Why Join oDesk?

Let me inspire you with another oDesk success story. This time from Joann Del Castillo of Murcia, Negros Occidental. oDesk Member since April 21, 2008. She should be able to tell you WHY.

This bubbly, super-friendly chick is one of the most hardworking people I've ever known in my whole 6 years as a freelancer. We used to work in the same office but I think she stayed with the company for another year while I jumped ship and started exploring other work opportunities. We lost touch with each other but got reconnected again on Facebook. We chatted for a few hours and there I found out that she's also in oDesk.

Without wasting any time, I grabbed the opportunity and interviewed JoAnn about her experiences as an oDesk freelancer. She shared with me her story - a truly inspiring account of her struggles and frustrations as a freelancer and her journey towards success now that she has learned the tricks of the trade and has gained a really good reputation as an article writer, social media marketer and as a data entry specialist.

What was your previous job before you decided to become a freelancer?
I was a text chat operator for 4 years. The pay was good but there was no security and it was starting to create unnecessary stress in my life.

Where did you first hear about oDesk? From a very good friend of mine.

Is she also a freelancer on oDesk? Yes, she is.

What made you decide to become a freelancer?
I like the idea of being able to work in the comforts of the home. I like the freedom and the flexibility of schedule. And of course, the earning potential. As an oDesk freelancer, I have better control of my finances. I can work as little or as much as a I can. I can decide when to work and when not to work.

Another thing I enjoy about being an oDesk freelancer is the opportunity to get better acquainted with other people from different countries, compete with other freelancers and work on different assignments. There is also the opportunity to acquire and develop new skills.

Very well said! When did you start working full time? August 2009

What jobs do you do best?
Thanks to oDesk, I have discovered what my strengths and weaknesses are. I found out I have a flair in writing. I also improved my typing speed and my computer and Internet skills so I think if there are jobs that I do best, that would be data entry. I also do great in email marketing and in social networking.

What obstacles have you encountered when you were still starting?There's the fact that very few people hire newbies. When I was still starting, I had to send dozens of job applications almost everyday. I did get lucky and got hired eventually but boy, did I go through a lot just to land a job. I hated all those times I opened my inbox and found only email notifications from oDesk letting me know that my application got declined, that I did not meet the qualifications, that I was not one of the shortlisted applications BUT I did not lose hope. I kept on applying and kept on praying for an interview and it just happened.

Your story is truly touching. Is there really MONEY in oDesk? I would not be working it full time if the pay is not good. I am making around Php 40,000 a month, sometimes I even get bonuses from my bosses.

You must be really good at what you do then. Do you like being an oDesk freelancer? I don't just like it. I LOVE it.