As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was getting prepared to start up my own oDesk company (which I did). I had the orientation (with appropriate hand-outs) and a good number of people showed up. They all seemed rather exited, too. And I don’t blame them, since most of them were call center agents who make less than 18,000 pesos take home a month. You can do that on oDesk in a week, without really breaking a sweat.
But, as with all things, water seeks its own level. Not much response from the one assignment that I handed out. That assignment was to set up an oDesk account, complete your profile and then get back with me, so I can help you to take it from there. One person has done this in the weeks that have since past. One.
Oh well, that will only bring me to my original (and preferred) plan. As it turns out there are quite a few highly qualified individuals who already have oDesk accounts. They just don’t know how to get started beyond that. These guys are located throughout the world and many hold advanced degrees. It’s just that there’s no money to be made where they live.
So, my plan is to re-launch in March and begin signing up these guys. As of a matter of fact, when I first set up the company and posted an oDesk ad that stated I was looking for potential agents to work with me, I got 10 responses in about two hours. Each one had a degree and seemed quite capable. They were just new to oDesk. As I said, I’ll proceed along those lines, in March.
Beyond that, it’s been pretty exhausting. I have more work than I know what to do with. Which is really a good thing. But I’m not all that thrilled with the construction going on in this area. Too much noise and it’s affecting the water pressure. Since this area is attracting people with “money”, I don’t see this situation improving in the near future.
Which brings me to my new plan. I’ve decided to move out of Pasig City and make my way out to the cleaner air and beaches of the far more attractive Provinces (see: the Zambales post). Since I work online, I can work anywhere I choose (pretty much). In the end, I’d like to end up in a more picturesque area of the Philippines (where a lot of folks think I live, anyway). Trust me – it’s not all palm trees and coconuts in Pasig City. It’s more like 3rd world city and viewing folks washing the naked kiddies out on the sidewalk, as I head out from my sub-division and into the main town. Seriously, all I need is a camera and I could work for National Geographic. Check out the photo of the main shopping area of Pasig City (about 20 minutes from where I live). Time to get to the place where I want to eventually retire…
I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE POWER KEEPS GOING OUT.
Welcome to the jungle its the same here in Naples Italy and by far more outrageous than my home in quezon city, where I live in a nice subdivision complete with the amenities…anyway good luck on your search for future odesk contractors…
I don’t know…pawnshops and a Dunkin Donuts…does it get better?
More seriously, at some point, a big part of happiness is an environment where you wake up saying “I don’t want to be anywhere else”. Related to this idea, one of the things I have idly thought recently about was moving to New Mexico, Eric and I were in Taos and Cimmeron last summer and I was quite impressed with the natural beauty. This is just one of several (possible relocation) options we have thought about, ranging (in realistic expectation) from Austin to the south of France
Be interested in your thoughts as a former NM resident.
ps. to see what I have been up to (just published last month)
http://www.springer.com/engineering/circuits+%26+systems/book/978-1-4419-7562-1
least you be too impressed, I have yet to see one cent from what was probably all and all 3 months of work (mostly done in the midnight hours).
Nice to hear from you, Alain. How’s Naples? I’ve always wanted to visit Italy. I’ve been to Quezon City, too. I just need to relocate to a nicer area. I live in a very nice subdivision with the physicians, attorneys, actors, basketball stars, etc. – but it’s the surrounding areas that are starting to get on my nerves. Just too much pollution, for one thing. The air is MUCH cleaner near the beaches.
Hey Neal,
Great to hear from you. I’ll shoot you an email regarding your comments…
hi! great article keep it up!!!
Thanks, Keira!
Take a rest at some point and look around you say. I just did for three weeks. And i’ve been to this great place in Cavite. About 200 meters above sea level. From a point you can see the bay and climate is just cool even in the summers. Very well maintained by the subdivision developer which is Ayala Westgrove. Very high end though and properties(house & lot) are cost 17M in local currency. A few are being rented out and fully furnished. The whole area is about an hour and half drive from Pasig City.
I think i sounded like the agents i’ve been talking to. Anyway good luck on your plans to move up to Zanbales or in some other provinces.