Jane Martinito, one of the Philippines’ leading website designers, didn’t have her own laptop or internet connection when she first started. But after deciding to go freelance and investing in herself, she reached her goal of earning a six-figure income in less than two months. This is her success story.

I am a psychology graduate. Back then, I had no idea about remote work. Fast forward, I had an unexpected pregnancy—a wonderful one—and got married to my loving husband. Everything was unplanned, including our pockets.

I had an urge to start working from home because my husband’s salary wasn’t enough to cover our expenses. I had just given birth and we had no resources—no internet, no computer. Nothing. We were so down. We were full of debts. I had nothing but there’s one thing that cannot be taken away from us—our faith.

After discussing with my husband about working remotely, I talked to my mother. I borrowed her computer and told her that once I started earning, I’ll save and buy another computer for myself. Luckily, she agreed.

A day after that, we met a sales agent from Globe Telecom, an internet service provider, promoting a product we knew we needed. We talked to the agent, even though we only had enough money for our food for the month. To our surprise, she said that we can avail the plan even without the initial payment. The next day, we got out first internet connection with a 3Mbps plan.

I went online and researched for online jobs. I also joined Facebook groups to get some tips from other remote workers. Within a week, I got my first online job as an English as a second language (ESL) tutor.

Our Unending Needs and Our Simple Life Goals

I should be happy with what I was earning but my husband and I have dreams. We both dream big because we want the best for our family. We’re aiming for a not-so-luxurious life. We want to provide everything for our families.

His mother and my mother are both widowed. And we both want to take care of them when they’re old. They’re a bit old now that’s why we have to move and act fast. We also have brothers that we have to support with their schooling. We have a daughter who’ll start homeschooling next year. And finally, my husband, who is already in this final year, needs to accomplish college to honor his parents and be a role model to our daughter.

With all these in mind, we have to earn more and work less. So, that became my goal.

My Six-Digit-Salary Journey Began

A few months ago, I decided to invest in myself so I can achieve my goals. I enrolled in various online courses, and then, hired a female business coach, Toni who guided me all the way.

A few weeks after that, I launched my website creation coaching program to help freelancers and small business owners create their stunning websites. I also started charging high on my web design and web development business. And after a month and a half, I finally achieved my Php100,000 monthly income.

My business did not only help me financially but also helped me boost my confidence. It helped me realized that I’m always good enough and that I’m capable of doing things that I never imagined of. It also helped me embrace and accept who I am. It also helped me realized that I don’t need to please everybody.

After launching my course, I received podcast interviews, blog interviews, workshop invitations, and got included in Marketing Asia as one of the top professionals to follow on LinkedIn. Currently, I’m also hosting LinkedIn Local Meetups and events in Cavite.

Grit + Motivation

My greatest why is my family. I love to be just working at home with my daughter. I had no internet connection and computer when I was in college. I wish I had one so I was able to discover freelancing before. And if you love what you do, you’ll get through whatever circumstances.

Ever since I was a child, I already had passion and talent in design. So even though I was a psychology graduate, I’m happy with what I do. I realized that this is what I wanted because I didn’t feel that I’m working. I love what I do.

Valuable Lessons And Success Tips

Looking back, I hope I had followed my intuition earlier. I didn’t know that it also plays a vital role in business. I learned that you also have to be sensitive about your gut feeling. Today, I’m more cautious and I really assess what I feel towards the person that I’m going to deal with. Here are some of my tips for women who are thinking of embarking on the same career journey.

Start building your business now. If you don’t have enough investment yet, just start small. The best time is now. There are always risks, but you have to learn how to manage them through careful studying. Invest also in books, courses, and mentors. This will help you fast track your career.

Choose the right partner (for single ladies). There will never be a perfect relationship. Choose someone who not only has a good heart but also big dreams. My husband and I always communicate and this is the reason why we are in harmony. We always share all our goals and dreams with each other. We plan together. A healthy communication always leads to a healthy relationship.

Choose wisely. Choose the right people to do business with. No man is an island. Ask for help. Ask for collaborations. But you have to choose wisely. Make sure that you both have the same intention, values, and principles. Remember that it’s not all about the money.

Don’t forget to always look up, pray, and be always thankful. We tend to ask God for the things that we need and want. But we sometimes forget to thank Him. Thank Him for huge or small blessings. Thank Him for being alive. Thank Him for the food you’re eating. Thank Him for everything.

Have a success story to share? Get featured in our magazine!
Join the Connected Women community today – it’s free!