As a freelancer, one of the questions I get asked the most by people is:

“So, what exactly do you do?”

Fair question. After all, “online freelancer” can mean many different things these days. And with so many noisy promises on the internet, I figured it’s time to share what my actual freelance work looks like.

I’m also writing this because I don’t want to be one of those posts on social media that scream:

“Work online! So easy! Screenshot of my income! DM me for the secret!”

But when you actually look, they don’t even explain what they do. And suddenly they want to sell you a course? Like whaaaattt?? At least explain what the job is. 

I never want to be that person. So here it is… exactly what I do, how I structure my work, and what it’s taken to get to this point.

These days, I earn a 5-digit to 6-digit monthly income as a Filipino freelancer, depending on the month and how much hustle I put in. And it didn’t happen overnight. I did experience lots of mistakes, upskilling, burnout, more mistakes, and lessons learned to get to this point  

If you’re wondering what legit online work can look like, without the filters and fluff, this one’s for you.

My Client Setup

I usually work with 3 to 4 clients at a time. One of them is a long-term client whom I’ve been working with for years. She gives me the bulk of my work. The rest are usually project-based or on a task/hourly basis. These are shorter contracts that help me stay flexible and diversify my income.

I like this balance. It gives me stability (thanks to the long-term client) and variety (from project clients), without overwhelming myself.

The Work I Actually Do

My freelance work covers a blend of digital marketing and admin support, with a strong focus on content and design. I wear a lot of hats, but they all fit under the umbrella of supporting my clients’ online businesses, mostly coaches. 

I don’t manage other freelancers. I don’t work in an agency. I used to, but it led me to the worst burnout episodes of my freelance life. Now, I prefer to work directly with my clients to keep their content and systems flowing smoothly.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

1. Content & Strategy

This is one of my core services. I write blog posts, show notes, emails, website copy, and basically anything that helps clients communicate clearly and connect with their audience. Sometimes, I also help with content strategy, like building a content calendar or planning SEO-friendly topics.

2. Podcast Editing & Simple Video Production

No fancy transitions or animations here, but just clean, basic editing. I stitch together podcast episodes, trim videos, add intros/outros, and make sure everything’s ready for publishing. It’s straightforward production, but it makes a huge difference in helping clients stay consistent.

3. Digital Admin Support (a.k.a. Smart Virtual Assistance)

I support clients behind the scenes with tasks like organizing content assets, updating files, prepping emails, managing websites, or keeping project timelines on track. The kind of support that lets them focus on big-picture stuff while I handle the moving parts.

4. Design Work

While I didn’t study graphic design formally, I’m self-taught in Adobe tools and well-versed in Canva. I regularly design:

• Lead magnets (guides, worksheets, templates)
• Social media graphics
• Printed layouts of planners, books, and marketing materials
• Branded email or blog visuals
• Layouts for digital products or documents

Design is one of those skills I picked up as a hobby, but over time, it’s become something I genuinely enjoy and do with confidence.

What I Don’t Do

I don’t build websites, run paid ads, or create complex motion graphics. I’ve learned to stay in my lane. And in doing so, I’ve gotten really good at what I do offer. That focus helps me deliver consistent, high-quality work.

Learning the Hard Way: More Clients ≠ More Income

In my early years, I believed the more clients I had, the better. So I said yes to everything—multiple clients, long hours, back-to-back tasks.

But that mindset came at a cost: burnout.

Not just “I need a nap” burnout, but the kind that messes with your focus, your mood, your creativity. I was constantly tired, always behind, and my long-term clients, who trusted me the most, started to notice.

That was my wake-up call.

Since then, I’ve restructured my freelance life around quality over quantity. I’m more intentional with the projects I accept, more protective of my time, and more aware of my limits. And you know what? My work is better because of it.

A Real Life, Not Just a Highlight Reel

I didn’t write this to impress, and definitely not to brag. Because maaaannn, if you only knew the hard work it took to get here.

My freelancing career didn’t come with overnight success or shortcut tricks. It took intentional learning, building, and rebuilding. The truth is, it does get easier once you’ve built the tools, systems, and experience. But that ease is something you earn slowly, surely and with intention.

This is the reality. Not the sparkle promises of what you see on social media.

Thinking About Freelancing?

If you’re curious about freelance life, I hope this post gave you a clearer picture of what’s really possible, not the glossy version, but the grounded one.

Stick around Virtual Tita for behind-the-scenes stories, lessons I’ve learned the hard way, and practical tools to help you build a freelance life that works for you. You can also:

• Watch out for personal finance content as I’ll be sharing how I manage my money, budget as a freelancer, and invest my freelance income intentionally
• Download my free sample resume template
• Explore the stuff I use for freelance work in my What’s In My Cart series
• Or just hang out and learn at your own pace, this space is here for you

There’s no one “right” path to freelancing. But if I can build this from scratch, you can too.

Have a question or just want to connect? Feel free to send me an email or follow along on Instagram @virtualtita. Let’s talk freelancing, personal finance, or anything in between. And if you’d like tips and stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the newsletter below.