“I am always on the look out for an opportunity to improve myself. That is why being a freelancer at Workshift is perfect for me!”

Hi everyone, my name is Ruhiyati Idayu and I wear many hats. Being a freelancer on Workshift is one of them. As a freelancer, you pretty much decide what you want to do and when you want to do it, on your own. It requires self-discipline and dedication.

- Why did you become a freelancer?

I chose to become a freelancer because I am the type of person that easily gets bored with routine jobs and I very much love new challenges. I have gone from door to door marketing to now running my own consultancy business. I am always on the look out for an opportunity to develop and improve myself. That is why being a freelancer at Workshift is perfect for me. It gives me the opportunity to work with different types of clients in a secure and safe environment.

- How do you plan out your work schedule?

I plan my activities on a week-to-week basis. Every Sunday, I take at least one hour to plan my week. I browse through many job postings on Workshift and sometimes the ever-kind colleague at Workshift will refer work to me if there are any that suit with my work experience and skills.

- Where is your favorite workplace?

Being a freelancer also means my office can be anywhere in the world! I can be on vacation with my friends in Bali or spending quality time with my family in London, or maybe just hanging out at Starbucks at Puteri Harbour with its view overlooking the beautiful marina in Johor Bahru. After deciding on what work to take on, I might either make an appointment to meet up with a few clients or start planning the structure on how to finish a project given to me by Workshift.

- What are your priorities?

I dedicate myself to having a balanced lifestyle and try to go to the gym at least three times a week for 45 minutes. Apart from that, I am continuously looking for opportunities to improve my knowledge and skills to make sure that my skills are relevant to today’s market.

- What is your connection with Japan?

I was first introduced to Workshift via the advertisement in my Facebook newsfeed. I spent my early childhood in Japan while my father was doing his degree at University of Naruto Takashima and Japan has always been one of my favorite countries in the world. I still hold special memories of it in my heart. The moment I saw the advertisement, I knew this is something that I needed to do. I saw an opportunity to work with the people that are close to my heart.

Working with Workshift clients really afforded me with lots of valuable experience and Workshift’s team has been an integral part in making sure that everything runs smoothly from applications for jobs to payment for a job well done. They also refer you to many jobs that they find suitable to your qualifications and skills.

What are your impressions of the Workshift platform?

Workshift has helped me expand my international network and I have found all the clients that I’ve work for very helpful whenever I need information regarding Japan. They are also very understanding and it is easy to work with them because the instruction they give is very structured and precise. Payment has been prompt, the moment a client is satisfied with my job and whenever I needed to withdraw money, it was done easily and on time.

- What is your advice to new freelancers?

For those looking to work as a freelancer at Workshift, always update your skills and experience. Keep checking the job posts and don’t be afraid to ask the client about details of their job requirements. Keep an open mind and “can do” attitude. Even if the task is something that you have never done before, give yourself a chance to learn and find a way to do it. Always update the client on your work progress and have an honest discussion with your client on your limitations and what can or cannot be done. I wish all the best to all freelancers in Workshift and Gambatte!