Carlos On Web :: Blogging from Experience

“Working for government provides you with the most secure job on earth. The government can never go bankrupt!”

“Why don’t you apply for a job at X Corporation? It is the largest in town and offers the most benefits you can have.”

I am sure you have encountered remarks such as these from some well-meaning friends and relatives who are very much concerned about your future. I got the same advice, especially during my early years of work.

Their message is clear: Get a secure job and stay there until retirement.

Did you follow their suggested path?

Read complete article »

The early years of my freelance programming journey was very tough for me personally not because I can’t find clients or projects to do, but due to the general perceptions people have on what I am doing. My relatives, friends, and former co-workers think I am crazy. Well, I guess I am.

If you are a freelance programmer in the Philippines, I’m sure you also share the following external factors that have become the greatest conceptual enemies I have faced.

Being Disconnected
Every time I meet a former co-worker or an old classmate, the first thing that gets asked after the usual “How are you?” is “Where are you connected?” Now, depending on his background or the last time you saw each other, that question can be very difficult to answer. I can either be honest and admit being a freelance programmer, or joke on my reply by saying I am currently “disconnected.”

Read complete article »