Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
This story is shared by an engineer who now works 5 remote work jobs as a stay-at-home mum. Here’s how she did it.
Hi, I’m Farah! In 2020, I was an engineer earning a decent paycheck. But when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I was laid off without any warning. With no jobs on the table, I turned to remote freelance jobs.
As someone new to the freelance world, I went through lots of trial and error. For example, you know those ads on Facebook offering remote work on a full-time salary? I found out that they’re usually too good to be true.
To help you avoid wasting time like I did, here’s a list of platforms for trustworthy remote gigs in Malaysia:
1. Upwork
This was the first gem I uncovered. Upwork is a global freelancing platform where businesses and independent professionals connect and collaborate remotely.
Upwork is basically like a night market for freelance jobs. You can find all sorts of work here, from short-term gigs to long-term projects. You’ll be competing with people from all over the world, but also get a chance to work with international clients.
Payment: When a client wants to hire you, he will deposit your payment to Upwork and once done, Upwork will release the money. With the Upwork payment system, you do not have to worry about your payment being on time. I’ve never had problems with my payments from the Upwork Payment system, PayPal, and local bank transfers. However, if you choose to get payment outside of Upwork, it is at your own risk.
Experience: I only have good experiences with all my jobs. My colleagues are from all over the world, and even though I have stopped working at that company, we still say hi once a week via Discord. We even exchange new job opportunities every now and then.
My secured jobs on Upwork
| Jobs | Rate | Monthly Payment | Payment Transaction |
| Virtual Assistant | – | USD800 | PayPal |
| Blog writer | USD15/article | USD216
(after deducting Upwork fee) |
Upwork |
| Article writer | RM0.20/word | RM1000+ | Local Bank |
| Thesis Writer | USD0.10/word | USD1500 | Local Bank |
| Fb Content Writer | – | RM500 | Local Bank |
| Translator | SGD0.07/word | SGD70+ | Local Bank |
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
| Upwork |
|
|
My advice:
- I wouldn’t say I like the high Upwork fees. If you already have a long-term client, you can ask them to switch to PayPal. Of course, PayPal does not have the best conversion rate, but it is still acceptable.
- Beginners or first-timers, use the Upwork payment system until you are comfortable with the client.
- Beware of scams!
- Only choose clients whose payment has been verified to avoid scammers.
- Every month, you will be given “Connects”. The “Connects” will be used to apply for jobs. If you do not have any connections left, you need to buy more connections to apply for more jobs.
2. Indeed
Indeed, as the name suggests, proved to be an invaluable resource. It’s a well-known job search engine, but what caught my eye was its extensive listing of remote jobs.
Just type “remote” in the search bar, and you’ll see a bunch of opportunities pop up. Very straightforward!
I discovered vacancies from companies I never knew were open to remote work, which expanded my horizons significantly.
Payment: Since this is a monthly paid job, I have no problem with the payment.
Experience: Okay, but of course, there are some fussy clients. You can find a lot of Singaporean companies looking for employees on this platform. Usually, you will get a long-term client here, with monthly pay.
My secured jobs on Indeed
| Jobs | Monthly Payment | Payment Transaction |
| Virtual Assistant | RM1500 | Local Bank |
| Data Entry | RM700 | Local Bank |
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
| Indeed |
|
|
3. Fiverr
Ah, Fiverr, a name synonymous with freelance work. This platform opened my eyes to the world of gig-based employment. Here, I learned that my skills could be offered as individual services, allowing me to work on diverse projects and build a varied portfolio.
Fiverr is more for short-term gigs and freelance work. It’s good for starting small and building up your portfolio. Plus, you can set your rates, which is nice.
Payment: The Fiverr payment system is the same as Upwork, and I do not have any problem with it.
Experience: I had no bad experience until the company moved me to handle marketing. This was when I needed to go to meetings every day and faced some senior marketing personnel who always looked down on other people. For the sake of my mental health, I resigned from that company.
My secured jobs on Fiverr
| Jobs | Monthly Payment | Payment Transaction |
| Social Media Content Creator | USD400 | Fiverr Payment System |
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
| Fiverr |
|
|
My advice:
- Do not underprice your service, or it will lead to burnout.
- Ask your client for reviews.
4. Facebook Groups
Don’t underestimate Facebook Groups. Surprisingly, Facebook Groups became a secret weapon in my job hunt.
There are many groups like “Freelance Malaysia” or “Remote Jobs Malaysia” where members post job opportunities. It’s also a great place to network and share tips with other freelancers.
Payment: The payment was made on time. Beware of scams. Do extra research before accepting new side gigs.
Experience: I have no unpleasant experience with the data entry job. The client is super happy, too with my work.
My secured jobs on Facebook Groups
| Jobs | Monthly Payment | Payment Transaction |
| Data entry | RM500 | Local Bank |
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
| FB Group |
|
|
Connections In Real Life
Last but not least, I learned the age-old adage ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ still holds. Old-school, but still works!
Networking, both online and offline, opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Reaching out to former colleagues, attending virtual networking events, and participating in online forums connected me with people who were instrumental in finding remote work.
My secured jobs here: Well, no opportunity yet for me. I guess I need to change this set of friends and find new ones. (Just kidding)
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
| Connections |
|
|
My advice:
- Don’t reach out to your friends or connections only when you need jobs. Engage with them regularly.
- Do not overlook your less prominent contacts.
- Often offer to help others back.
A Journey of Independence
Is freelance life for me? Absolutely! I’ve found my groove earning RM3k to RM5k monthly, all from the comfort of my home. No more daily commutes. Also, life handed me this chance to be there for my three precious ones, and I’m grabbing it with both hands.
Don’t get me wrong, freelancing isn’t my forever game. I’ve got plans – big ones! Clearing my mortgage, and wiping out personal debts. I want to handle my own debts so that I do not place the burden on my husband.
In sharing this story, I hope to light the path for others who find themselves in a similar situation. The journey to finding remote work in Malaysia can be challenging. But with these resources, it doesn’t have to be a blind search.
Each of these platforms offers a unique way to connect with opportunities. Who knows, your next great job might be a click away. May you find success in your endeavors!
Share this story with friends who are looking for freelance work!
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Read also: How I Began My Freelancing Career As A Malaysian Ex-Engineer
How I Began My Freelancing Career As A Malaysian Ex-Engineer
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