If someone had told me years ago that I’d make a living writing, I would’ve laughed. Writing? As a job? Sure, I liked words, but I never saw myself as a “writer.” It wasn’t part of the plan—assuming I had one.

Then 2020 happened. COVID-19 changed the world overnight, and like so many others, my life took a turn I never expected. Everything felt uncertain, and staying home became the new normal. Jobs disappeared, routines crumbled, and for a while, it felt like we were all just trying to stay afloat. That’s when I realized I needed to find a way to earn from home.

In 2021, I took my first step into freelancing—but not as a writer. I became an appointment setter for a Real Estate company and a Virtual Assistant for a kid’s publication, juggling schedules and answering emails. It wasn’t exactly thrilling, but it gave me what I needed—an income and a way to work remotely.

Writing didn’t come into the picture right away. I wasn’t actively looking for it, and yet, somehow, it found me. One small opportunity led to another, and before I knew it, I was drafting content, editing pieces, and realizing—hey, maybe I could do this. Maybe this was my thing.

So, how did I get from answering phone calls and emails to writing for a living? That’s the story I’m about to share—no fluff, just the real experience of how I became a content writer.

My First Steps Into Content Writing

Looking back, I can honestly say that this very blog played a huge role in getting me started as a content writer. At the time, I had no formal writing experience—just a deep desire to find a way to work from home while doing something I actually enjoyed.

After months of juggling freelance tasks as an appointment setter and Virtual Assistant, I figured it was time to try something different—content writing. I had nothing to lose, so I started exploring platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.com, firing off applications whenever possible. But the real breakthrough came from Onlinejobs.ph—the site that finally opened the door for me. And the key? This blog. It became my portfolio, my proof of work, and ultimately, the reason I got noticed.

One day No-BS Marketplace responded. But here’s the wild part—I didn’t even have an interview. There were no back-and-forth emails, no nerve-wracking video calls—just a straight-up invitation to a one-week training. I was in.

That moment felt surreal. After countless applications, I finally got my foot in the door. It wasn’t luck, though. If anything, it was a mix of persistence, timing, and the fact that I had this blog to showcase my writing. Without it, I might’ve just been another applicant in a sea of resumes.

That’s how it all started—one job post, one application, and one training opportunity that changed everything.

Landing My First Paid Writing Gig

Getting my first paid writing job felt like a win—but I knew better than to put all my eggs in one basket.

I started at No-BS as a part-time writer, earning per article. It was a great way to get my feet wet while still keeping my options open. Since I wasn’t locked into a full-time role, I took on other writing gigs, exploring different industries along the way.

At one point, I was juggling content for a pet accessory store in LA, an indoor spa supplier from Arizona, and a UK-based website. The variety was exciting, but it didn’t last long. AI-generated content was on the rise, and before I knew it, companies were choosing automation over human writers. One by one, those gigs disappeared.

But No-BS was different. What we did wasn’t just writing—it was link-building, a tech-heavy SEO strategy that not many people fully understood. While AI could crank out articles, it couldn’t replicate the strategic process behind what we were doing. That’s what made No-BS stand out, and that’s why I chose to stay.

I had started as just another freelancer looking for work, but by this point, I was beginning to understand the industry, the trends, and what made certain writing jobs more sustainable than others. My journey as a content writer was just getting started.

The Lessons I’ve Learned

Freelancing has been a ride—full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few important lessons that have shaped not just my career but also my mindset.

1. Be Prepared—Freelancing Isn’t Permanent

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that nothing in freelancing is guaranteed. Clients come and go, industries shift, and opportunities that seem steady can disappear overnight. That’s exactly what happened when AI started replacing content writers left and right.

That’s why I made sure to have a backup plan. I didn’t want to scramble for work if things slowed down, so I turned to ESL tutoring—something I was comfortable doing and could rely on if needed. Having an alternative income stream gave me peace of mind, and honestly, it’s one of the smartest moves I’ve made.

2. Connect With People—Work Feels Less Monotonous That Way

Freelancing can be isolating. No office chit-chat, no lunch breaks with coworkers—just you and your laptop. If you’re not careful, work can feel repetitive, and burnout creeps in fast.

That’s why I make it a point to connect with my workmates. A quick chat, a shared laugh, or simply exchanging ideas can turn work from a solo grind into something more enjoyable. In fact, I’ve met my two closest workmates three times in the past year, and each meetup was fun, refreshing, and a reminder that freelancing doesn’t have to feel isolating.

With my work besh Elena

Coffee date with my beshies this time with my batchmate Jay

lunch at Yabu before the holidays

3. Challenge Yourself and Keep Learning

If you stay in one place too long, you stop growing. That’s something I didn’t want to happen. Writing was great, but I wanted to expand my skills and try something new. That mindset led to a lateral move within No-BS, where I started helping out with another department.

It was a new challenge, but it kept things exciting and gave me a chance to learn beyond just writing. The more skills you gain, the more valuable you become—something every freelancer should remember.

4. Integrity Always Matters

At the end of the day, your reputation is everything. Clients, managers, and colleagues remember how you work, how you handle feedback, and whether they can trust you to deliver. I’ve learned that being honest, dependable, and professional goes a long way.

Freelancing is about building trust, so people want to work with you again. Integrity isn’t just a nice value to have; it’s what keeps you in the game long-term.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them. What started as a simple job hunt turned into a career that challenged me, pushed me to grow, and introduced me to incredible people along the way.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adaptability and perseverance make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next opportunity, keep learning, stay open to possibilities, and trust that every step—big or small—leads somewhere worthwhile.

If you’re curious about working from home, subscribe to my blog for practical tips and insights. I’ll be sharing useful tidbits in the coming days—who knows? This might just be the opportunity you’ve been looking for!