Interview with a Freelancer and Blogger- Jerry Gervacio

A friend of your friend can also be your friend even if the encounter is through the online means. And this is the way I have known Jerry Gervacio.

I don’t have direct link with a freelancer and blogger whom I have known by the name, Jerry Gervacio. Perhaps, Facebook is instrumental in knowing this lad who is now based in Cebu. After a few exchanges of comments on certain topics, I have then recognized a friend that could become more than an acquaintance offline ( no pun intended).

But seriously, after a few exchange of emails, I then asked him if he would be willing to have an interview with me. Luckily, he agreed.

Now, why did I have an interview with him?

There’s no denying that this guy has different perspectives in life. He is what I consider among the bloggers that feature great commentaries. What you can find on his blog, the Third Wave, is an eclectic mix of facts, information and mostly, opinions. But he has stretched a share of his commenting deals on Facebook, too.

Apart from being a blogger, I am also interested on his being a freelancer (same as me). He has different things to share on his freelancing and blogging experiences. However, details of his ventures in tidbits can be best referenced on this short interview–starting with a few mundane questions and then to serious ones.

How can you describe yourself in five-word clause?

Shy, reserved but aggressive thinker.

Why do you blog? What or who inspired you to blog?

I am a blog reader. Reading the blog of Darlene <http://stoutds.com/> and Ramses (he deleted his Tinuod nga Botbot blog) inspired me to start my own blog. Bloggers inspired me to blog!

What is in blogging that you are drawn to it?

The comment feature, where as writer, I can engage with my readers; and as reader, I can engage with the writer.
How do you define blogging, in your simplest terms ( or you can ingtegrate complex words)?

Blogging is the art of publishing personal content online to engage with online readers.

How long have you been blogging? Have you made sums from it?

Four years. No. I used to monetize my blog but I decided not to monetize it.

You’ve told me that you are also into freelancing aside from blogging. What kind of work does your freelancing entail?

I am new to freelancing and I have spent less than (total) 36 hours to it. I did user experience analysis, and usability testing. I also do some technical documentation (user guides).

How do you manage your time in freelancing?

I have 8-hour day time full time work. After work and during weekends, I do my freelancing. But again my freelance work is very minimal. My priority is my full time work.

What are the perks in being a freelancer? The cons?

High compensation. In my experience, because the project was short term, the compensation is high. The disadvantage I think is that, my freelance work is seasonal.

Which is more lucrative work for you: freelancing or blogging?

Neither freelancing nor blogging. I don’t earn from blogging nor I earn substantial and sustainable amount from freelancing.

Do you see freelancing to be a full-time career?

Yes. It can be a ‘full-time’ work.

As a blogger/freelancer, how do you see yourself three to five years from now?

When I read the question, I entertained the thoughts of going full time (and earning) form freelancing and blogging in the next few years. But i think, I would be user experience (UX) freelance consultant that time.

What tips/advices can you give to those who like to go into blogging as well as freelancing?

To those who would like to go into blogging, I would suggest that they stick to what they love. Blog is only a venue, a platform – content is more important. Blog on the area they believe they can and they are good at. To freelancer, the best thing to do is to cultivate and sell their expertise. That way they can command attractive compensation. And the core for both is patience and determination to achieve goals.

This is a special post for I have to celebrate the 100th post of Bjorn Cebuano blog. Thanks Jerry for being professional in doing this favor.