No Vacation? No Problem! 7 Little Ways to De-Stress When You Can’t Take A Vacation

Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or a corporate employee, you will always get to the point where you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and burned out. This is why we need to recharge every once in a while. 

But while taking a vacation is a perfect way to do that, not everyone can just pack their bags and go on a beach trip or take a nice hike to revitalize. Sometimes, a trip just isn’t within our budget. Or we might have already used our vacation leaves. Maybe we have some family obligations so a nice, long vacation isn’t in the cards for now. Whatever circumstance you’re in, you can still find ways to refresh and regain your focus. So make sure you take a break and do any of these holiday alternatives especially when you can’t take time off work.

You work hard every day for eight hours, five to six times a week (plus the overtime!). Sure, saving for your future is paramount, but don’t forget that you also deserve to pamper yourself every now and then. Indulge to your favorite desserts or drinks (Milk tea, anyone?), have a nice meal at a really fancy restaurant, enjoy online shopping, get a full body massage or spend a relaxing day at the salon or spa. Remember that self-care is essential for your mental and physical well-being. And with all the hard work you’re putting in, especially when you can’t take a real vacation, sometimes a quick date night or simple “me time” is all you need. Reward yourself with what makes you happy so that when you get back to work, you’ll feel less stressed and more motivated.

Here’s a sad truth: adulting may have hit us hard that we sometimes forget about the things we loved to do when we were younger. When was the last time you’ve signed up for a class not related to your work, whether it’s an art class, pottery, baking, or even dancing? Fulfill that yearning you’ve always had to do something new or something you always enjoy. Find a community group that meets up regularly, or sign up for weekend workshops. When you reconnect with an activity you’ve always loved, you’ll find that it helps you let go of stress naturally. Likewise, seeing your own masterpiece or eating your homemade cookies are also great rewards!

One of the best advantages of working from home is that you are not obliged to stay in the same room or the same office every day. As long as you have electricity and an internet connection, you can work anywhere you want and still get your job done. But if you can’t travel far to change your scenery and get away from your usual routine, sometimes all you need is to work at a cozy cafe or go to a park during breaks. If you’re feeling stressed out and monotonous working at your home office, try to arrange your desk where you can get a nice view. You can also put some plants or a piece of art to help shake things up and give your mind a fresh start.

Adopting an exercise routine—whether it’s yoga, meditation, or stretching—is ideal if you want to de-stress but can’t take time off work. It helps you feel more active, it gets your blood flowing to your head and around your body, and lets you relax and stretch out your tight muscles. Also, you don’t need to join your local gym to get your body moving. Just go for a bike ride, take a long walk in the park, or do a simple 15-minute workout at home. These activities can be fun and help reduce your stress so you can think clearly and feel good about yourself.

Talking, laughing, having dinner and/or a few drinks with your friends can be a quick and easy way to recharge. This is especially important for remote workers and virtual assistants who often work in isolation. If you’re feeling particularly stressed out but can’t take a long vacation, defeat that cabin fever by scheduling some time with your besties or calling out the barkada. Hearing about their days at work (which could be worse than yours) and ranting about things that stress you out can help relieve some of those burdens and even boost your friendship.

Pay attention to your body. It could be telling you that you need to slow down and replenish your energy. And sometimes, a good eight hours sleep is all you need to rejuvenate, especially when you’ve been exhausted for a couple of days straight. 

Integrity: A Ylopo Core Value and The Key To Being A Successful Remote Worker

Integrity in the workplace is important because it is one of the key foundations of good and lasting relationships. It fosters a positive and transparent workplace culture and guides people towards good decision making. 

Would you want to involve yourself with a firm or business who is dishonest with their clients and employees? At Ylopo, we see to it that integrity is one of our core values: a moral compass that guides our decisions and actions despite any challenges in our industry. We hold the same principle for our contractors as well — their integrity is crucial to help the company thrive and for our clients to be more than satisfied. 

And because it comes in many forms, we believe integrity is...

Your integrity as a remote worker will show by doing the right thing, even though no one is watching you. There may be no HR, no boss or manager who is lurking behind you and supervising your every move, but you must be committed to working just as hard and be counted to doing your best. This includes avoiding using the company’s equipment and resources for your personal use, striving to complete your task before deadlines, and showing enthusiasm for your work. When you’re doing the right thing, there’s no reason for your manager or colleagues to question your conduct because you can prove that you always behave in honorable ways.

Being a person with integrity means you let your actions speak for who you are and what you believe in. Don’t be that someone who’s saying one thing, but their actions are saying something else. Be consistent with your thoughts, your words, and your actions, especially when dealing with any issues or problems at work.

Knowing what values are important to you as a person and as an employee will help you when making decisions, especially during challenging situations. And sometimes, when the choice isn’t easy, your values are far more important than your capabilities. Integrity is about standing firmly to what you believe is right, even if everyone else is on the wrong side or doing something different.

We all make mistakes from time to time, and it’s especially common at work. If you’re part of a team that’s working remotely, even though your colleagues are not physically with you, remember that anything you do could influence everyone’s performance and output. When you made a mistake, you have to make yourself accountable for your shortcomings. Don’t pass the blame on someone else, and focus instead on being solution-oriented. You must be willing to correct your mistakes and learn from them. If you’re honest and open to constructive feedback despite your fault, it will show that you’re truly committed to your work and you take responsibility for the consequences of your actions. 

Integrity isn’t just about honesty and trust; it’s also about respecting others. Even if you don’t agree with someone else’s beliefs and opinion, it’s important to listen tentatively and remain respectful towards the other person. Practice and encourage open and honest communication especially at your workplace. This is why employees with integrity shine, no matter where they are in the workplace. They don’t underestimate their fellow workers, and you can always count on them to remain truthful. And with constant communication, integrity helps build positivity, trust, and effective interpersonal relationships even among remote co-workers.

But more than anything else, we believe that integrity is a choice that we consistently have to make.

Top Tips On How To Be The Best Candidate When Applying For A Virtual Job [Part 2]

Virtual and phone interviews present unique challenges to any applicant. You need to show that you’re the best candidate for the job by effectively showing your enthusiasm and sending the right vibes despite the lack of in-person interaction. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interview and position yourself to get that sweet job offer.

Technical issues such as bad internet connection, bad audio, or equipment breakdown (gasp!) can ruin what could’ve been a good interview. Moreso, experiencing technology glitches on the day of your virtual appointment could send a wrong message to the employer. They may doubt your interest in the job or your ability to handle such problems. 

Let this mini checklist guide you when preparing your hardware prior to your interview:

• Test your internet connectivity. You’ll be applying for an online job so your internet connectivity and speed are crucial. Make sure to have a back-up connection as much as possible so you won’t have to rush at the nearest co-working space at the last minute. Or worst, cancel your appointment.

• Test your audio and speaker volume. If using a headset, test the sound quality and the microphone to make sure everything’s working properly. 

• Test the camera or webcam and work with the positioning. This is to make sure you can see the interviewer properly and they also have a good view of you.

• Check the lighting. You don’t want to look like you came out of a horror movie because of poor lighting in your working area. Consider adding a desk light or find a space with more natural light to make sure you’re projecting the best image. 

Also, don’t forget to confirm that any app or technology you will need for the virtual interview is installed and working. If possible, conduct a mock job interview or a simple test run with a friend or co-worker to make sure your real interview will go on without a hitch. 

Be it a video call or a phone interview, your goal is to be as professional as possible. Choose a room in your house where there is minimal interruption. Make sure no one can disturb you and there’s no background noise like barking dogs, roosters, TV playing noisily on the background, loud music, or children screaming. Inform your family that you’ll be having an interview so they can at least lessen the interruptions. 

Similarly, you don’t want the interviewer to see a cluttered room. Best to position your computer and webcam where there’s a blank and clean wall at your back. If you don’t have a home office but want to appear like you are in a professional setting, think of organized bookshelves in the background, rather than showing your untidy bed.

Remember that although it is a virtual interview, it is still an “interview” for a position you are applying for. As a candidate, your appearance is crucial to making a good first impression. You must dress like you’re going to an in-person interview — even if the interviewer won’t be able to see under your desk. Be presentable and wear appropriate business casual attire. Avoid wearing clothes with bright colors or prints, or jewelry that could be distracting. You want the interviewer to focus on you and your capabilities, rather than on your outfit.

There’s a good chance that the interviewer might have questions related to your resume. Rather than memorizing every detail you’ve provided, prepare a copy of your CV so you can refer to it during the interview. Feel free to open it from your computer or best to print it out so you’re better prepared than be surprised by the questions.

Minutes before the appointment, don’t forget to give the interviewer a heads-up that you are already online. This way they’ll know you’re on time and they can also decide whether to begin the interview at any moment. Insider tip: It’s also a good habit to practice for any meetings you’ll have in your future online job.

But if something came up and you need to reschedule or cancel the interview, give the hiring manager as much notice as possible. Reach out to them via email or phone and tell them your reason. Likewise, don’t forget to suggest alternate times when you can accommodate the interview. And when you’re done with the rescheduled interview, make sure to mention the interviewer’s accommodation in your thank you note.

We get it: you can feel the butterflies in your stomach even with a phone interview. But that’s only natural, especially if you’re really enthusiastic about getting the job. But your mantra before and during the interview is to stay calm and just be yourself. Virtual communication may have its setbacks, but you just need to position yourself to win by focusing on the interviewer and his or her questions. 

Be honest about your knowledge and skills, as well as your weaknesses. If you’re asked about something you don’t know, just answer truthfully. You don’t want anything to backfire to you once you are hired, especially when it comes to your skills and capabilities. Also, avoid talking about how weird it is to attend a virtual interview or tell the recruiter that it is your first time. Remember to sit up straight; don’t slouch, fidget, or yawn. Lastly, don’t forget to crack a smile, especially if you can see the person you’re talking to. You never know: your good behavior and positive disposition could be the last ingredient for you to get that job offer.

Top Tips On How To Be The Best Candidate When Applying For A Virtual Job [Part 1]

Show the company that you’re the ideal candidate for the job the moment you see and read that job posting. Here are some golden tips when applying for a virtual post, mostly from our Recruitment Specialist herself! 

Part 1: Submitting your online job application

Don’t make the common mistake of applying for a job online without fully reading the job advertisement and what it entails. Make sure you understand exactly what the company expects from applicants. Take the time to assess the type of person the company is looking for and what the job requires. For instance, if you are applying for a remote job, there are specific system requirements you need to have before you can proceed to the next step. In case you still need to make some adjustments especially if you are transitioning from an office job, it wouldn’t hurt to inform the recruiter and let them know you’re flexible. 

Meanwhile, some employers are asking job seekers to include a cover letter and their salary history in their application, aside from their online resume. By submitting your online job application correctly, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and prove to the recruiter that you are the best fit for the post.

Here’s another trick to help you stand out among applicants: conduct a bit of research on the company before you apply. Check the company’s website to help you see if the firm matches your values or if it’s a place where you would be happy working. Recruiters are also more likely to pursue a candidate who has a special interest in their company or industry. They’re more likely to hire you when they see that you understand how their business works, so don’t be shy to let them know how you can be an asset to their company.

This is a no-brainer, right? Before sending your application online, take the time to review your resume. Make sure to slightly customize your resume and/or cover letter to each specific job. Understand the keywords in the job description and tailor your resume to address those requirements. It’s also important to always prepare a copy of your resume so you can refer to it especially during interviews.

Fill out every field in the application. By providing as much information as you can, you’re proving that you are serious and enthusiastic for the job. Then, be sure you review all your information before submitting. Your attention to detail could help you stand out from the competition. Don’t miss out on any chances because many recruiters will just skip over candidates who don’t complete their applications. Besides, a good first impression will surely take you to the next level of the process. 

If the recruiter can’t contact you or you can’t respond to them promptly, obviously, it can decrease your chances of getting that dream job! Don’t let your application and your efforts go to waste! Guarantee that the phone number/s and email address you’ve provided are valid and that they can reach you whenever they need further details regarding your application.

Recruiters will know that you’re still interested in the job if you respond on time. Once you’ve submitted your application, check your email folders frequently so you won’t miss out on any appointments or deadlines set by the company.

A few days after you submitted your resume with a cover letter and still there’s no update, it might be helpful to follow up via email. Keep your follow-up simple and professional. You don’t want to make it look like you’re getting restless about the status of your application. Remember: just do those tips we’ve given you and you’re sure to hit your goal of getting into the next step: the interviews.

How To Stay Motivated When You’re Working From Home

Most of the time, you consider yourself lucky. There’s no need for you to wake up too early to prepare for work and brace yourself for the daily commute. You get to set your own rules in your home office. You can work while being close to your family or watch over your children. But while it’s awesome to have loads of flexibility, one of the biggest challenges you need to face when working from home is lack of motivation. You may find yourself slacking from time to time, or many times you are unable to focus and maintain your composure.

If you’re a remote worker who can’t seem to find your usual work groove, here are some tips to help you stay motivated, increase your productivity, and love your work from home job more.

1. Get showered and dressed for work.

When you work from home, every day can be a Casual Friday. Moreso, you can wear your most comfortable set of clothes for most of the day since you’re starting work soon after you get out of bed. And with no co-workers and bosses around, what’s the point of dressing up? However, studies suggest that what you wear can actually impact your daily motivation and productivity. Hence the saying “dress for success.” We’re not suggesting you put on a suit and tie or an office blouse with a pencil-cut skirt, though. But one way to keep your motivation levels up is to shower and wear nice clothing that can help boost your confidence and helps you be at your best throughout your workday.

2. Squeeze in some exercise.

Most office jobs these days are sedentary, but more so when you’re working from home. You only need to take a few steps from your bed to your home office, and you can get anything from your fridge in seconds. But keep in mind that being sedentary isn’t just harmful to your health — it’s also detrimental to your discipline and motivation. Luckily, one of the perks of working remotely is that it allows you to accomplish some activities that you can’t normally do in a traditional office. You can use some of your time during a workday to work out. Others are even incorporating it into their morning routine for optimal benefits. Working out gives you a boost in productivity and get you to think more clearly for the entire day.

3. Work from a different location once in a while.

Cabin fever is real, especially if you are sitting inside the same four walls all week and your human interaction is limited. So switch up your location and get a change of scenery once in a while. Even if it means there’ll be a slight change in your routine, it can help improve your concentration levels and give you a reason to interact with other people. Some remote workers enjoy working from a coffee shop or a local library; others feel more productive in co-working spaces since it’s more relaxed than a regular office but still stimulates a work environment. Here at Ylopo, we see to it that our teams meet up once a month and work together so we can catch up with each other and make sure everyone is updated about our work processes and company goals and achievements.

4. Turn your distractions into rewards.

Working from home means you can do whatever you want and manage your own time. But to make things worse, distractions are all around us. There’s always the temptation to put your actual work off until late afternoon to binge-watch a few episodes of your favorite show on Netflix or play ML for a few hours. But instead of getting carried away by these distractions, why not use them as a motivation to finish your work? You can tell yourself to finish work early so you can watch a few episodes or go see a movie. Or, get that one important project done and then squeeze in an hour of playtime before pursuing another project. These distractions can be your micro-rewards and they can go a long way to make you feel accomplished. They can also give you the respite you need so you can tackle more important tasks ahead of you. 

5. Remember your “Why”.

If all else didn’t work out for you, think about why you started working from home in the first place, of what motivated you to start working remotely. Is it for freedom? To avoid the long commute? Was it for money? Was it to spend more time with your family? Even if your reason is as common as “I do this to pay the bills and buy whatever I want,” the most important thing is to be clear about what drives you forward. Invoking the same feelings again will help you maintain your motivation to help you strive harder and find joy in the work you do. #

5 Ways Telecommuting Can Benefit Your Health

Aside from the potential to have bigger savings, another reason to consider working from home is the health benefits it can provide. Even the biggest companies like Adobe, Apple, and Walt Disney offer job openings with telecommuting flexibility, and CareerBliss.com dubbed them as some of the “happiest companies to work for in 2018.”

Here are some of the serious health benefits a remote job can offer:

The Realities of Working From Home: 7 Things No One Tells You (And How To Accept Them)

Telecommuting. Remote work. Working from home. Virtual job. Whatever you call it, this kind of work setup has certain realities you need to understand and embrace to be productive and successful in your career.

1. People may not believe you’re actually working.

If you’re new to working from home, you have to face the reality that many people won’t understand that you’re really working. Your family and friends might expect you to do some errands during mid-day. Or, they may not understand that you also experience such stress and difficulties in your job like any regular employee. 

And while it doesn’t matter what they think, it’s better if you explain your situation to them. Change their perception about your work set up so you can establish clear boundaries about when you can’t be interrupted, especially during client meetings.

2. Distractions can be a huge challenge. 

Yes,  you’d have a lot of distractions that can interrupt your work and adversely affect your productivity. Whether it’s the kids, other family members, pets (dogs and roosters, ahem!), TV noise, your housemates or neighbors — you name it. 

There are clients who may find it “unprofessional” to encounter any background noise while you’re in a meeting. If that’s the case, you will need to set aside your own workspace and invest in a noise-canceling headphone. However, there are companies who can ignore these interruptions because they understand that it’s only part of the work from home setting. They give more value to the employee’s efficiency, productivity, and output, so it’s all up to you to try and minimize these distractions and stay focused. 

3. Household chores and other personal tasks may have to wait. 

Because you’re “technically” at home, you might’ve thought you’ll have more time to do the dishes, pick up the laundry, or get some groceries. But these tasks will have to wait if you want to properly use your time during your work hours. Communicate to others about your schedule, and stick to it. However, this situation is understandable for many WFH parents who take care of their small kids and don’t have household help.

4. It needs a lot of discipline.

Distractions are all around you. There’s always a need to resist the gravitational pull of your comfy bed or stop midway through your tasks to see cat videos and answer Buzzfeed quizzes on Facebook. But keep in mind that you need to be more disciplined when you start working from home. 

Since you’re no longer in a corporate 8-5 job, it’s up to you to decide how you will handle your workday. It’s all about productivity — to be disciplined enough and self-motivated to ignore distractions and focus on your tasks. You might struggle at first, but sooner you will know what works best for you so you can accomplish your KPIs.

5. You’ll have the tendency to be more productive — and eventually overwork.

Despite all the possible interruptions you need to contend with at home, remote employees are proven to be more productive. A 2-year study by Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom showed that there’s an astounding productivity boost among telecommuters because they are working a true full-shift (or more) compared to being late to the office or leaving early. 

Remember that many remote workers are being evaluated on their output rather than on how many times they took their breaks, what time they arrived in the office, or how late they stayed. But since there won’t be any managers or workmates sitting across you who can see the burnout in your eyes and tell that you’d already accomplished a good day’s work, you could also wind up working too hard.

6. Setting up designated work hours is important.

If you want to achieve that work-life balance, you need to structure your day like you would in an office setting. Keep a fine line on when you have to work, and when you can enjoy some personal time. 

If your client gave you a schedule (e.g. graveyard shift), then it might be easier for you to manage your day-to-day tasks. However, if your work hours are flexible, try to set up a strict schedule for yourself that you and your family can comply with. For example, if you have small children you may have to take advantage of their time in school to finish your work uninterrupted. 

7. Cabin fever is real.

Regardless of your personality, the one downside of working from home is you may feel too much isolation. Cabin fever is real even if you’re the type of person who enjoys long stretches of uninterrupted time alone. There’ll be moments when you realize you haven’t been outside or haven’t talked to another human being (aside from those who live in the house with you) in days. 

This emotional isolation can lead to social awkwardness when it’s time for you to interact with other people. Don’t make it to the point that you forget how to make small talks or behave in social events. Other remote workers even decide to work a few days a week in public places like coffee shops, libraries, and co-working spaces, because it helps to simulate a work environment.   

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Just remember that at the end of the day, you need to be honest with yourself, face these hurdles, and do what works best for you.

If you’re currently working from home, how are you coping with these challenges? If you’re thinking about shifting to remote work life, what do you think will be your biggest setback? Let us hear your thoughts! If you’re looking for amazing WFH opportunities, just visit our Recruitment Page for more details! 

5 Tips to Communicate Effectively As A Remote Worker

As a remote worker, you communicate mostly using emails and instant messaging apps like Skype and Slack. This is why aside from improving your skills and knowledge in whatever work you do, it’s important to build strong communication skills to help you step up your game. 

Here are five keys to improving your communication and eventually, your performance:

1. Choose the right medium.

The first step to communicating effectively, especially to your remote colleagues, is to choose the right tool or channel for your message. While there can be a lot of tools you’re using as a remote team, things will be easier if you use a certain channel for a specific purpose. Emails are great for sending things like tasks delegation, client support, project updates, instructions, etc. Anything that contains confidential information shouldn’t be delivered via email because your messages are stored somewhere in a server. 

A chat via Slack or Skype is more efficient if you want to communicate in real-time. You can confirm something immediately and not waste time waiting for a response. For a more detailed discussion, group meetings and video calls are your best options. Nevertheless, think about what tool your recipient prefers and use it to communicate appropriately.

2. Keep your message clear and concise.

Since many people may have little to no time reading long emails and they can easily lose interest, it’s important to keep your messages short, direct, and easy to read. Leave out unnecessary details, omit pointless words, and use bullet points as much as possible to highlight your objectives. Likewise, avoid putting too many questions into one email as this will only make the reader confused. When you use concise language to make your message more effective, there’s less room for misunderstanding.

3. Check your tone.

Remember that written communication can easily be misinterpreted or misunderstood, so you need to be careful about how you phrase words. It’s difficult to determine the tone or intent of an email or chat message so make sure your meaning is as clear as possible. If possible, also use positive and encouraging words instead of negative ones to get your message across while keeping a friendly tone.

Using emoticons and GIFs in chat messages can also help improve your tone and lighten a conversation. But of course, this will still depend on your company’s culture and how your team values communication. 

4. Double-check and proofread before hitting “send.”

It is not only writers who need to proofread their work to make sure it’s free from any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes—it’s also a must for any remote worker or freelancer. Remember that these errors could make you look bad and unprofessional, especially when you’re dealing with foreign clients. Aside from your skills and work ethics, a well-written email could also boost your credibility. 

But such mistakes could easily be avoided by re-reading a message before sending it. Double-check to make sure everything you include is accurate and proofread any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Also, never use texting abbreviations and always use correct capitalization. If you’re still not confident, don’t shy away from using free online tools or consulting a colleague to make sure there isn’t something you missed.

5. Always be respectful.

Whatever the purpose of your email is, whether you are asking or complaining, don’t forget to remain respectful. It also doesn’t matter who will receive your message as there will always be a person behind the screen who will read it. Use proper greetings and words like “please” and “thank you” to maintain a friendly and courteous tone and connect to a more personal level.

5 Tips To Successfully Transition From A Corporate Job To A Work From Home

Working from home provides a flexible and less stressful working environment compared to working in the office. Besides, there’s no need to spend hours on commute and waste time on traffic. However, while many people think that working from home means lounging in your pajamas and taking long lunch breaks, it is still a professional job that requires commitment, consistency, and improvement.

If you’ve always been contemplating leaving your corporate job to starting a remote work, you need to do your research on how it works and how will it let you grow your career in the comforts of your home. To get started, here are five simple yet powerful tips to help you when you decide to take the leap:

1. Invest in equipment.

When you work in an office or in a corporate setting, the company provides you with all the equipment you need—a fast computer or laptop, a reliable internet connection, and a backup system. But to start a work from home job, you need to invest in quality equipment. These are your primary weapons to help you conduct your work properly. Many remote or online jobs have specific system requirements, such as a processor with at least 8GB RAM, a headset with a noise-canceling feature, and at least 10 Mbps of wired DSL connection.

Save time and money by prioritizing what your job requires and the office items that will help you work effectively (e.g. scanner, printer, etc.). However, don’t skimp on equipment and regret it later on when your computer breaks down at the wrong time. And since most of your tasks will be done on your computer, familiarize yourself with the different software and programs that will help keep it running smoothly. Remember that there won’t a corporate IT staff to help in case you have any tech issues or concerns.

2. Set up a dedicated work space.

Whether you’re working remotely using your laptop or your personal computer, experts suggest you designate a specific place in your home that will become your workspace. No, it doesn’t need to be a full-blown office with a black leather chair and an office table with lots of drawers. You can set up a specific room, a well-lit corner, or even a simple desk that will help you establish the right mindset for work. Also, “Curating a sacred workspace at home is a great way to minimize all those distractions at home,” as noted by finance blogger Emily Kate Pope in this article. 

Besides, a workspace will allow you to separate your work worries from your personal activities so you can focus on the tasks at hand and become more efficient. It can also help you establish a routine where you won’t do your bills, watch television, or eat your meals in the same place where you work.

3. Brush up on your communication skills.

You need to elevate your communication skills, both written and verbal, so you can convey what you mean more clearly and concisely. When you work in an office, you can use gestures, visuals, and other verbal cues to communicate. But in a remote setting, you will communicate mostly via e-mails and instant messaging apps. There are no nonverbal cues to help you guide a conversation. People may also put a different meaning on your written feedback, so proving a point can be difficult. Step up your game by communicating effectively and staying in touch.    

4. Always stay connected.

Quoting Paul J. Meyer, “Communication is the key to personal and career success.” This wisdom applies to any workplace, corporate or not. But it is more crucial when you’re working remotely: you always need to stay connected. It’s unlike at an office where your boss or manager can oversee what you’re doing every now and then. In a work from home setting, you need to be readily available on the timeframe or schedule that you are supposed to work. 

At Ylopo, we believe that there is no such thing as “over-communication.” When in doubt, we always make sure we communicate to clarify any issues. The lack of online presence can be detrimental to the team’s efforts, especially when there are issues that need to be fixed immediately. Likewise, we are also very vocal and celebrate every employee’s positive results and achievements. It makes us feel that everything we do contributes to the company’s goals and objectives. 

Distance is never a barrier if you know how to communicate effectively using the right platforms. For an instance, we use messaging and video conferencing tools like Slack and Zoom to get in touch and hold remote meetings with our colleagues in Manila and California.

5. Communicate your work schedule with your family or anyone who will be at home with you.

Signing up for a remote job is pretty much the same as signing up on a corporate contract. As one of our contractors shared, “This is still serious work and requires the same level of commitment.” You might be working from home, which is a huge privilege, but you still need to comply and stick to your work schedule. This means you need to communicate with your loved ones about your work hours. You need to make it clear that just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you’re always available.

Having your family and friends nearby may be one of the best parts of working from home, but they can also cause the biggest distractions. Inform them that during your work hours, personal things like running errands or washing the dishes will have to wait. That way, they can let you have the physical space and the mindset needed to accomplish your tasks. There’s a time for everything, so boundaries are crucial if you want that work-life balance. Remember that you can always spend time with them and interact with other people when you’re taking breaks and once you’ve finished working.

6 Ways You Can Save Money When You Work From Home

While working from home comes with certain start-up costs, such as having a fast computer, high-speed internet, office supplies, printer, etc., these costs can be largely considered as investments rather than luxuries. And even if you have a corporate job, you will likely invest in these things anyway. 

But if you transition into working from home, there are more opportunities for you to increase your savings and have bigger control over your expenses. Here are some of the things you can save once you become a virtual professional:

1. Commuting costs

If you’re taking public transportation to work, a huge amount of your income goes toward commuting costs. You always need to budget your time and money carefully when traveling to and from work. And even if there are times when you have more money to spare, the surging costs of ride-sharing apps and other carpooling services can be too much for any employee. Furthermore, falling in line to catch the next train, ride an FX or bus, or even booking a ride can be very tedious and time-consuming. 

Not to mention, commuting is stressful. There’s no such thing as peak hours in Metro Manila anymore because of the heavy traffic. A recent survey by global firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) even revealed that Metro Manila has the 3rd worst in traffic in Southeast Asia. Working from home will help you eliminate the stress associated with commuting. Also, wasted time is wasted money. The time you spent on traffic could be better spent on something that is more productive and rewarding. 

2. Reduced car maintenance and automobile costs

Otherwise, if you drive to work, your fuel expense will depend on how far you travel and how frequently you use your car. Gas prices are also fluctuating, so there’s no way you can calculate a fixed amount. 

If you work from home, not only can you save money on gas, but there will be less maintenance and repair costs for you as well. This 2017 article revealed that the total maintenance costs of having and using a car totals to P93,000 a year. Whew. If you can and have a choice, don’t you want to earn money while just sitting on your couch? 

3. Rent and lodging

Many employees don’t live near the city where their company’s brick and mortar office is located. But instead of commuting to and from work every day, they chose to rent a nearby condo, an apartment, or a dormitory. It’s a convenient option particularly if you don’t want to sacrifice your time and energy in commute and traffic. 

But there’s always a price for convenience, and the cost of rent depends on the location, the type of lodging, and whether you have a roommate to share the bills with. But having a work from home job can save you this cost. It’s also crucial if your family is already renting or paying for a home on the outskirts of the city — there’s no need for you to make two different payments every month. A huge plus: you get to spend more time with your loved ones. 

4. Food and drinks

Food and drinks eat up a large part of our income. It’s our number one need to keep us going, anyway. However, having a corporate job can cause you to spend more. You’re more likely to eat out with friends and colleagues, buy coffee at Starbucks or Coffee Bean, or simply grab a take-out lunch or have them delivered. Your food costs will definitely add up if you won’t be mindful of your expenses, not to mention that most of your food choices could be unhealthy.

When you’re working from home, you won’t pay nearly as much, especially if you can prepare your own food. You can make big batches of meals that you can conveniently heat up the next day. If you’re addicted to coffee, you can invest in a coffee maker or a French press so you can make a whole pot of nice and better-smelling coffee without spending too much. Just think about how much money you can save when you only need to occasionally dine out or have a fast-food delivery. Just remember: because you can snack as frequently as you want when you WFH, there’s a tendency that you’ll eat out a lot. Be careful! 

5. Professional clothes

While there are exceptions to this, many work-at-home jobs will not require you to log in at work wearing a professional outfit as you would in a traditional office. You can do your tasks while wearing whatever you wish. And to be honest, pajamas and cotton slippers are comfy and way cheaper than blazers, suit jackets, trousers, leather shoes, and other professional clothes. So unless your remote job requires you to be on a video call every day or have on-site meetings, you can just buy classy but timeless items that you can always mix and match for both formal and casual occasions. 

And admit it: it’s also stressful to spend every workday morning choosing the right combination of clothes and pair them with the right footwear. It’s very time-consuming, and your clothes will be more prone to wear and tear.

6. Makeup

Many girls can relate to this. There’s no doubt that putting on makeup every day for work can increase your self-confidence and make you more presentable especially during conferences and client meetings. However, beauty products are expensive! And the costs can be enormous if you add them up together with hair and other cosmetic products. One US study even showed that women spend about $300,000 just on their face during their lifetime. That’s a lot!

But when you work from home, there’s rarely a need to buy expensive makeup or score beauty deals and discounts just so you can refill your stash. You will only buy the ones you really need most for any of your social events, so just think how much money you can save every year. 

Why You Should Choose Ylopo As Your Next Employer

Founded by two real estate technology veterans, Ylopo has developed a next-generation Complete Digital Marketing and Technology Platform that generates and nurtures high-quality home buyers and sellers for its client base of real estate agents, teams, and brokerages. There are almost 2 million real estate professionals in the U.S. who are prime prospects for our suite of superior products, including a proprietary technology that sits on top of Facebook unleashing the most targeted and cost-effective lead generation opportunity the real estate industry has ever seen. 

As we enter our high-growth stage, we’re looking to add more great people to our driven, fun, and close-knit staff. If you’re looking for an ideal place to grow professionally, Ylopo is the company to seek. Need we say more? Here are just some of the things you’re missing out if you’re not working with us: 

1. You will never be just another contractor.

As our Manila-based contractors continue to grow, we aim to maintain our great organizational culture. The founders of the company in the U.S. always make time to meet the team, spend time with them, and know firsthand their roles and contributions to the company. For the managers, you are not just a name but rather a valuable asset that contributes to the company’s goals. Rewards, tokens, and recognition are also given every now and then to let employees know their hard work is appreciated. 

2. Ylopo offers career advancement and global opportunities while you’re working on the comforts of your home.

What makes Ylopo’s career openings so interesting? It’s the luxury of having a full-time professional job while staying inside your home. All you need is a fast computer and a stable internet connection. You can avoid the stress of the daily commute, stop wasting time in traffic, save you from the hassle of choosing your office clothes every day, and the list goes on.

But what makes Ylopo so amazing is the opportunities it provides its employees for their career advancement and professional development. We provide proper training about the company’s technology, goals and KPIs, as well as the employees’ specific tasks and roles. And since working from home can give you ample time to improve other skills, Ylopo offers opportunities where you can enroll in online courses and webinars to enhance your talents and live up to the challenges of your role.

3. We’re always striving for continuous growth, excellence, and innovation.

Working with Ylopo means you’ll be working with a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and technologists in the U.S. who have already spent over a decade in the real estate technology space. To put it simply, they know and excel in what they’re doing. They are constantly looking for innovative ideas and creating imaginative solutions that make them valuable in the industry. 

4. Ylopo knows what work-life balance means.

Remember what Winston Churchill said: “If you find a job you like you’ll never work again?” It’s a wonderful goal, yes, but let’s admit that it’s quite unreal. Especially in this corporate world, it can be difficult for anyone to find that kind of job. The truth is in order to get that elusive work-life balance, one thing you need is the right company that cares for you as an individual.

Ylopo doesn’t only offer competitive remote-based jobs that let their employees work while enjoying the comforts of their homes. It also takes the meaning of working hard while having fun to a whole new level. They make sure their employees will get to unwind and have a good time once in a while through company retreats, team building events, free buffet dinners, and wholesome get-togethers. There will always be time for everything, and Ylopo knows how to give importance to that.  

5. We offer highly competitive compensation.

It isn’t uncommon to hear horror stories of freelancers or remote job workers who have been underpaid, given low-ball offers, or were entirely scammed and ditched by their clients without paying for the work they accomplished. It’s a sad reality that many creative professionals have to face.

On the contrary, working with Ylopo will never be an ordinary freelance job. It offers full-time positions with highly-competitive compensation. Likewise, salaries are always given promptly at every 15th and 30th of the month. It’s a humble way of letting employees know that their hard work always pays off.

6. We cultivate a culture of respect and motivation.

The people you work with will always play an important role in how long you want to stay in a company. Who wouldn’t want to work in a healthy environment full of smart, approachable, motivated, and goal-oriented people? It helps every individual maintain a sense of belonging in a team while striving harder to achieve similar goals.

When you become part of Ylopo, you’ll be a member of an awesome family that treats each other with respect and incessantly motivate each individual to improve. You can be proud of seeing that everyone is developing professionally with constant mentoring. Likewise, the company is successfully growing through everyone’s hard work and excellence.

If Ylopo is a house, each team represents a crucial part—the walls, roof, windows, plumbing, etc.—that needs to be taken care of.