The end is here….as an employee
So the day has finally come. You report to the office, for the last time. A few hours into the day, your staff and friends within the office blew a surprise farewell party, although you expect this to happen. Then came the jokes, the well-wishes, some chats, and of course, some drinks and good food. Maybe, this even extends after the day ends, in the nearby restaurant or coffee shop. You received your final paycheck, carried the last of your personal items, and faced the door for the last time. Then it hits you….WHAT NOW???
Want to be a Retiree?
Sadly in the Philippines, being a retiree may not be good for you, as pensions and retirement benefits are not enough to sustain your lifestyle. And you can’t expect your children or anyone else for support. So the only way to go is to continue working and earning until your last breath.
What are the alternatives?
Putting up your own business is one approach. Similarly, be an independent consultant and offer your services outside as you still have your core experience. Who knows, you could still be sought after by these companies.
The other alternative would be a Virtual Assistant or VA. Unlike a business that requires office space, paying salaries, and going to the office sometimes, a VA can just stay home and perform all the heavy lifting there. VA’s typically have foreigners as their employers or clients, so much of the operating expenses will come from electricity, internet, and telephone, which you’re already shouldering. The computer or laptop you’re using is still up for the job, and it’s still not a problem if you even buy the latest, and most expensive, model. After all, you still have that big retirement cash in your bank, right?
Have peace of mind working at home.
Working at home, you’re much at ease. Goodbye to chasing and cursing in choked-up traffic, getting upset by some foot-dragging staff, and other office in-fighting. Instead, you have peace of mind, sleep longer, and eat well-prepared and healthier meals. And if you’re a multitasking kind, watch TV while you’re working and still not distracted. You can even be at your home clothes, wearing t-shirts, shorts or pajamas….even bare-naked, as long as the camera is turned off!
It’s an added advantage if the VA work is aligned with your previous work experience. Otherwise, you can still adapt and retool for a new career. There are training in various fields like search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click (PPC), e-commerce, accounting, real estate, and more. All these trainings are in online format so there’s no need to leave home. While the course isn’t free, think of this as an investment.
I did it, VA way…
When all is settled, you have flexibility. Most likely your clientele are from overseas so receiving payments in foreign currency makes you earn better! Depending on the contracts, you can work as long as you want and still have time for other endeavors, like taking vacations, make time for your kids, put up a small business, or enjoy yourself. As a retiree, you are financially secure and still enjoy the fruits of your efforts.
