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To those who are already working at home, I’m sure you can relate to this post.
I received a letter from a bank last week, denying my credit card application. I wasn’t disappointed or anything because I’ve got other plastics that I can use. But the letter reminded me of how our short application interview went, which is most likely the reason why I got denied.
Agent: Ma’am who would like to sign up from a credit card?
Me: Sure, what are the requirements?
Agent: Not much, just fill out this application form and present a valid ID and an existing credit card from another bank.
Me: *took the application form and fill it out* Ok.
Agent: *after I handed her the form* Ma’am, what is your job?
Me: *in the form, I indicated freelancer* Mmm, I’m a freelancer. Most of my work are done over the internet.
Agent: What sort of work do you do?
Me: Different types of things. I write, I maintain websites. But basically, I assist clients, majority of which are overseas. Everything happens online.
Agent: Is it like an online business?
Me: No, not really.
Agent: Are you self-employed?
Me: Yes, that’s one way to put it.
Agent: What company do you work for?
Me: Mostly, I work for people not company.
Agent: Who are you working for right now?
Me: I work for *mentioned the nationality of my current employer and the type of business he is in*
Agent: Ok, let’s just put his name as the company name.
Me: *shrugged* Ok.
Agent: Is it ok to talk to him? Can I call him on the phone?
Me: Ah, he’s in *mentioned employer’s country*. Can you call overseas?
Agent: He doesn’t have an office here? How do you work for him?
Me: Uhm, no. Our work is done through the internet. We communicate via chat, email. Everything is done online.
Agent: So where is your office?
Me: At home. I work at home.
Agent: *looked confused and uncertain* Ok, let’s just put your phone number in the company number field. And let’s just say you’re self-employed.
Me: *shrugged again* Ok.
Another agent, who was probably listening to our lengthy conversation about my job, looked over at my application form and said:
“Her company name is *name of my client*?”
“She’s self-employed.”
Explaining to other people what I do for a living can be a little challenging sometimes, especially in cases like this when I need to make an impression that I earn ‘enough’ to be qualified. I guess a lot of people (especially where I am) still don’t get the concept of working at home and to them, the only way to earn money from home is to have a homebased business. Without one puts you in “job limbo”. 
So why did the bank reject my application? Hmm, a bank officer rang my office phone number, which is actually my home phone number, and talked to my Dad. I don’t know what my Dad said, but I know to this day (been working online for more than two years already) he’s still somewhat clueless about what exactly do I do for work. Whenever someone asks him, he’ll just say I work on the internet and mentions oDesk. So, go figure. 
Do you have your own amusing anecdote about explaining the nature of your job to other people? Please share them below, I’d love to hear about it.
Hi! When I started at Odesk, my mom and dad thought I was just browsing the Internet and making excuses. Well. yes, I do a lot of surfiong but I also work. They won’t believe that I’m gonna really get paid. I tell my Australian boss that my mom thought it’s not for real and my boss always laughed about it. They only believed when I got my Payoneer card which was a week ago. Now, They’re asking me to get my cousins to join also. LOL!
I remembered when my uncle asked me what my job is and I explained to him that everything is done through Skype and chat. His face turned sour and said I shouldn’t be involved in those cybers***x thingies. LOL!
Haha, that’s a funny one! Thanks for sharing michelle
Hahaha! Now that’s too funny, Michelle!
I don’t know if “ignorance” is the right term but Filipinos shouldn’t be surprise with this kind of job (working from home) as it is also the same as having your own business except that you get your earnings from using your skills. They should have consider your credit card application considering that you have other credit cards already. Geez!
Maybe the other credit cards are not enough proof for them.
i had several applications and eyebrows raised too. they don’t seem to understand how virtual assistance work, but when you try to explain it they think you rake a lot of money because most of the time you’re paid in dollars not peso.
LOL. I want to earn much online, too. My mom’s telling like all her friends that I earn online. But I’m just earning a bit. I’m hoping to earn much from the internet. I just think it’s magic how you can earn more than your regular work. :] Filipinos should really take advantage of this. Filipinos are appealing to oDesk employers.
Goodluck to you sis and thanks for dropping by
i was able to relate to this article. i too have been working from home and have had difficulties on explaining the nature of my job. i’m also working on oDesk and a full time web editor but my bosses are based in Chicago. I want to apply for a credit card but i don’t know if i can get it approved with paypal slips & a valid id only.