Platforms:
Here in the Philippines, video call services are usually done informally through Zoom or some other video call platform. But as mentioned before, this does lead to difficulties such as people not paying or wasting your time.
And that’s why we made Gigant. Think of it like a marketplace (like Lazada), but instead of products, people book timeslots for a professional’s service.
We made this platform so Filipinos can formalize their video call services, build their reputation, and actually turn it into a source of livelihood. Our personal favorite feature of the platform is that you can get paid, even if the client does not show up.
You can try it for yourself by booking a free 30-minute session with us here: https://gigant.com.ph/service/try-gigant-with-us-free-30-minute-sessions
2. Project or Output-Based Services
Overview:
Output or project-based services involve delivering completed work like writing, design, and video editing. This method is popular for individuals who prefer working on tangible results rather than real-time interactions. It’s a great way to leverage your existing skills while exploring new ones.
Platforms:
Popular platforms in the Philippines include Onlinejobs.ph and Upwork. These job platforms have a filter for ‘part-time’ that you can use to easily find opportunities that may fit your schedule, but they’re often not as flexible. So, if you need more flexibility, don’t limit yourself to just these platforms. You can find projects anywhere, even in your own personal network. Then, you set your own schedule and rates.
Difficulty:
Moderate. While finding your first gigs can be challenging, building a reputation and a strong portfolio pays off over time.
Flexibility:
Moderate to High. You can choose projects that fit your schedule and workload, giving you control over your work-life balance.
3. Digital Products
Overview:
Creating and selling digital products, such as eBooks, courses, or printables, is a promising way to earn online. This method can be particularly lucrative if your product is unique or fills a gap in the market.
For example, you might develop software or an app that solves a specific problem or improves workflow. Other great options include specialized online courses, music, artwork, or photography. If you’re an artist, consider creating content that other creators might need, like background music for videos or photos for blog posts.
However, it’s important to note that while this can be rewarding, it’s not as easy as some TikTok influencers may suggest. Creating high-quality products and effectively marketing them takes effort, but the potential for passive income makes it worth the challenge.
Platforms:
Kofi: This is the one we use here at the remotefilipinoworker.com. You can check out our shop for free tools you can use for earning an income online.
Raket.ph: This one is Philippine-based and probably one of the reasons for the recent popularity of digital product selling here in the Philippines.
Gumroad: Ideal for selling a wide range of digital products, including eBooks, music, and courses.
Udemy: Great for creating and selling online courses to a global audience.
Etsy: While known for handmade items, Etsy also supports digital downloads like printables.
Teachable: A popular platform for building and selling online courses.
Difficulty:
Moderate to High. Creating and marketing high-quality products oftentimes requires significant effort and specialized skills and knowledge. The rewards can be substantial but come with an equally steep barrier to success.
Flexibility:
High. Once your products are live, they can generate income with less ongoing effort, giving you more freedom.
4. Remote Part-Time Jobs
Overview:
Remote part-time jobs offer a more stable income by allowing you to work for a company from home, performing tasks like customer support, virtual assistance, or data entry. This option is great for those who need consistent work while still having some level of flexibility. Many roles involve working as virtual assistants or customer service representatives, providing a steady income stream.
Platforms:
Onlinejobs.ph, VirtualStaff.ph, LinkedIn, Upwork… There are so many platforms that you can try. We have a number of guides for Onlinejobs.ph in particular, we suggest going through ‘The Complete Onlinejobs.ph Part Time Job Guide’ for an in-depth look at just how you can do this successfully. What you learn there can also be applied to other platforms.
Difficulty:
Moderate. While applying for these jobs is relatively simple, competition can be high. Building a solid resume and portfolio increases your chances of landing a position. Use any tool at your disposal. You can even use AI to help you land that job.
Flexibility:
Low to Moderate. Though many roles offer flexible scheduling, a significant portion of remote jobs require you to work in time zones like the U.S., making night shifts more common. Jobs with employers closer to the Philippine time zone, like those from Australia or New Zealand, are available but less frequent.
Is it too late to start? Is the market already saturated?
The short answer is no. In 2020, the global virtual assistant services market was valued at USD 4.12 billion and is expected to grow at a 24.4% CAGR by 2028.
It may feel like it has become saturated with the influx of so many virtual assistants, meanwhile, most online job seekers only know of Onlinejobs.ph and Upwork, making those few platforms feel overly crowded and competitive, with low-ball offers left and right.
There are so many other channels and ways to find online job opportunities on the internet including social media sites such as Facebook groups and Reddit. These channels are often less structured than the aforementioned job platforms, but they are great hunting grounds for online job opportunities nonetheless.
You can also take advantage of new platforms like Gigant where you can be one of the early adopters who build a strong reputation at the start. Trying out new platforms might feel empty and slow at first, but there is very little risk in starting early while the rewards later on can be very worth your while.
Here’s How You Can Stand Out:
- Find Your Niche: Instead of trying to compete broadly, narrow down your focus to a specific area where you can excel. Whether it’s a certain skill, a specific type of client, or a unique service, specializing helps you carve out a place in the market.
- Provide Exceptional Quality: Many people offer online services, but not all deliver high-quality results. By consistently exceeding client expectations, building a solid reputation, and fostering long-term relationships, you’ll create demand for your work.
- Leverage Personal Branding: Building a personal brand around your skills and expertise can set you apart from others. Whether through social media, a portfolio website, or even starting your own blog, showcasing your value and story can help attract clients.
- Start Small, Grow Gradually: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see instant success. Start with small projects, build experience, and gradually scale your online career. Many people who are now thriving in the digital space began with part-time gigs, slowly transitioning to full-time once they proved their model worked.
5 Tips for Getting Part-Time Online Clients
Finding your first clients is often the most challenging part of starting any online part-time work. But once you’ve established a foothold and built a reputation, client acquisition becomes more manageable over time. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Understand Your VALUE
Before reaching out to potential clients, clearly define the VALUE you offer. It’s crucial that this VALUE addresses important pain points or needs that clients are willing to pay for.
There are way too many Filipinos who rely on other people’s sympathy to get a job. While that can work in some cases, how much more effective would it be when you set yourself apart by providing VALUE that a client would be desparate to pay for?
Understand what sets you apart from others and how your skills specifically address these needs. Be as precise as possible in identifying how you can solve their problems or meet their goals. This clarity will enhance your marketing efforts and make your value proposition more compelling to potential clients.
2. Start with Family, Friends, and Your Personal Network
Begin by offering your services to family, friends, and acquaintances. They may need your help or know someone who does. Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals and leverage your personal connections.
It might feel a bit awkward at first, and you might be tempted to offer your services for free to build a portfolio. However, the best validation of your work’s value comes from people being willing to pay for it. Be firm about this, you can do it!
3. Build an Online Presence
Create a professional portfolio or website to showcase your work. Share your expertise through blog posts or social media to attract potential clients. Don’t worry, there are a lot of free options out there, like Carrd, Notion, or Canva, you just need to look for them.
You should prioritize certain platforms based on what kind of service you provide. For example, Gigant is an excellent option for video call services but other platforms might be better at showcasing designs, videos, and other kinds of media.
You can also sign up on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and OnlineJobs.ph to find part-time opportunities. Make sure to optimize your profile with relevant keywords and tailor your bids to the specific needs of each client.
4. Reach out to Potential Clients Directly
Identify potential clients who could benefit from your services and send personalized emails or messages. Highlight how your services can solve their problems or meet their needs. Research each client before reaching out to make your pitch more effective.
If you’re interested, here’s a video of how I cold-emailed small businesses in Australia, Canada, and the USA for part-time social media design work:
As an introvert, cold-emailing is way out of my comfort zone. However, after trying it out myself, it’s not as bad as I thought. Getting no replies or receiving a rejection email might be discouraging, but it’s just all part of the process.
What I learned is that you just have to be sincere about how you’re trying to provide value for them. Keep reaching out and trusting the process.
5. Build Your Reputation
Here’s something a lot of people seem to forget about online careers. While it’s important to find clients, it’s equally important to build your reputation as you complete projects.
Try to gather testimonials, build your portfolio further, and find creative ways to showcase your work. Positive feedback and a well-curated portfolio will enhance your credibility and attract more clients over time. So, treat every job as a way to get more jobs in the future.
Additional Tips for Success
a) Learn to identify scams and how to protect yourself from unpaid payments.
When working online, always research clients or platforms to ensure they’re credible. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, and use secure payment methods or platforms with built-in protection.
If you’re searching for opportunities outside of formal job platforms, be extra vigilant about potential clients. Look for social proof about the client, including the business they represent, the kind of work that they do, and any track record of whether or not they can be trusted to pay you. Remember that if a client asks you to pay before you get paid, it’s a SCAM!
For larger projects, consider using contracts or breaking the work into milestones to ensure timely payments. Lastly, avoid sharing sensitive personal information unless absolutely necessary and only through trusted platforms. Staying cautious will help you avoid scams and unpaid work.
b) Don’t Leave Your Day Job Just Yet
Transition slowly into online work. Treat your online job like you would treat a sideline business. At first, it’s important to test if you can find any kind of way to earn online. Once you’ve secured your first gig, see whether or not it’s sustainable in terms of the workload, benefits, payment, personal satisfaction, and whether or not you can see the online gig leading to new opportunities.
Once you’re happy with the results and confident enough in your ability to find more work, you can now consider transitioning to doing it full-time.
c) Expand Your Comfort Zone
Embrace new challenges. As technology and industries evolve, new platforms, tools, and skills emerge regularly. Adapting to these changes often tests your personal limits and pushes you beyond your usual comfort zone. However, staying adaptable and committed to learning is crucial. By embracing new challenges and continuously acquiring new skills, you’ll position yourself to thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape and always find opportunities to succeed.
For instance, if you’re not used to cold emailing potential clients, start small and gradually take on more. Expanding your comfort zone is key to growth.
4. Balancing Part-Time Work and Other Responsibilities
Effective time management is key to maintaining a healthy balance between part-time work and your other commitments. Here’s how you can manage your responsibilities without risking burnout:
- Avoid Overcommitment: It’s important to know your limits. Taking on too many tasks or projects can lead to diminished quality in your work and negatively impact your well-being. Prioritize your commitments and be realistic about what you can handle.
- Utilize Tools: Leverage time management tools such as calendars and to-do lists. These can help you keep track of deadlines, plan your tasks, and ensure you stay organized.
- Be Strict with Your Schedule: Find work that fits your schedule and ensure it doesn’t spill over to your other priorities. Output-based jobs or video call services like in Gigant give you more flexibility. Use this to your advantage by scheduling your work during times when you’re most productive and can focus without distractions.
Conclusion: Start Small, Stay Committed
Whether you’re balancing school, family, or a full-time job, the digital world offers numerous opportunities to work on your own terms.
To succeed, start small and stay committed. Begin by assessing your skills and researching different methods, from offering video call services through platforms like Gigant to freelancing or selling digital products. Set realistic goals and experiment with various approaches to find what suits you best.
Getting started may seem daunting, but remember, it’s never too late to begin. While competition exists, the digital economy is expansive and continually evolving, creating room for new talent and fresh ideas.
Once you’ve mastered one method, you might discover other viable options to explore. For instance, if you started with OnlineJobs.ph, consider branching out into different platforms or services.
Just remember that the digital job landscape is ever-changing. This means that while new opportunities open up all the time, it also means you can be left behind if you become complacent. But if you continue to upskill and update yourself, you’ll be just fine.
