Remote Work 101: A Filipino Mom's Guide to Earning from Home

Written by: Ella

12 min read

Discover how Filipino moms can thrive with remote work! This guide covers types of remote jobs, essential skills, and tools you need to start earning from home—without missing precious family moments. Whether full-time or freelance, there’s a perfect fit for every mom.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  1. Understanding Remote Work

    • Work-from-Home (WFH)

    • Full-Time Remote Work

    • Part-Time Remote Work

    • Telecommuting

    • Freelancing

  1. Types of Remote Work Opportunities for Filipino Moms

    • Freelance Jobs

    • Full-Time Remote Jobs

    • Part-Time Remote Work

    • Telecommuting

    • Online Businesses

  1. Skills and Tools Every Filipino Mom Needs for Remote Work

    • Essential Skills Every Remote-Working Filipino Mom Needs

    • Remote Work Tools Every Filipino Mom Should Master

  1. The Benefits of Remote Work for Filipino Moms

  1. My Personal Experience with Remote Work

  1. Key Takeaways

  1. FAQs

  1. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Remote work is booming—and Filipino moms are joining in.

Imagine swapping your daily commute for pambahay, your office for your cozy kitchen, and spending more time with your kids while still making a living. With remote work on the rise—growing over 400% globally in the last few yearsPinay moms are stepping up, making it work, and thriving!

But it’s really not just about working from home. It’s about finding a career that lets you earn while still being there for your kids' milestones, school events, and even those “Mommy, look at me!” moments. Alam mo yan, momshie!

Back in the day, work meant long hours away from home, missing out on precious family time. Ang hirap, ‘di ba? But now, with technology and more companies embracing remote setups, we don’t have to choose between being present and earning for our families.

We can have both.

This guide is your starting point to make it happen. From understanding remote work options to getting the tools and skills you need, we’ll cover everything.

Whether you're looking for full-time stability or freelance freedom, there’s a remote job or business that fits your needs.

Ready ka na ba to dive in?

Let’s do this, momma!

2. Understanding Remote Work

So, what exactly is remote work, mga moms? Simple lang—it means any job that can be done outside of a traditional office. You can work from home (hello, pambahay!), at a coffee shop, or even from your kids' basketball practice—basta may WiFi. It's the freedom to work anywhere.

Remote work comes in different forms, each with unique benefits, depending on what works for your family and lifestyle. Let’s break it down:

Work-from-Home (WFH)

This type means working specifically from home. The company usually provides the equipment, and your home is your office—kaya mas tipid!

  • Pros: Regular pay and benefits, no commute

  • Cons: Fixed hours, can sometimes lack flexibility

Full-Time Remote Work

This is like your traditional 9-to-5 job, but without the traffic. You work fixed hours, from anywhere you choose.

  • Pros: Regular income, stability, team environment

  • Cons: Requires fixed working hours, may have limited flexibility

Part-Time Remote Work

Perfect for moms who want a steady income but need flexibility to juggle household duties. Fewer hours mean more time for the kids.

  • Pros: Flexible hours, good balance

  • Cons: Fewer benefits, lower income than full-time

Telecommuting

You work mostly from home but with occasional visits to the office. It offers a mix of both worlds, providing structure and interaction while maintaining flexibility.

  • Pros: Regular pay, occasional office presence can be refreshing

  • Cons: Requires occasional commuting, might still need office attire

Freelancing

Choose your clients, set your rates, and decide when and where to work. Super flexible, but income can be unpredictable.

  • Pros: Maximum flexibility, control over workload

  • Cons: No job security, irregular income

Key Differences (Summary)

Summary of key differences among remote job opportunities
Summary of key differences among remote job opportunities

“Remote work is where your favorite kitchen chair is now your office chair.”

In short, remote work gives you the freedom to choose a career that fits your home responsibilities. Whether you want to telecommute, freelance, or work full-time from home, there's always an option that will work for you.

3. Types of Remote Work Opportunities for Filipino Moms

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore remote work opportunities that are perfect for us, along with resources to get started.

Freelance Jobs

Freelancing lets you be your own boss, manage your time, and work on projects that interest you. It’s perfect for moms who need flexibility but want to earn well.

Popular Freelance Roles:

  • Virtual Assistants (VAs): Help businesses with administrative tasks like emails, scheduling, or customer support—pwede while the kids nap! Earnings can range from ₱20,000 to ₱40,000 per month.

  • Writers: Freelance writing ranges from blog posts to product descriptions. Expect earnings of around ₱3,000 to ₱10,000 per project.

  • Graphic Designers: Got a creative flair? You can earn ₱5,000 to ₱15,000 per project doing logos, social media graphics, and more.

  • Social Media Managers: If you love TikTok or Instagram, why not earn from it? Social media managers can make ₱15,000 to ₱40,000 per month.

Disclaimer: Salary ranges mentioned here are based on common industry averages and may vary depending on experience, skill level, and client budgets.

Full-Time Remote Jobs

If you want stability with regular paychecks, full-time remote jobs are the way to go.

Popular Roles:

  • Customer Service Representatives: Assist customers from home, earning ₱25,000 to ₱50,000 per month. Training is often provided, making it a great starting point.

  • Tech Support: Provide support for software and devices. Potential earnings range from ₱30,000 to ₱60,000 per month.

  • Project Management: If you love organizing, project managers can earn between ₱40,000 and ₱80,000 per month.

Part-Time Remote Work

Great for supplementing the family income while having plenty of time for the kids.

Popular Roles:

  • Customer Service and Support: Companies hire part-time customer service agents to cover peak hours. Earnings range from ₱15,000 to ₱25,000 per month.

  • Remote Tutoring: Teach students online on platforms like VIPKid or 51Talk, and earn up to ₱50,000 monthly.

Telecommuting

Telecommuting allows you to work from home but occasionally head to the office for meetings or tasks.

Popular Roles:

  • Administrative Support: Do admin work mostly from home but be ready for occasional office visits.

  • Sales Representatives: Handle sales remotely but occasionally visit the office or meet clients.

Online Businesses

Some moms aren’t just working—they’re building empires! Online businesses can be your way to make extra income or go full-on entrepreneurship.

Popular Online Businesses:

  • E-commerce (Lazada, Shopee): Sell anything from clothes to handmade crafts with your own online store! Manage orders when the kids are asleep and have control over your business schedule.

  • Amazon Selling: Yes, momma, Filipinos can sell on Amazon! It’s a great way to turn your passions into profit and make global sales. With Amazon's robust logistics and customer service, you can focus more on your products rather than the nitty-gritty of shipping and handling.

  • Dropshipping: No need for inventory. Just list products and handle orders while suppliers ship to customers.

"Finding the right remote work is like finding the perfect recipe— it needs the right ingredients that fit your taste."

4. Skills and Tools Every Filipino Mom Needs for Remote Work

Ready na, momshie?

Let’s make sure you have the right skills and tools to become a work-from-home boss. Hindi mo naman kailangan maging tech wizard to start—many of these skills are things you’re probably already familiar with!

Essential Skills Every Remote-Working Filipino Mom Needs

Digital Literacy

Okay momma, I know we all scroll through Facebook and TikTok, but remote work requires a bit more than that. Digital literacy means being comfortable using online tools to communicate and collaborate.

  • Email: Use email professionally. Make sure to create a more serious email address (not 'cutiemommy143@yahoo.com').

  • Google Workspace: Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets will be your go-to tools for collaborating on files. Everything is stored in the cloud—so you can access your work saan ka man naroroon!

  • Video Conferencing Tools: You’ll need these for your meetings. Invest in a decent headset and make sure to find a quiet space.

Time Management & Discipline

The biggest challenge is managing time while running a household. Here are some hacks to help:

  • Set Work Hours: Even if your job is flexible, it helps to stick to a routine. Set clear work hours and respect them—make sure your family knows about it too!

  • Time-Blocking: Allocate hours for work, chores, and playtime. Apps like Google Calendar or Notion can visually map out your day.

  • Avoid Distractions: Easier said than done, I know! Try to create a work-friendly space, and use apps like Pomodoro timers to help focus.

  • Prioritize Tasks: We can’t finish all tasks in one day. Focus on what’s important first. Use Trello or Asana to keep track of your to-do list, so you’re always on top of your game.

Communication Skills

In remote work, communication is everything. Since you’re not meeting face-to-face, you need to be able to express yourself clearly and professionally in writing and during virtual meetings.

  • Be clear and concise: When sending messages or emails, make your points clear so there’s no room for misunderstanding.

  • Respond promptly: Even if you’re juggling mom duties, aim to respond to clients or employers within a reasonable time frame.

  • Use the right tools: Tools like Grammarly (for clear writing), Google Meet or Zoom (for meetings) and Slack (for messaging) will make remote communication much easier.

Remote Work Tools Every Filipino Mom Should Master

Productivity Tools

  • Beginner: Trello - Simple visual task management. Great for checklist lovers.

  • Advanced: Asana - Complex project management for handling multiple projects.

Note-Taking Tools

Communication Tools

  • Beginner: Zoom - Reliable for meetings.

  • Advanced: Slack - Real-time messaging for projects.

Finance Management Tools

Managing your payments as a freelancer or remote worker is just as important as finding the job itself! You’ll need tools to track your income and expenses, send invoices, and receive payments easily. Here are some must-haves:

  • PayPal: One of the most popular payment platforms for freelancers worldwide. It’s reliable and allows you to receive payments in various currencies.

  • GCash: Super easy for local payments. You can even transfer money to your bank or pay bills.

  • Payoneer: Another excellent tool for receiving international payments. It allows you to get paid directly to your local bank account with low fees. It works great for freelancers and is also widely used by Filipino sellers on Amazon!

  • Wave: This free invoicing tool is perfect for freelancers. It helps you send professional invoices, track payments, and manage your finances all in one place.

  • Wise: Formerly known as TransferWise, it’s one of the best platforms for receiving international payments with low conversion fees.

"Success in remote work doesn’t come from luck—it comes from the right skills and the right tools."

5. The Benefits of Remote Work for Filipino Moms

Remote work is a game-changer for us Filipino moms seeking a balance between career and family life.

It lets you design a schedule around your family’s needs, allowing you to be present for your kids without giving up your career. No more time wasted in traffic or spending on work clothes. Instead, you're investing more time at home while saving costs. Plus, the flexibility opens up global opportunities, meaning more chances for financial growth and a stable future.

Flexibility

Remote work means you control your time—work when it fits your day, whether that’s after dropping the kids off at school or during nap time. No more strict office hours or endless commutes.

Cost Savings

Remote work also means major savings! No more spending on pamasahe, parking fees, or expensive office lunches. You can brew your own coffee, and have extra time for home-cooked meals that are healthier and way more affordable.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance can be tricky, but remote work makes it easier. You can shape your work around your life, giving you more time for your kids’ milestones, homework and moments that matter.

Health and Well-Being

More time at home means healthier meals, a relaxed pace, and even time for exercise—like an online Zumba class or a game of habulan with the kids. Being at home also means a more relaxed pace of life, resulting in lower stress levels and a happier household.

Access to Global Opportunities

Remote work lets you apply to companies across the globe—from the US, Europe or elsewhere. Because you’re no longer limited to jobs in the Philippines, you open doors to better-paying jobs and more specialized positions that might not even exist locally.

"Work, earn, and still have time to watch every episode of Peppa Pig—what a win!"

6. My Personal Experience with Remote Work

I know what it feels like to juggle a tight budget, mounting bills, and the endless demands of raising kids.

In 2011, I made the choice to become a stay-at-home mom for my daughter. It was a precious time, but eventually, I wanted to contribute more financially.

Re-entering the workforce was challenging because justifying my employment gap was difficult so rejections piled up. My husband’s job also had us moving a lot, making it difficult to keep a stable job.

Then, in 2019, I took the leap.

I enrolled in Amazenation’s VA Masterclass, pushed through every bit of self-doubt and started applying for jobs even before the course was over. To my surprise, I received two job offers almost immediately!

Fast forward to today. I've been managing an Amazon store for almost three years now. It’s been an incredible journey—building a stable income, learning new skills and even launching my own brand.

Looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t let my fears win. So, to all the moms out there—take that first step, even if it's scary.

You’ve got this, momma, and it will be worth it!

"Taking that first step is scary, but it’s also the best way to grow."

7. Key Takeaways

  • Remote work isn’t just a job. It’s an empowering opportunity for you to earn, grow and find balance between career and family.

  • Filipino moms are perfect for freelancing because we’re resilient and are natural multitaskers.

  • Choose the type of remote work that fits your lifestyle—whether it’s freelancing, full-time, part-time or running your own online business.

  • Equip yourself with digital literacy, time management and communication skills to thrive in remote work.

  • Start small, take courses, upskill and join online communities. You are capable of creating a thriving career while staying present for your family.

8. FAQs

Q: How can I start remote work if I don't have any experience?


A: Start by learning! There are free courses online like those on Coursera or YouTube. Build up basic skills like using Google Workspace or managing emails, and apply for entry-level positions to gain experience. Create a simple resume highlighting any transferable skills you have from running your household or any part-time jobs you’ve had. Platforms like OnlineJobs.ph are great places to find beginner roles.

Q: What remote jobs are best for moms with young kids?


A: Jobs with flexible schedules like freelancing, virtual assistance, or part-time customer service are ideal. These let you work around nap times and school runs. Freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr is also a great way to pick projects that fit your lifestyle.

Q: How do I manage my time effectively as a remote-working mom?


A: Time-blocking works wonders! Set dedicated hours for work, household chores, and family time. Tools like Google Calendar or Trello help keep your day organized. Always communicate your schedule with family members so they know when you need focus time.

Q: How can I avoid scams when looking for remote work?


A: Research the company or platform before applying. Stick to trusted websites like LinkedIn, JobStreet, and Upwork. Be cautious if the job asks for an upfront fee—legit employers will never ask for money. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from trusted groups.

Q: What equipment do I need to start working from home?


A: You'll need a reliable computer, stable internet connection, and basic tools like a headset for meetings. GCash or PayPal is also great for receiving payments. You don't need the fanciest gadgets—just reliable ones to get started!

9. Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot in this guide, mommas!

Remote work isn’t just a job—it’s your chance to earn, grow, and create the balance you deserve. You can be an amazing mom and have a fulfilling career—without the compromise.

Take that first step today, whether it's browsing for remote jobs, enrolling in a course, or connecting with someone already working from home.

Soon, you’ll see how far you've come.

Remember, you’re not alone—there’s a whole sisterhood of moms cheering you on.

Let’s keep the conversation going! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Have questions?

Curious about something specific?

Or maybe you’ve started your own remote work journey and want to share?

Comment below—kwentuhan tayo!

Join the Last Mom Standing community, connect with other moms and together, we’ll build a support system that helps every mom thrive.

"Because strong moms build strong herds."

You've got this, momma! I’m rooting for you, and I can’t wait to see you shine.

Here’s to your next big step!

Ella is the chief hu-mom at LastMomStanding.com. Once a chronic starter, she’s now finishing what she begins and rewriting her story. When she’s not creating content, Ella is exploring new challenges, enjoying good books, or planning her next adventure. Come say hi—she’d love to connect!

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