Random Musings: Trial and Error -- An oDesk Experience

I think it was four years ago when I found out about oDesk. It was when I was looking for part-time jobs. I heard and read from some people about their good experience with the company so I thought that it may be a good website to check out. 

Before, I would just visit the site and search for jobs. There was this doubting feeling which bothered me so I did not attempt to do anything. Then yesterday, I had a change of mind and finally decided to sign-up an account at oDesk. I told myself that I might as well try the jobs posted at the marketplace while I am waiting for job interviews from my prospective employers. I was really hoping to get a job even it will just be a part-time, my thought was that at least I can earn something which I can save-up (and use to provide food for my pet bunnies).

Being a newbie to oDesk, I was still learning and getting the hang of things. I read some of the articles on their Support page which answered most of my inquiries. I was excited, Since it was my first time on the website and I want to know the process, I searched for jobs which seemed easy like those job posts on data entry and file conversions. I sent my job applications and waited.

Later that evening, I received an email from a client who said that he accepted my application. Indicated also in the email was his instructions on how the work will be done. I read it and I started with the task. I was just asked to enter all the data on his database. While working, I suddenly had questions so I sent him an email for some clarifications. I waited for a response but there was no reply even it was just 30 minutes that passed. 

I still continued with the work so I can meet the minimum quota. I went to bed at 4AM this morning and woke up at 9AM and continued with the task. I checked my email and my oDesk inbox but there was still no response. 

At around 2PM, when I was almost done with my task, I took a break to check my oDesk Dashboard. I just noticed that the job post that I was working on was moved to the Archive Section and it was just made about an hour ago. I also saw the status that client closed the job post.

I immediately contacted oDesk's Live Chat Support, and the helpful Customer Support who assisted me explained to me that the client and the job post were not legit and violated the policies. I was not shocked because I already had a feeling that something was wrong, but I felt sad. It was a sad realization that hit me because of my efforts were gone to waste; that I got scammed on my first job application at oDesk. I still think it is legit. One just have to be wary when applying to job posts to avoid any scams or problems. And it is helpful to continue reading the articles on their Support page. 

As I reflect on today, I learned a lesson from my mistakes, and I will give myself another chance. Besides today will just become a memory and tomorrow will be another good day to start again.

For those who read this post, if you are looking for a home-based job, you may want to try oDesk. If you have any issues or concerns, feel free to email or chat with the Support Team. They are very accommodating and it does not take them long to answer your email issues/concerns. Give it a shot! : )