Further growth seen in Phl online freelance market

CEBU, Philippines - A growth of job opportunities in the online freelance market is projected as more businesses and talents come to venture and work online.

This according to the latest report of Elance, a pioneer in freelance revolution and the global leading platform for online work.

Ronald Cirujano, Elance country manager in Philippines, said that more than 4,600 jobs and projects were awarded to Filipino freelancers on Elance from businesses all over the world in the first quarter of 2013.

Elance recently issued a report entitled “The State of Filipino Freelance Market” that indicates that the Philippines is a prime destination for freelancers given the skilled and hardworking workforce, technologically savvy population, and accelerating entrepreneurial communities.

Marketplace data showed that more Filipinos are embracing the revolutionized working platform with an 89-percent increase in new registrations representing 1 456 freelancers hired in the first quarter of 2013.

Elance considers the Philippines as one of the biggest markets for freelancers. The country ranked fourth in number of users and ninth in terms of earnings.

There are over 95,000 Filipino freelancers registered on Elance, specializing in administrative support, information technology and programming, and writing and translation among others.

Elance vice president for Europe Kjetil Olsen said that the progress in the Philippines posted above the overall growth of the company.

“In fact, with the potential for even greater growth as companies continue to embrace online freelance work, the future is indeed bright for Filipino talents and local economy alike,” he said.

He said that more Filipino professionals are venturing into freelance work since they enjoy working as they please, selecting their work and becoming their own boss.

“No longer are talents bound by the constraints of the local labor market; if you possess a skill in demand on the global labor market there are thousands of opportunities available online. Online freelancing has truly redefined how we view, perform, and value work,” he stated.

Last year, a total of 2,182 freelancers were hired for the first time, reporting a 175-percent increase from 2011.

There are more than 500,000 businesses and 2.3 million freelancers use Elance in over 170 countries.

In September 2012, a survey was also conducted among 120 selected Filipino freelancers registered on Elance.

Majority of respondents were female and were aged 32 and below and with a bachelor’s degree.

The survey revealed that 20.8 percent of Filipino freelancers were hired for the first time on Elance in less than a week after registering on the platform.

Most freelancers said that their primary skills sets are into research, writing and content and online marketing.

It was also found out that Filipino freelancers love the idea of having control over their own schedule, working wherever they please and having the opportunity to pursue their passions.

Thus, most of them feel happier and more productive with their time. /JOB (FREEMAN)