Being away from your loved ones sure is a sacrifice to give them a better future and be a modern day hero for the country. As every cent counts, it would be worthwhile to find ways to earn extra income especially that nowadays, the cost of living continues to increase, while the chances on whether you will get to keep your job permanently gradually decreases. Stay ahead of uncertainties and make sure to keep yourself afloat whatever situation presents itself by trying to earn extra cash while working abroad:
- Be a Freelance Writer
Screenshot from diarynigracia.com
Now has never been easier to publish content on your own website, and even produce books. You have the option to work for others through freelancing sites or also work for yourself, and improve your own craft. One example of this is Gracia Amor, an OFW based in Kuwait. She has her own blog site, diarynigracia.com where she provides tips and help resources to fellow Filipinos. She even received a Migration Advocacy and Media Award for her work. She is also a self-published author.
- Cook Filipino Meals for the Community
Screenshot from sosarapnyc (Instagram)
VJ Navarro took fishball, chicharon, bbq, isaw, balut, taho, ice candy, and other Filipino delicacies to New York through So Sarap NYC. It has truly been a hit. He used to work for restaurants but now he manages his business in his own time.
- Invest in your Family’s Future
Screenshot from grit.ph
There are a variety of apps wherein you can invest, which might give you a passive income in the long run.
Grit.ph has compiled a list of investment apps which anybody can use. By investing in companies, you are also investing for your future. You can invest in reputable companies that you yourself trust or support, and they will provide great returns to your hard-earned money.
- Host your Own Radio Show
Screenshot from entremujeresradio.net
Rhia is an OFW nurse based in Arizona, USA. She is the host and producer of her online radio show, Buhay Buhay sa Amerika, affiliated with Entremujeres Radio. She also has a vlog in YouTube.
Radio shows require sponsors in order to be able to keep going. Sponsorships depend on the value that you create for the community, and the trust of the brands in your work.
- Be a Financial Advisor
Sure, everyone can invest online but it is not without the risks. With the plague of fake investment schemes, it is for the good that OFWs support one another. You can be a registered investment advisor wherein you can earn commission for the earnings of investments. If you are referring to or familiar with the other one that involves insurance companies, they are also a great option to earn extra income while helping other families secure their future.
- Offer PasaBuy of Goodies
One of the nostalgic things almost anyone can remember is the free chocolates from your neighbor/friend/family OFW. Other things that make it to the list are bags, shampoo, lotion, biscuits, clothes, and shoes. Some products are only available abroad, and the only way to get them to the Philippines is through a shipping service, or a very expensive shipping fee. Just try to find that one good thing abroad and post them in your social media just in case anyone is interested.
- Be a Vlogger
Screenshot from YouTube
Did you know that YouTube pays more for international views? Meaning, if you create and upload your content overseas and you get the bulk of your views from the Philippines (also the social media capital of the world), you can earn more. One example is Cychie Johnson who has a very successful vlog, you can check it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek4smTCJS9o.
- Be an Online Seller
Shopping online saves time and money for the buyer. You can be an online seller to fellow Filipinos abroad, or to family, relatives, and friends back in the Philippines. You can capitalize on original and luxury products such as perfumes, gadgets, and even food. You can find great deals abroad and sell them at their original price. On the contrary, you can sell Filipino goods to your Filipino community abroad (tip: bagoong and rock salt sell for a higher price abroad). Even a bilao can sell as a decorative material. The idea is low capital, huge returns.
- Bake Sales
Screenshot from YouTube
In an episode of Apple TV+’s Little America, a real-life story based on Elizabeth Kizito’s journey to being the famous cookie lady in Louisville, Kentucky shows how hardwork and determination can dramatically (pun intended) improve your life. She is a Ugandan national, but this doesn’t mean that Filipinos can’t do the same thing. We are full of talents and we are known to showcase it everywhere we go.
- Be an Event Organizer
The Filipino community thrives everywhere. Not only can you form a tight-knit community, but you can also help your fellow OFWs to be happy and even earn extra cash. You can work with sponsors to help bring events to life that can revolve around pageants, trade fairs, cultural exchange, and cultural showcase.
An example of this is an event from the movie Hello, Love, Goodbye starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards:
Image courtesy of Star Cinema
In the film, the Filipino community organized a by-them, for-them pageant through the help of sponsors. They got a relief from their very stressful life, but they were also able to earn extra money. Joy as candidate #5 was able to save more money for her to be able to achieve her dreams for her family.
Sure, this is from a movie, but Filipinos do organize beauty pageants abroad.
With all these options, your goal of saving more money will come closer to reality the soonest, and you may even get a chance to completely transform your life.
