Becoming a single parent is really hard. Hard, but also rewarding.
Back in 2015, I was working as an admin assistant in the Philippines. That was my full-time job. My 9–5.
In 2016, when I started learning about investing and the things you need to understand before jumping into it, I also began doing side hustles.
And honestly, I never really stopped. I’m still doing some side hustles until now but different ones now.
Then in 2018, I learned about freelancing, both online and offline.
I did not focus too much on online freelancing back then because I was doing better with my full-time job, my side hustles, and my offline freelancing as a health insurance agent.
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If you think about it, yes, I was juggling a lot.
But slowly, I learned how to organize everything over time.
I was lucky because my employer was kind. He understood how hard it was to be a single parent, even though he was single himself at that time.
So this is how my days looked.
I had my regular 9–5 job.
During breaks, I posted on social media about the items I was selling.
I resold:
Mens and ladies bags (which lasted for a year and I earned well reselling bags)
Summer juice drinks (good for summer season only)
Make-up (which I only got one sale)
The last side hustle I did was reselling ladies’ t-shirts, which was my favorite. Good quality, very affordable, and I earned well from it.
At night, after getting home, I worked on my offline freelancing as a health insurance agent.
I replied to emails, answered calls, gave price quotations, and submitted applications. The best part was when clients got approved.
That was my day-to-day life.
And honestly, I was happy.
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I felt productive. I was helping families and individuals get proper health insurance. It felt meaningful.
That stage of my life was pure survival mode.
I was not a party-goer, but it was still hard in its own way. I knew I had no one to rely on if something happened to me.
That is why I put so much effort into saving and investing. Not just for myself, but for my son. My eldest is now 18 years old and here with me in the UK.
Over time, I realized something.
You will face many challenges in life.
Some months, even years, you may still feel like you are struggling.
And there is one piece of advice you have probably heard before, but it is still true.
Do not give up.
This is for you:
Small habits like managing your money, budgeting, freelancing, or doing side hustles slowly move you away from survival and closer to your goals, as long as you do not quit.
Yes, it takes years.
But one day, you will look back and say:
✅ Good thing I saved money.
✅ Good thing I invested.
✅ Good thing I started freelancing early.
And the only words that will come out of your mouth will be:
“Thank you, self, for not quitting.”
Post to you soon 📩
Charmaine 🩷😊