Hi there, my name is Uyen, a Vietnamese freelancer. I am now working as full-time researcher in e-commerce field, dealing with collecting, analyzing data and producing reports on e-commerce trends and business application of e-commerce and advanced technology in Vietnam. Thanks to my job, I have a chance to travel to several countries. I also spent a couple of years in Japan for pursuing a master degree in Nagoya University. Those chances of travelling exposed me to other lands and cultures that are different from my homeland, broadened my horizons and nurtured my respect for the diversity of the world.

  My hobby is photography. I love taking pictures when I am free. I started doing photography since my student time in Japan when I had much free time and several chances to go around and explore new things in new land. I really hope for a chance to showcase my photography skills to Workshift clients.

THE CATALYST FOR JOINING WORKSHIFT

 My experience in Japan had made me want to get to know Japan more, therefore, after getting back to my homeland, I made the most of every opportunity to maintain the relationship that I have built with Japanese people. Japan is rich in culture, history and tradition. Having lived there for a couple of years, I had great chances to learn about Japanese people, culture, and landscape. I have developed my great respect for Japan, a country developing so fast but still trying so hard to keep traditional values alive.

 Then, I found Workshift which connects Japanese clients and freelancers all over the world. At first, I thought that it is just the same as many other crowdworking platforms that prioritize freelancers who already gained high reputation and there would be little opportunity for latecomers. But I was wrong. I got chosen for a translation job by a prominent academic institution in Tokyo and I still remember how excited I was for this very first job. Since then, Workshift has opened up several opportunities for me to explore.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR DAILY JOB AND FREELANCING?

 There are times when the opportunities arise, I find myself handling some projects at the same time so it requires me to work late nights, early mornings, and weekends. However, I have learnt how to make it happen by planning my work carefully, staying on schedule, and focusing fully on the work to be done. I often determine how many hours per evening or on weekends I need to work to complete the project within the timeline I promised with my clients.

HOW DOES WORKSHIFT BENEFIT YOU?

 Since becoming part of Workshift freelancer team, my jobs and experiences become more diverse. I was immersed into wide range of projects, may it be simple ones such as list making, or more complicated ones such as market research or interactive ones such as telemarketing. I love the challenges each project exposes to me because thanks to them, I can constantly learn about new industries, foster relationships, become creative and focused.

 With Workshift, I have a chance to put my experiences and skills to good use. Working on this platform, I gained a lot. It cannot be denied that I can have another important source of income, but it is more than just good payment. It could be nice experiences in job, new interesting knowledge, new network, or very nice conversations with clients. All of these make freelancing in Workshift so beneficial as well as so much enjoyable.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE JOB WITH WORKSHIFT?

 One time I was offered a job to visit a website and capture screen of pre-roll video on the website. It turned out not a simple job as it took several messages for client and me to understand each other and I still could not see the video with different devices. When I nearly gave up and suggested the client to ask someone else to do the job, we came up with another solution and I finally could finish the job.

 To my surprise, the client then asked me to do extra 3 consecutive jobs and series of jobs brought me not just only some good payment but also added more experience to my profile which was of importance for my starting days on Workshift platform. So I still thought of it as the most memorable one as I learnt that my patience and effort would definitely pay off and you just did not know what awaited you.

ADVICE FOR NEW WORKSHIFT FREELANCERS

 If you are looking for a platform to showcase your ability, build your skillset, earn some extra cash, zone-in on your passion and establish professional network, Workshift is right for you. I would highly recommend you to give it a try as the untapped opportunities are there awaiting you.

 Working with client, you also should keep in close contact with them. Responding to clients’ messages as quick as you can in order to let them know that you are available to any inquiries from work, which can eventually help you win client’s trust.