From Fired to Freedom: The Journey That Led to YesHire Academy
In 2007, I lost my job and had no plan — just a borrowed money to buy a computer and a bit of courage. That single leap into online work changed everything. What started as survival became a life of freedom, purpose, and opportunity. This is my journey — and how it inspired the creation of YesHire Academy to help more Filipinos do the same.
CAREER ADVICESUCCESS STORIESREMOTE WORK INSPIRATIONWORK FROM HOME
Aldee Sanchez
10/18/20253 min read


From Fired to Freedom: The Journey That Led to YesHire Academy
Back in 2007, I lost my job. It felt like the end of everything. I had a family and two kids depending on me, rent to pay, and bills piling up.
Even when I still had that job, life was isang kahig, isang tuka — just surviving day by day. I was earning ₱21,000 a month working at a call center in Libis, but it was never enough. I had loans left and right just to fill the gap between my salary and what my family actually needed.
Every night was a grind. I’d wake up at 12 AM, prepare, and commute to work because my shift started at 1 AM — rain or shine. There were nights when it poured so hard I didn’t even have an umbrella. I’d walk that one-kilometer stretch from the tricycle line to the office, soaked from head to toe.
When I got to the office, I’d grab my old jacket from the locker and wear it for the rest of the night. I rarely ate because I didn’t have spare cash. My teammates would order food around 4 or 5 AM, but I’d quietly walk to the vending machine, drop in my last ₱10 coin, and get myself a cup of coffee. That was it — my “meal” before getting back on calls.
That was my routine for years. And despite all that sacrifice, it still felt like I was going nowhere.
When I got fired, everything crashed. No backup plan, no savings — just fear, uncertainty, and a small spark of hope that maybe I could find something better.
I borrowed money to buy a secondhand computer — shout-out to Ate Fe Tugab for helping me out when I literally had nothing. I’ll never forget that. That small act changed everything.
I started exploring a world I knew nothing about: online work. At that time, freelancing wasn’t as common in the Philippines. Platforms like oDesk (now Upwork) were new, and most of us didn’t even know remote jobs were real. But I took the risk anyway — because I had no choice.
That first leap changed my life.
The Early Days
I started small — applying for anything I could do. I sent out dozens of proposals, got rejected more times than I could count, but I learned. Every “no” taught me how to write better, communicate better, and present myself better.
Slowly, I built a career. One client turned into two. Then came opportunities in tech support, customer service, design, and marketing. Over time, I realized that remote work wasn’t just a job — it was freedom.
I worked from home, earned decently, and most importantly, built stability for my family without leaving the Philippines.
Why I Started YesHire Academy
Over the years, I’ve met so many Filipinos who want the same freedom but don’t know where to start. They get scammed, underpaid, or discouraged because no one teaches them the real process of getting hired online.
That’s why I built YesHire Academy — to share what actually works.
To help Filipinos learn the skills, mindset, and strategy to land their first real online job.
YesHire Academy isn’t about theory. It’s built from experience — from every rejection, every client call, every late night learning how to stand out.
This Is Just the Beginning
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re where I was years ago — unsure, tired, or looking for something new.
Maybe this is your turning point.
I started from nothing, and that journey gave me everything I needed to build something that helps others do the same.
YesHire Academy is that mission — a bridge for every Filipino who wants to start their remote career and finally say yes to freedom.
Aldee Sanchez
Founder, YesHire Remote
🇵🇭 Proud Filipino. Built from grit, faith, and experience.
“This article is part of the YesHire Academy collection — helping Filipinos build successful remote careers. Visit yeshireacademy.org for more resources.”
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