Hello, I am ashrill83. I live in a town called Cyberjaya, a tech hub hailed as Malaysia’s answer to Silicon Valley. After I got married in 2015, my husband encouraged me to work from home. My husband saw potential in me to start online business. Back then, online business and crowdsourcing were among top hit for those who indulged working from the comfort of their home. In July 2016, I had the privilege of joining eRezeki High Income Apprentice (EHIA) program - an initiative by Malaysia Development Corporation (MDEC). During this 3-month program, I was trained on how to write proposals and to bid for jobs on crowdsourcing platforms.

Building a Freelance Career

My first online job was to compile recipes for a cookbook on a major freelance platform. I prepared 20 meat recipes for a client in Russia. It was a fun 1-week job in line with my passion for cooking, and the rest was history. Over the course of two years, I did more than 10 jobs in various areas of my interest such as business development and market research. Some of the jobs were from the same client, as we build more trust and confidence in my works.

Fast forward to June 2018, I earned my first job on Workshift platform. The job was to conduct a local market research. I registered with Workshift soon after a friend of mine discovered on Facebook. The platform opened up more job opportunities with the Japanese clientele. To my surprise there were abundant of jobs available with competitive payments.

When I’m awarded a project from Workshift, I make sure I can complete it within the given timeline. I will take a job per week and make sure I can deliver it as per customer’s expectation. Be honest with your client if you have any challenge or stuck somewhere. If you need to extend the date, just negotiate with the client.

I can’t believe that I was awarded four jobs from the same client within a month through Workshift. I am grateful for my client who trust and continue to engage with my service.

Dealing with Japanese Clients

Based on what I have read and observed from the internet and TV, Japanese people are hardworking, punctual and disciplined. Working with them makes me happy because I also share the same value and have great respect for them.

Malaysia is blessed with multiple races and religions. Despite the differences and unique characteristics, I aim at bringing together the Japanese clients and potential local businesses so as to establish a good rapport. Some are easy going, and some are challenging. I must be creative in order to resolve any issues or problems to deliver my best to the clients.

Benefits, Tips and Goals

Becoming a freelancer has really given me an opportunity to spend more quality time with my family. Normally, I start working around 2 – 3AM until 7AM. Then, I would start preparing breakfast for my husband before he goes to work. Working at the comfort of my home spares me from the stress of commuting to office and I can manage my time better to balance between work and life. Sometimes when my husband goes outstation he takes me along and I can still continue working on my job. As long as there is an internet connectivity, I’m all set! Work anywhere, anytime!

As an advice to fellow freelancers, I’d say “Never give up when bidding for a job.” When you get awarded, do your best and enjoy the work as much as you can. If there is anything you don’t understand regarding your job, seek clarification from the client.

My next career goal is to change my own business model from sole proprietor to a Sdn Bhd (a private limited company in Malaysia) next year. My aim is to serve all my clients around the globe professionally.