Study finds high job satisfaction in gig work— these women are living proof

Stephanie Olarte, 41-year-old mom of three-year-old twins, and Hannah Ruth Villares, 38-year-old mental health advocate, have taken greater control over their lives by leaving their desk jobs to pursue gig work.

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Freelancing has allowed them to afford some form of balance between work and personal life— a feat that is challenging to achieve when one is within the confines of a traditional office work setup.

By working from home, Stephanie and Hannah no longer endure Metro Manila’s punishing daily commute, where gridlock and scarce public transport can consume hours each day. They can also accomplish their professional duties according to their own timing, enabling them to pace their lives with flexibility.

With more time on their hands, they can devote greater attention to themselves and their families, becoming more present in their personal lives.

Their story reflects the findings of the Gig Life PH study by global market research firm Ipsos, which cited flexibility in working time and working location as one of the primary motivations why Filipinos engage in gig work. This freedom allows them to adjust their hours to meet financial needs, such as working more during peak seasons to boost earnings or scaling back to focus on personal matters, family time, or side businesses.

The freelancers can perform their work remotely because of online job platforms, which have been on the rise. In line with this, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is working to create millions of digital jobs by expanding internet access, offering free digital skills training, and helping Filipinos find work opportunities online, especially in rural areas.

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