When COVID-19 struck in 2020, the global markets retreated thanks to mandatory shutdowns and stay-at-home orders. Many lost their jobs as companies had to stop their operations. The International Labor Organization estimates that 400 million jobs disappeared worldwide in mid-2020 because of the coronavirus.
Despite that grim statistic, people didn’t give up. Those who no longer had a company to work at started looking into freelancing their skills. They took on highly technical roles, such as software development, analytics, data management, and even writing.
Becoming a Gig Worker in Singapore
The people of Singapore felt the effects of the pandemic in Singapore as well. In a country where over 90% of the population are internet users, many who lost their jobs turned to online freelance gigs.
The Singaporean government was very encouraging. It launched an initiative to encourage companies to adapt to the digital world, providing attractive subsidies to offset the economic costs of going online for business. Singapore has also partnered with Google to help those wishing to pursue a career in the digital industry.
There are many platforms online that pair freelancers up with businesses looking for talent. The popular ones include Fiverr, Upwork, Mturk, and Freelancer. On these sites, one can offer all sorts of services and list hourly fees. If you are a Singaporean who wants to enjoy the perks of remote work, you shouldn’t waste any time.
As a gig worker, you have no one to answer to but yourself and your clients. You have the freedom of picking the jobs you want to do, the ones that interest and inspire you. Plus, no one can forget how annoying commuting is. With freelancing, you can work from anywhere you desire, be it your bedroom, the coffee shop on the next block, or beautiful (and cheap) Malaysia.
Graphic Design
If you are a graphic designer or have the skills to get this kind of work done, you might want to start peddling your talents. Graphic design is a viable business that you can easily execute from home. This could be a good choice for you as the future looks bright for this profession.
Many individuals and businesses need creative collaborators who can get their message across in a non-verbal way. For example, new and established companies need logos, innovative graphic advertising, and search-engine-optimized websites. You can offer these services from the comfort of your home with little overhead.
The most expensive expenses for a graphic designer are usually those associated with design software. That said, all you really need to start freelancing as a graphic designer is a dedicated computer with an internet connection. Don’t forget privacy and security tools such as a proxy. You can order it here to prevent any traffic monitoring and cyber theft.
Writing
Another interesting profession that has emerged from the internet is writing content for websites, social media platforms, and company blogs. To be a good writer in Singapore, one should naturally have an excellent command of a language, be it English, Malay, or Chinese. Writers need to have good research skills in order to produce accurate, helpful content.
One can write product descriptions for e-commerce businesses, blog posts, how-to articles, and more. As a freelance writer, you can decide how much to charge per word, be it 20 or 50 cents. If you have good writing skills, you’ll have clients lining up outside your door, even if your rates are on the higher end.
Social Media Marketing
There are several businesses, both online and offline, using social media platforms to sell their products and services. These companies understand the importance of hiring experts to run their accounts to get as much engagement as possible.
A social media marketing manager helps build a sense of community among a company’s online followers. Someone in this role needs to bring personality and presence to the brand. So, if you have the ability to create an unforgettable social media presence, know how to drive traffic, and create buzz, this online job might be perfect for you.
Concluding Thoughts
Remote work is no longer a dream for those looking to break the 9-5 cycle. With the internet and mobile devices opening up more opportunities, aspiring Singaporeans may want to choose a gig that suits them and their ideas. If you’re a talented worker looking to expand your horizons in Singapore, don’t be shy. With remote work, the world is truly your oyster.
