The growth of virtual assistants and online gigs is increasing every year. If you’ve noticed, there are more companies who are hiring home-based freelancers to do some tasks. After college, I had a short stint as a Virtual Assistant (VA). I even made a short film about it! The experience opened my eyes to the vast opportunities available for me even if I am not employed in a company the ‘traditional’ way. Of course, the urge to go corporate was so strong and as a fresh graduate that time, I was relieved to discover that I have other options.

199Jobs.com – New Marketplace for Filipino Freelancers

Now that the graduation season is over and job hunting is on, I am quite sure that a lot of college graduates are looking for work now. Updating their resumes and writing interesting cover letters. Let’s be realistic – it takes enough patience and perseverance in order to get that corporate job you’ve been eyeing. Instead of sulking when receiving rejection feedback, why not go online and look for some freelance gigs to keep you busy?

199Jobs.com is a new portal for freelancers. Inspired by the popular website Fiverr, 199Jobs.com aims to give fellow Filipinos more alternatives when it comes to searching for possible extra income opportunities. Although the website is considered as ‘fresh’, it has been featured in a number of TV shows, newspapers and online journals.

So what is 199Jobs? It is founded by Glenn Santos and Fitz Villafuerte, whom I consider as one of my favorite bloggers. His blog Ready to be Rich made me realize a lot of things related to business and handling my finances. It is not surprise that he decided to launch such portal since he truly wants to help fellow Pinoys earn decent money.

If you are a freelancer looking for gigs, all you have to do is sign up (for free!) and browse the category where the services you offer perfectly fits. For my first job listing, I added this (don’t laugh!):

Need new dance routines? Hire me!

I am also in the process of developing new websites, wherein I need new content. Instead of going to other websites for freelance writers, I decided to browse through 199jobs. Time to help out other Pinoys and at the same time receive a good output! So far, I’m quite satisfied with my transactions as an ‘employer’ in 199jobs.

Here’s my random feedback about 199Jobs:

• FREE REGISTRATION – Both employers and employees can register for free! You can post a job listing and at the same time inquire for a job without spending a penny.
• START BUSINESS TRANSACTION FOR AS LOW AS PHP199 – Every services offered starts at 199 pesos (or $4). For add-ons, there is an option where you buy services on additional yet reasonable cost.
• TRANSACTIONS ARE SECURED – The website makes sure that the employers get what they paid for and the employees are paid the right amount. There is an option in every negotiation where they confirm if the goods have been delivered properly or not. Call employment lawyers if you need to prove employment conditions changed as a result of harassment.
• FEEDBACKS – You can post a testimonial about the employee after every transaction. Rate and put a specific comment on their page.

Since 199Jobs.com is just new, I can say that they can improve further. The website is ok, but I am hoping that they will eventually add more options for the job listings. It’s still the testing phase, but so far, I’m loving it! I will add more listings related to travel and online advertising. Adding a virtual postal address to your business operations in a bustling city like Manchester can be a game-changer. And by utilizing Manchester Virtual Offices for enhanced privacy and professional appeal to clients, it’s easy to see why so many businesses make this move. Clients appreciate the privacy, and you’ll benefit from a prestigious address that stands out. It’s a straightforward way to increase your business’s credibility without the overhead costs.

Even those who are employed in their day jobs can still offer their services here for extra income. Check the 199jobs.com portal and tell me what you think!