Pinoy freelance worker wins Elance ‘Work Differently’ contest

MANILA, Philippines -Elance, the world’s leading online work platform, has announced that Mark Lloyd Binar of Muntinlupa, Philippines won first place in its global “Work Differently” contest.

The contest invited freelancers to submit a brief description of how they “work differently,” including photographs of themselves at work.

Online work sites like Elance are changing the way people think about work. With an abundance of good paying jobs available online, anyone with talent can now earn a living wherever they live.

The Working Differently contest asked freelancers around the world to share how online freelancing had changed their life.

Binar, a skilled graphic artist, was chosen by popular vote among visitors to the Elance Facebook page, beating out contestants from over 70 countries.

The winning photographs and contest details can be found on the Elance blog, and below you will find Mark’s contest entry:

“Family time while working is possible, especially if you are working online at your own home. I’m now spending more quality time with my wife and kids.

“I gave up my normal job last January 15 to become a full-time freelancer online. Before, I worked 10 hours a day, and most of the time when I went to work, my kids were still sleeping and when I came back from work, they were already sleep. New opportunity and lack of family time pushed me to give up my job and become a full-time freelancer. With Elance, I can earn enough to support my family.

“Elance changed my life because now that I have more time with my family, I can say that ‘family time while working is possible.’ Working online on Elance while spending more time with my family; it makes my life more beautiful.”

Binar earned $500 for his first place finish, and will also be featured soon on Elance’s Inspiration Center — a page devoted to testimonials from successful Elance freelancers and clients.

“Mark’s story has inspired us all,” said Elance CEO Fabio Rosati. “We are proud of him and excited to have so many talented and successful freelancers working in the Philippines.”

Elance continues to be the driving force in the online work revolution, growing at record pace as the demand for skilled professionals increases dramatically from month to month.

Freelancer earnings in the Philippines grew 92 percent in 2012 with over 40,000 new freelancers joining the service. Growth in the Philippines was mirrored around the world as businesses on Elance are now posting 90,000-plus jobs each month, resulting in over $200 million earned by providers on Elance in 2012.