I’m here to talk about online writers’ rates in the Philippines. When I was new in the online writing gig, I got acquainted with an FB group who said they were the authority about writer’s rates. I will not name this group here, but I feel it’s time to speak up about what they are saying versus what the real deal is. Let’s call this group “Old Guard”.
I have been working online as a writer since 2019. I began with a low rate, but now I think I am paid equitably. However, the rate I am paid, according to Old Guard, is very cheap. According to this group, I should not even think about it. It’s not worth it. I should demand a higher pay.
The truth is, I have been on the other side of the equation—the hiring side. Aside from being a writer, I am in HR (human resources). There was a span of time when I was doing online work that I was hired to hire other online workers. Including writers.
To be frank about it, what Old Guard is demanding is bull****. It only makes novice writers feel bad about themselves. It discourages novice writers. For those who have already been writing for two to three years, it is depressing. Lastly, the insinuation that writers should be paid four times higher than the running rate builds resentment. The sense of entitlement it causes is overwhelming.
Who does not want to be paid 800 USD to write full-time a month? But come on. Put that rate out in the online job application platforms (Onlinejobs ph; Virtualstaff.ph, etc.) and no one will hit you up. Or there will be a few interested. Good luck.
What I am saying here is, yes, aspire for the 800 USD per month. Even 1200 USD per month. But start somewhere. Don’t let that sense of entitlement get into your head. Don’t believe what that Old Guard says or what your Tita says or what your online worker friends say. Do your own research. What are the offers out there? How much are they willing to pay? Use your brain.
Maybe, instead of having thoughts like: “This job is so underpaid.” “I am underpaid.” “Writing does not pay”, and “The world is unfair to Filipino writers.” Build your portfolio, apply for the shit jobs and do the shit work, and position yourself better as you develop your writing skills. This does not apply only to writers, but all online workers out there.
True, at the beginning we are underpaid, but we have competition from all over the world. Being an online worker means clients have the freedom to choose. You and that Pakistani guy have the same shot at the interview and the job offer. Be the better candidate. Show up on time in interviews, fix your mike, your face, your cam. Wow ‘em with your confident English. If you are good, they’ll come a-knocking. But if you have that sense of entitlement, then, forget it.
The world for writers has changed. Especially if you are an online writer. Don’t fight the machine. Don’t fight the change, don’t fight reality. You lose every time.
Sure, do the advocacy thing, Old Guard. Let’s dream all Freelance Filipino Writers be paid 800 or higher USD per month. But keep your feet on the ground.
