Meet Karen.
She’s one of Julia’s friends, an OFS (Online Filipino Specialist) from South Cotabato and she’s been working from home since 2010.
Julia asked Karen if she could share her story. Karen was happy to do it because she knew many Filipinos were in similar situations.
Like many Filipinos, she left her hometown after graduation to work for an outsourcing company in Cebu. She would have preferred to work in South Cotabato, but Cebu’s where the jobs were. As a young adult, she was excited to live independently and work in a bustling metropolis.
Karen had a promising career, and she enjoyed the work. But a year later, she had to go help her family which meant quitting her job and moving.
Good thing Karen had a plan. Here’s her story.
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My name is Karen. I am passionate about learning new skills and love watching movies and listening to music. In my free time, you can often find me cleaning the house. I also enjoy watching new videos and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the online world.
Moreover, I am a responsible daughter and a caring sister who is eager to help my family’s needs.
I decided to transition to online work primarily due to the unique circumstances and responsibilities I needed to address. My sister was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, requiring significant care and support.
Working and caring for my sister simultaneously has been a unique and challenging experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires careful time management, adaptability, and a lot of patience.
It’s not without its difficulties. Juggling work demands and caregiving responsibilities can sometimes be overwhelming, and there are moments when I feel torn between the two. It can be emotionally challenging to witness my sister go through difficult times while trying to stay focused on work tasks. But I’ve learned to be compassionate with myself and understand that it’s okay to take breaks when needed.
Communication and support from my employer and colleagues have been essential in making this arrangement work. Being open about my situation and understanding the work environment has made a significant difference. Their support and empathy have reassured me that I can effectively manage both aspects of my life.
Despite the challenges, this experience has taught me valuable life lessons about empathy, resilience, and the importance of self-care. I’ve grown as a person through the process. It’s a journey that constantly reminds me of the significance of compassion and the need to find a healthy work-life balance.
I still want to work from home even if my sister didn’t get sick because working from home offers certain benefits, such as flexibility, reduced commuting time, and the ability to create a comfortable and personalized workspace. It allows me for a better work-life balance and provides opportunities to be more present for my family members and personal commitments.
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They’re caring people. When Filipinos find work that allows them to care for their loved ones, they consider it a blessing. That’s when you get when you hire an OFS.
John