INTERVIEWER: Tram Nguyen
INTERVIEWEE: Nitda Louankhoth with Conform The People & Remote Marketing Executive CURRENT LOCATION: Bangkok, Thailand With everything changing in the world, one of the focuses that Girl Social Gang would like to focus our attention on is: how we can help women who have been impacted by COVID-19? We sat down with a successful babepreneur/ traveler, Nitda Loungkhoth, and asked a few questions of her day-to-day life as part owner of CTP (Conform The People) and being able to work as she travels. With the advice that she has given below, there are some insightful and helpful tips for those that are seeking work and want to enjoy the day! Q: How did you get started in the industry you are currently in? A: I started working in the “sales & experiential marketing" industry since 2010. My sister introduced me to the industry and it was something I picked up whenever I was bored or needed extra income.
Q: How do you manage your work/life balance working remotely? A: When you have the flexibility to work from anywhere, it can sometimes feel like you need to be available and ready to adapt to any changes. I’m not saying that all jobs will be the same but majority of mine has never been a typical 9-5. Sometimes my day doesn’t start until 2pm and some days I might work 4 hours and some 10 hours.
These are some tips that really help me:
Create a routine that is right for you.
Communication is super, super important.
So is a culture of mutual trust and respect.
Being transparent in how you run your business makes sure that everyone can be on the same page at the same time.
Q: When did you start working full time remote jobs?
A:At the start of 2015, I decided I need to make some changes in my life.I was working too hard and not being appreciated for it. I want to love my work without feeling guilty about not being with my family and unhappy because I don’t have time for doing other things I love. So I left my full-time position as a Buyer for a manufacturing company in Florida.I knew I had to find the right kind of company to work remotely for. And just like that, Anheuser Busch had a remote position opened and my WFH journey started there.
Q: Is your income steady with the jobs you take?
A: It is for me but I can’t speak for others. The grind never stops and that requires me to constantly book myself with multiple contracts. Depending on the contracts, it can be 3 months or 6 months. So I always have to prepare myself for another one if I’m not already taking on two different contacts at that time.
Q: How do you stay organized with little face to face time?
A:Going from working in an office to working remotely full time is not easy. Self-discipline becomes super important. You have learn a whole new set of skills that ‘normal’ office workers don’t always need to have. You have more responsibility, it feels much more like running your own little company (which I do with Conform The People, which is an online high fashion clothing company. With Conform The People, that is a full-time 24 hour job).
I have found that sticking to a routine helps, but it’s also great that the routine can be flexible; planning and scheduling, time management, communication tools, and productivity techniques has helped me.
Q: Were there any sacrifices you had to consider when you made the decision to work remotely?
A:Yes, time! Time away from my family. Although most jobs are remote, it does require me to travel to designated area for different programs/projects. I find myself being more flexible to my job. I also spend a lot of time online and always following groups in my industry for new opportunities.
Q: What type of lifestyle do you have working remotely?
A:I’m probably a combination of a nomadic and solo lifestyle. I am always on the go, constantly moves from one place to another and also incapable of not having anyone to be with. I learn a lot like how to be much more responsible and to entertain myself by traveling a lot, seeking new adventures while making time for my spiritual culture.
Q: What is your most favorite thing by working remotely and why?
A: It’s challenging and that’s what keeps my work life interesting. I don’t miss having to clock in and sit behind a desk for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. I like being able to work as needed as long as my goals/KPIs are met.
Q: How do you stay relevant in your job and keep moving up in companies?
A:As long as you keep on learning, you will keep moving forward. Don't just sit there, go and make things happen. The grind never stops and you have to keep hustling.
In my industry, most of the time there’s no moving up but just moving on to the next project. I’m not saying there’s not a company out there that offers opportunities to move up but I haven’t found one that I want to make that long term commitment with.
Q: How do you stay focused when you have noise around? (family, working in cafes, etc)
A:Working from home can be a lot more distracting than working from the office so I choose a spot where I'm able to work productively. In my case, I am currently not living with anyone so the noise is not the issue. It’s the lack of motivation from other co-workers (since I don’t see them). So I do like changing up my surroundings depending on what type of motivation I need. Some days, I prefer to work from my bed and some days I like to sit by the pool.
Q: What is your advice to others in this difficult time to let people know that they should not be scared to look for remote jobs and there are many non-technical work available?
A: There are definitely a lot of non-technical remote jobs out there.
My biggest advice is join remote work/ WFH groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or any social media platforms.
First off, let’s start with Facebook! Believe it or not, I found a lot of my jobs through groups I followed on Facebook. Search for Work From Home groups in your state/area. Turn your notification on and make sure you make time to read new posts quickly! Here’s a group that I recommend you joining
https://www.facebook.com/groups/544818398895959
LinkedIn is probably another one of the trustworthy site I use. When you do your job search, be sure to tweak your search words around. Finding a remote job can be tricky so be sure to change your location to remote as well. Don’t forget to set job alerts for searches that interest you.
Here are some WFH jobs that are non-technical
-Virtual assistant-Interpreter/translator
-Marriage and family therapist-Travel agent
-Teacher/tutor
-Social media specialist
-Licensed insurance representative
-Writer/editor
-Medical transcriptionist
-Customer service representative
-Short-term rental host
-Registered nurse
-Meeting, convention and event planner
-Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk
Avoid work-from-home scams!!! When considering a work-from-home job, put up your scam-detection radar. “First and foremost, trust your gut,” Do your research!!
Can you believe 2 months back most jobs were saying, "it's impossible, you're job needs to be done in the office and not at your home". Well times have sure changed! Most of the office jobs have now transitioned to being remote. Even jobs doing assembly jobs can be done at home. Unfortunately, there were some that absolutely cannot be done anywhere but a facility. And in today's world those jobs are not considered "essential". If you look for a remote job, chances are you may be in luck. Everything is moving more towards online and remote.
We understand that everyone handle's situations differently. Some people will pick them self right up and say, what happened was a blessing in disguise. But there are some who maybe have been at their job for a very long time and have put their heart and soul in think that is it for them. But we are here to say, this is the time! The time to look into something new. We know it's some scary times of uncertainty right now, but we know that our girl gangers are tough and ready to take the world on.
So we've done some of the work for you and compiled a few ideas to get you started and motivated. Channel that inner creativity and make this universe your oyster. If you don't want to work for a boss, then make your own job and be your own boss. Seriously, THIS IS THE TIME!
Here is a list of non-technical remote job/ideas we have compiled (more information can be found by doing a search on the internet for these):
Times are tough right now, but you are tougher. We are in this together and we will come out of this bigger and better than every before. We can now say, we've lived though a pandemic of this magnitude and we survived it, but it's what you make out of it that will really define you!
Girl Social Gang is providing lunch/meal for a team of medical workers who are putting their lives at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We understand that maybe offering PPE or supplies is a more ideal route, but as everyone knows, it is hard to get right now. We knew we wanted to help with something and somehow, so this was our other choice. It also gives back to the community, as we will be picking a local small food business to prepare and deliver the meal.
But we need your help!
Our ask:
A nurse, doctor EMT, janitor of any hospital or medical facility or even a facility itself dealing directly with COVID-19 patients.
Any city USA
Tell us a story of how they've gone above the call of duty to help coronavirus victims or their family during this pandemic. Or if you have heard about this facility in the news and know they deserve a lunch. We'll take that too!
Giveaway is open from right now and ENDS Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 9pm PST.
We will narrow it down to 3 of our top picks, anonymously share the story and let our followers help us pick a winner. Although, all deserving and we wished we could pay for all meals!
@whitneycares_gsg here. Just wanted to share a health tip I picked up. I’m all about holistic remedies (not against western medicine). Steaming is extremely good for your respiratory system and the ingredients listed are great immune supporters. Not to mention leaves your face feeling brand new! Who doesn't want that?! Literally use any type of orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit. Whatever you have on hand, in the back yard or can easily pick up at on your next store run. The herbs/plants can be used in it’s natural form or via essential oil, in its purest form. You can use other herbs that you already have in the pantry; bay leaves, thyme, sage, etc. Cinnamon can be powder or stick. I prefer the stick. Dried flower petals can also be fresh. Dried are easy to order online. This should be done at minimum, daily. It can be done hourly as well. I personally do it twice a day. In the morning before I meditate and do my sunrise yoga and at night before bed. Let me tell you, since steaming at night I have NEVER slept better. *That result will vary by person. My skin is healing and I just feel good after. ____________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Slice the fruit(s) (1 or 1/2 of each fruit) 2. Put them in a big pot 3. Add 2 sprigs of eucalyptus stems 4. Add 1Tbs of dried herbs OR 10 drops at a time of essential oil 5. Add 5-10 dried rose buds OR the petals of one rose 6. Fill the pot in step 2 with distilled water (if you have it, but not tap water) to cover the Ingredients. 7. Let lightly boil 8. Remove from stove and let the aroma fill your home or with with pot with blanket covering your head so now it's just and this beautiful bowl of goodness. _____________________________________
These are just guidelines, but please add how much ever you like. Just be careful with essential oils because they can get really strong for your comfort. Try it and send us your mixtures! Also, safe for kids...