Picking up a new skill, regardless of your age, can prove to be an incredibly beneficial endeavour. In spite of how daunting it may initially be given the amount of time and energy one would have to commit to it, the payoff can be generous. After all, new skills can not only enhance your professional opportunities, but even potentially enrich your life in ways you never imagined possible.
24yo Sabahan rakes in RM20k after learning how to edit videos during lockdown
And as proof of that, a 24-year-old Sabahan recently took to sharing how she managed to completely transform her life by learning a new skill during the Movement Control Order lockdown period. As shared through local Instagram page @malaysianpaygap, the anonymous user explains that as she hails from a lower-income family, she did not have the resources to pursue her studies further in university and had no choice but to start working after SPM to support her family.
With experience as a member of the cabin crew for both low-cost and national airlines, she later decided to quit after realising that there were more cons than pros to her position. As 2021 came around and many of us were forced to put our lives on hold due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the user then started to pick up video editing classes from the comfort of her own home.
Beginning from January 2021, she downloaded a copy of popular video editing software Adobe Premier Pro and with help from YouTube, began picking up the trade. While she admits that the learning curve can be substantial, she wasn’t daunted by the prospect.
Building connections to get a head-start as a freelance video editor
Then came time to jump-start her career in the field of online marketing, which she did by joining a number of online marketing groups on Facebook and building connections with members. Over time, her work spoke for itself and she now says that she no longer has to seek out for new clients on her own, as they are referred to her instead.
One year on, she now brings in a monthly salary of around RM20,000 by working as a freelance video editor. Paid in American Dollars, some of the perks to her role include being able to work completely remotely with unlimited time off, which she notes is perfect for introverts. And of course, being the boss of your own small business, you are able to set your work hours as you like, and earn earn more if you decide to work more.
However, she points out that unlike other forms of employment, she does not have any EPF or SOCSO contributions, or health insurance. What’s more as her clients are American, she has no choice but to follow American time, between 9.30pm to 5.30am. And of course, if she doesn’t work, she doesn’t get paid, which is to say she doesn’t get to enjoy any paid time off.
All in all, she says she finds that the pros far outweigh the cons in this role, and it has allowed her the ability to build up her savings.
Several netizens have commented on the post, with one confirming that it is indeed possible for someone within the industry to earn such a high amount, provided that they are good at what they do.
Another commended creatives for their work and skills, pointing out that the job isn’t as easy as many may think of it as being.
One netizen agrees that the hours and lack of rest is common for those picking up freelance projects from abroad.
“That’s right, My husband also worked on a job once, which netted him RM30,000 or more. But his sleeping and rest time is limited. He would always start working from 10pm till dawn, take a small nap, and then start again from 10am or 11am. Even I’m tired.”
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