Business
In this latest episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo share the inspiring story of a listener who turned their life around after years of unemployment. Titled "Kwentong SEO Freelancer - Story #2; 11 Years of Waiting, A Lifetime of Learning," this episode is a powerful reminder of the impact persistence and self-education can have. From caring for a sick parent to discovering online job opportunities and ultimately finding a passion for SEO, the listener’s journey shows how determination and the right mindset can lead to unexpected success. His story is a testament to the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, even when faced with life’s toughest challenges.
As Gab and Gelo reflect on the listener’s experiences, they highlight key lessons for anyone looking to change careers or start fresh. Whether it's the value of community, the importance of mentorship, or the need for continuous learning, this episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring freelancers and digital marketers. If you’re ready to overcome obstacles and take the first step towards your own success, this episode will inspire you to embrace new opportunities and keep growing—no matter where you’re starting from.
Transcript Summary
00:00 - 01:11
Gab: Welcomes listeners to a new episode of SEO Kwentuhan, where they dive into the second part of the ongoing series, "Kwentong SEO Freelancer." This episode is titled "11 Years of Waiting, a Lifetime of Learning," which sparks curiosity about the long journey the listener (who shares their story in this episode) has gone through.
Gelo: Adds a warm New Year’s greeting, acknowledging the time they took off for the holidays, mentioning how December is family time, but they’re glad to be back recording for eager listeners.
01:12 - 03:02
Gab: Reads out the listener’s story, emphasizing how their journey started after a period of unemployment. The listener shares a pivotal moment after graduation, when they took care of their sick parent. This personal responsibility led them to delay job applications due to the distance of job opportunities and the lack of nearby work options.
The listener, while in the province, decided to explore online opportunities and started watching YouTube videos on how to earn money online. They tried a data annotation job where they would box cars in images. Unfortunately, despite earning some income, the listener faced a major challenge as many others were stealing tasks, limiting their opportunities.
03:02 - 05:33
Gab: Continues the listener’s story, noting that in 2022, they decided to enroll in a freelancing course. The course covered various basic niches like social media marketing, copywriting, and SEO. The listener was particularly intrigued by SEO, which they had no prior knowledge of but saw potential in. The course led them to enroll in a more in-depth SEO program, learning essential topics like on-page SEO, technical SEO, and link building.
Gelo: Highlights the common feeling of being overwhelmed when first encountering SEO, noting how many aspects of it come into play, which can confuse beginners.
Gab: Reflects on how SEO requires a broad understanding, even if someone is working on one specific aspect, and echoes advice from a previous interview that it’s crucial to know the "general view" of SEO to apply it effectively.
05:34 - 06:34
Gab: Shares how the listener’s journey continued by joining the SEO Tutorials Philippines community, founded by Miss Angeline. This group became a crucial learning resource, and the listener received valuable advice that motivated them to create a website for practice. This hands-on project allowed them to apply what they learned and build a portfolio.
Gelo: Comments on how joining such groups is a common starting point for many in the SEO field, noting the importance of community support in the early stages. The community helps people gain insights and refine their skills.
06:34 - 07:16
Gab: Shares the exciting news that, by 2024, the listener was offered an internship by their mentor, which they eagerly accepted. The internship came with a small allowance, and soon after, the listener was offered a full-time position, transitioning from internship to employment.
Gelo: Expresses admiration for the mentor's generosity, particularly for offering a paid internship, which is often rare in many industries.
Gab: Emphasizes how life-changing this moment was for the listener, who went from being unemployed to being employed in a field they were passionate about. The listener’s story ends with a humorous note about aging due to the stress of SEO work.
07:16 - 09:28
Gab: Reflects on the challenges the listener faced during the 11 years of unemployment, particularly the responsibility of taking care of their sick mother and retired father. They point out that the listener's decision to take care of family first is understandable, though it led to delays in their career. Gab also acknowledges the growth of online freelance opportunities post-COVID, which has made remote work more accessible.
Gelo: Wonders whether the listener had siblings and contemplates how this could have affected their situation. Gelo shares a personal reflection, noting that he too started studying SEO in his 30s, and this part of the listener’s story resonates with him deeply.
09:30 - 09:53
Gab: Introduces the segment where they will analyze the key takeaways from the listener’s story and offer advice to those who are in a similar situation, especially those who’ve been out of the workforce for a long time and are seeking new opportunities.
Gelo: Agrees and prepares to dive into the discussion on how to turn challenges into opportunities.
10:15 - 11:31
Gab: Reflects on how many people are missing out on opportunities despite being at home. He points to examples like the "Malupiton" (people without jobs) who are using their creativity to make money by entertaining others through videos. Gab emphasizes that there are endless opportunities online—whether in crypto, social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, or other avenues that allow individuals to earn.
He advises that, unlike the previous listener who had a valid reason for being unemployed, there’s no reason to miss out on potential income today. With so many online opportunities, it’s important for people to explore what works for them. Gab also shares his personal philosophy, urging people to take immediate action after graduation to implement what they've learned, using their skills and knowledge without delay.
11:32 - 12:31
Gelo: Empathizes with the difficulties of transitioning from graduation into the workforce. He compares it to walking into a battle, where some people are fortunate and land great jobs quickly, while others struggle. Gelo points out the randomness and luck involved in finding success, especially in the early stages of one's career. He also reflects on how internships or on-the-job training (OJT) can sometimes offer a smooth transition into full-time work, which isn’t the case for everyone.
Gab: Joins in and shares how, after graduating, his father advised him to rest for three months before diving into work, offering him a small amount of pocket money to support his early job search. He recounts how difficult it can be to find opportunities but stresses the importance of getting started right away, just like he did.
12:46 - 13:49
Gelo: Acknowledges the mindset of being unemployed or a “tambay” (idle person) and offers advice on how to turn this period into something productive. He encourages people to stay curious and explore learning opportunities. Gelo underscores the importance of finding decent YouTube channels or other learning resources, noting that information is widely accessible in today’s digital age. He believes that curiosity is the key, and even if you fail in trying new things, it’s still a valuable learning experience.
Gab and Gelo both discuss how having a family changes priorities, suggesting that responsibilities like caring for children or a spouse can affect career decisions. Still, they stress the point that there’s always time and opportunity for those willing to seek it out.
13:49 - 16:33
Gelo: Elaborates on the power of self-study, especially in times of unemployment. Reflecting on his own journey, Gelo shares how, during the pandemic, he spent a lot of time on YouTube and podcasts to learn about SEO and other skills. He emphasizes that the willingness to learn is crucial in any self-education journey. Gelo compares learning to starting a fire, where you need certain “ingredients” (such as motivation and curiosity) for it to catch. He believes that many people may not pursue opportunities because they lack the drive to learn.
He also discusses the importance of understanding the "why" behind learning new skills, whether it's for a career change or personal growth. Gelo points out how some people, like virtual assistants (VAs), can earn substantial amounts of money, but achieving that requires the initial step of getting started and learning.
16:33 - 18:49
Gelo: Continues, emphasizing that self-study alone isn’t enough; one must also apply what they learn. He shares his personal experience of studying for long hours during the pandemic, and how he eventually applied the knowledge he gained, which was a key factor in his growth. Gelo praises the listener (the story’s main subject) for pushing themselves to step outside their comfort zone by pursuing an internship despite lacking prior experience. He highlights how the listener's eagerness to learn and apply new skills was likely what impressed the mentor who took them on.
He stresses that even if someone feels they don’t have direct experience, showing the willingness to learn and apply new concepts can open doors to opportunities. He also warns against the complacency that can come from feeling like one knows everything, which can stifle growth.
18:49 - 19:58
Gab: Reflects on how important self-motivation and determination are in achieving success. He agrees with Gelo's earlier point that self-study and determination are crucial, noting that many people fail not because they aren’t given opportunities, but because they lack the drive to continue learning and improving. Gab explains that even if people are given courses or resources, they may not succeed if they aren’t genuinely motivated to put in the effort and time required for self-improvement.
He further emphasizes that the right mindset is key to overcoming obstacles. Gab reflects on his personal experience with family and friends who have asked him for advice on becoming a freelancer or learning SEO but were deterred by a lack of confidence or time. Gab believes that overcoming these blockers starts with a change in mindset—understanding that growth requires persistence, even when it feels difficult.
19:58 - 20:01
Gab: Concludes by emphasizing the importance of having the right mindset when learning new skills or pursuing a career. He suggests that without a proper mindset, it’s easy to get stuck in the belief that it’s too hard or that there isn’t enough time. This negative thinking can prevent individuals from taking the necessary steps toward growth and success. Gab and Gelo both agree that developing a strong, positive mindset is essential to overcoming the barriers that often prevent people from pursuing their goals.
20:01 - 21:46
Gelo: Discusses the importance of having a clear and strong mindset when shifting careers, especially in a competitive field like SEO. He explains that the key to standing out—especially when you lack experience or a degree—is to focus on your unique edge. Gelo emphasizes the need to adopt a mindset where you approach every opportunity with a willingness to learn, grow, and absorb as much knowledge as possible. He shares his personal experience of applying for SEO positions not just to pass but to actively learn the craft. He notes that his mindset was always to have an edge over competitors by continuously learning, whether it's SEO, interview techniques, or how to present oneself.
Gelo’s motivation is driven by his responsibility to his family—his wife, son, and mother—which fuels his determination. This sense of purpose makes him feel a fire within to succeed. He also acknowledges that many people want to earn but are reluctant to put in the hard work of self-learning, which is why podcasts like this are crucial in guiding people toward the right mindset.
21:46 - 23:14
Gelo: Stresses the importance of being like a sponge when it comes to learning new things. However, he also emphasizes that it’s important to filter and organize the information you receive. Learning is crucial, but application is equally important. He encourages listeners to be mindful of absorbing what is useful and applicable, discarding what doesn’t serve their goals. Gelo advises against overloading oneself with too much information without taking action. By doing so, individuals can avoid confusion and gain a clearer path toward success.
He also reinforces that there are many free resources available for people who want to learn, and it’s vital to take advantage of them. The idea is to keep learning and refining your knowledge, especially in the fast-paced world of SEO and digital marketing.
23:32 - 25:48
Gab: Shares an important mindset lesson about handling rejection. He believes that one of the most important things to remember when you're starting out—especially in a new field like SEO—is not to let rejection dictate your worth. He uses examples of famous personalities like Colonel Sanders (KFC), Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Jack Ma, all of whom faced multiple rejections before they succeeded. Gab emphasizes that rejection is part of the journey, and those who have the resilience to continue despite setbacks will eventually succeed.
Gab also encourages those starting their career later in life, or shifting careers, to not let age or experience gaps hold them back. He mentions that digital marketing is a field with constantly evolving opportunities, and that it’s not about when you start, but about your ability to adapt and learn. He gives kudos to people who, despite being older or coming from completely different careers, are diving into digital marketing and SEO and actively studying through various courses and implementing what they’ve learned.
27:01 - 29:37
Gab: Talks about the significant role that mentorship and being part of a community can play in advancing one's career. He mentions the SEO community specifically, noting that by joining a community, individuals can gain access to valuable learning resources, courses, and insights. Gab shares how the community provides constant learning opportunities, which is critical to staying up-to-date in the fast-moving SEO industry. He points out that there are always new things to teach, which helps keep the community fresh and evolving.
He also gives practical advice for finding mentors, suggesting people search for SEO tutorials, courses, and strategies on platforms like Facebook and other social media. He recommends following experienced professionals who have been in the industry long enough to understand its complexities.
Gelo: Builds on this idea, encouraging listeners to filter the information they receive and apply what works for them. He acknowledges that the information shared in these communities can be overwhelming, but that’s where the true value lies—being able to test, adapt, and incorporate what resonates with your approach. Gelo mentions his own communities, such as SEO Tutorial Philippines, SEO Workout, and Local SEO, where different types of knowledge are shared, and people come together to help each other grow.
29:39 - 30:23
Gelo: Closes by reminding listeners about the importance of practice and perseverance. He relates the story of how he started his SEO journey when he was only 13 years old and how, despite being in a different industry initially, his drive to learn and improve helped him transition. Gelo advises that no matter what your age or background is, determination is key. You need to be willing to push through challenges and continue learning, even when things seem tough.
Both speakers end the episode with a final message of encouragement, underscoring that age and experience are not barriers to success in digital marketing. They remind listeners that success is not about the age you start, but about the effort and willingness to keep learning and growing.