How my Work-from-Home Journey Began

Hi there, moms! 🌟 I want to share a little bit about my story—how I decided to work from home, what it’s been like, and why I think it might just be the best decision I’ve ever made (spoiler: it’s not without its challenges!).

Our Journey to Parenthood

In 2011, my husband and I tied the knot, eager to start our family. However, we faced challenges conceiving. After consulting with a doctor, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder among women.   The advice was clear: reduce stress, maintain a healthy diet, and undergo regular check-ups.

At that time, my husband was already working from home as a freelance web designer.

Inspired by his setup and aiming to create a less stressful environment, I resigned from my office job in 2012 and joined him in the world of freelancing. Thankfully, in March 2013, we welcomed our first baby into the world.

Our 1 week old Jaden

Momma Shie and Jaden. He still likes to sleep, I still have the time to do my make up haha 😂

Embracing the Freelance Lifestyle

Since then, I’ve been navigating the freelancing landscape on and off, balancing work and family. Whenever my family needed more attention, I would pause my freelancing jobs and dive into online selling based on my current hobbies. This flexibility allowed me to adapt to our family’s needs easily.

With our 4th month old Lucas in 2016

Riding the Wave of Freelancing in the Philippines

We were fortunate to be at the forefront of the freelancing boom in the Philippines. The country has seen a significant rise in freelancers, with approximately 1.5 million registered individuals contributing to both local and national economies.  Wayback then, there were only few people who understands the concept of freelancing and work-from-home. I do remember when my husband was labeled as "job less" by our neighbors because he does not leave the house for work. Craazzyy 😂

How It’s Going

It is not stress free at all, but it is the kind of stress that does not stay for long. Once done with the task, then I'm free and I can move on. The kind of things I can handle and not from anything I can't control.

In 2024, we established our own agency, Meraki 8. It was born out of our desire to continue working from home while taking a different path from freelancing. We may be starting small, but we’re hopeful that the steps we’re taking today will lead to something bigger in the future.

I can say that working from home has been life-changing. I get to watch my kids grow, help them with their homework, and still contribute to our household. It’s not always perfect—there are days when the house is messy, deadlines pile up, and my kids refuse to cooperate (you know how it is!). But overall, I wouldn’t trade this setup for anything.

6 month old Teo with WFH Momma Shie in 2020

Is Working from Home for Everyone?

Here’s the thing: working from home isn’t everyone's cup of tea. It takes a lot of discipline, patience, and willingness to learn new things. I

If you’re someone who's comfortable in a structured office environment, it might feel challenging to adjust to a remote setup. But for anyone who want flexibility and the ability to stay close to their kids, it’s an option worth considering.

The key is to find what works for you. Maybe it’s freelancing, maybe it’s selling products online, or maybe it’s offering a service based on a skill you already have.

My Advice for Aspiring WFH Moms

Start Small: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Begin with free resources, join Facebook groups, or try out small gigs to get a feel for it.

Keep Learning: Invest time in developing skills that are in demand, like social media management, virtual assistance, or writing. There are so many online resources to help you get started. You can try the DigiSource Bundle, very affordable for only 299 pesos.

Be Patient: It takes time to build a stable WFH career, but the rewards are worth it.

Give Yourself Grace: Some days will be tough, but remember why you’re doing this. You’re creating a life that works for you and your family.

Working from home has given me the best of both worlds—the ability to earn and the privilege of being there for my kids. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

If you’re thinking about taking the leap into the work-from-home world, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been where you are, and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way. 💖