When hiring offshore IT staff—from developers to digital marketers—businesses often think about cost savings and efficiency. But there’s so much more that goes into finding remote talent! 🧑💻
The stories of Andrea, Erica, and Fiona, three talented offshore professionals based in the Philippines, offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a reliable remote team.
How Andrea went from ghosted to gaining true support
Andrea knows what it feels like to be left in the dark.
After juggling multiple jobs and learning the ropes of virtual assistance, she finally landed a direct client and everything felt like a dream!
Until one day, without warning, she was locked out of all company platforms. Her client “ghosted” her, leaving her unpaid and traumatised. 😓
“During the company anniversary, we’ve had our usual meeting and celebrations since it was a big day for the company. After the meeting, I was so shocked that I wasn’t able to access their Google Drive anymore. Even their emails and the accounting software we were using. I was so stunned. I tried reaching them via email, but I got no response. I was taken aback, and all I did was cry at that time. They didn’t even pay me for a month.”
This painful experience forced Andrea to take a year-long break from the industry. But when she joined Outsourcing Angel, things changed for the better.
“I am now hired in Outsourcing Angel with a very understandable, communicative client who really doesn’t want me to go. She loves me, shares some of her stories, which I love to listen to, and she even provides growth and support in my journey.”
Lesson: Always partner with agencies or companies that prioritise transparency and long-term relationships. Choosing the right partner can mean the difference between a bad experience and a thriving career.
The importance of fairness and communication — Erica’s story
For Erica, freelancing started with excitement and hope. She took on a role as a Discord moderator for a digital NFT arts project with a client from Denmark.
“His mood was very unpredictable. One day he’ll sing praises of my works and one day he’ll scold me. I tried to establish a good relationship with him and keeping him happy with my performance. It wasn’t long before I became his favourite VA.”
The initial payments were smooth—until the third pay cycle 😬
Suddenly, the client raised unfounded issues, refused payment, and blocked her entirely!
Heartbroken but determined, Erica shifted her focus to agencies with clear systems that protect both clients and staff. Her perseverance led her to a role at Outsourcing Angel, where she now works with a client who values her skills and keeps communication open.
“I managed to create a new plan, to apply only in agencies where there’s a clear vision and mission to mediate between clients and freelancers and to keep both sides aligned.”
Lesson: A fair process and a reliable support system are critical when you hire programmer or community management talent. Businesses should aim to create agreements that protect BOTH parties.
Fiona’s lesson: don’t stay stuck in a dead-end role!
Fiona’s story is about realising her worth.
In her first long-term remote job, she took on more and more responsibility, yet her pay and career growth remained stagnant for years 🙏
“I got this itch to do more. I thought, ‘I’m putting in the work; it’s time to level up!’ So, I switched to another department, tried a few different roles, all in the hopes of moving up. Nothing changed. I was working hard, taking on more responsibility, getting all the “you’re such a valuable team member” talks, but with zero bump in my salary. I kept telling myself, ‘Just hang in there a little longer; it’ll pay off.’ But eventually, I realised I was basically just hoping for things to magically get better.”
Feeling like she was “haunting the same dead-end role,” she eventually decided to move on. Today, Fiona thrives with a client who trusts and supports her, allowing her to continue leveling up her skills! 💪
“A few years and clients later, I found Outsourcing Angel, where I was placed with an amazing client. I’ve been working with them for over six years now, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m valued in every way, supported in my constant thirst to level up my skills, and trusted to tackle any challenge I set my eyes on.”
Lesson: When building a remote team, businesses must ensure that their staff feel valued and see a clear path for growth.
Why these stories matter for remote workforce solutions
The experiences of Andrea, Erica, and Fiona highlight the reality of offshore work: success is not just about technical skills. It’s now about trust, communication, and long-term support 🙏
Companies that want to leverage digital marketing solutions or hire developers, designers, or offshore staff must go beyond a transactional mindset. This means creating a culture where collaboration, mentorship, and fair treatment are at the core of every working relationship.
By treating offshore IT staff as true partners rather than temporary hires, businesses can build teams that deliver higher quality work and stay engaged for the long term 📈
A supportive culture not only benefits offshore professionals but also helps businesses retain highly motivated and loyal team members.
Considerations for hiring offshore IT staff
If you’re considering expanding your team, it’s crucial to work with an agency that values ethical practices and long-term relationships.
Ethical practices mean ensuring:
- fair pay
- Healthcare
- career development opportunities
- and a healthy work-life balance for offshore professionals.
It also means creating transparent communication processes and providing the right tools to help them succeed 🎉
With Outsourcing Angel, you can access skilled offshore IT staff—from developers to digital marketers—without the typical headaches of offshore hiring.
We’ll match you with the right people, handle HR, and ensure that your staff are equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed!
Real lessons from offshore IT staff in the Philippines
Building a remote team isn’t just about cost-cutting anymore. In the saturated outsourcing market, having a remote team is now about creating sustainable partnerships where everyone thrives.
When businesses invest in people, they see better results, improved loyalty, and reduced turnover. The stories of Andrea, Erica, and Fiona prove that offshore IT staff can overcome challenges and achieve long-term success when they are supported.
By focusing on trust, communication, and career growth, you’ll not only get high-performing team members but also partners who genuinely care about your goals 🎯
Ethical outsourcing is the key to turning challenges into victories, and that’s what sets great businesses apart.