Added on Dec 18: We won 2nd Place in the New Way to Work competition! Check out the Elance blog for more details!
Added on Dec 10: Our story is now a Top 10 finalist in Elance’s New Way to Work Contest. Thank you all so much for your appreciation and support!
Follow your passion – make meaningful connections – be fulfilled!
Although I work really hard every day, it never feels like work to me because I’m constantly doing things that I really truly love. I love being with my family, I love writing, I love making money, I love building my business, I love reaching out to help others and I love making valued connections!
My New Way To Work video shows that working online, freelancing and outsourcing are not simply jobs or career choices. The new way to work – with greater control, flexibility, options and freedom – is now a conscious lifestyle choice.
Thanks to embracing this lifestyle and utilizing all the tools and resources available at my disposal, I am able to enjoy a full life – a life with quality family time and the natural high of helping others succeed in their online business ventures.
Today when I tell people that I run an online content development company from home, I get puzzled looks. The concept of being an internet entrepreneur with flexible timings is difficult to grasp and not very prevalent, especially where I live. Thanks to Elance, there is now a huge scope in the market for professionals to freelance and businesses to outsource. I do both. I freelance for Elance, but I have a team of specialist writers based all over Pakistan and abroad who I outsource projects to. Everyone in my company, WordPL, works from home and enjoys the triple benefits of financial freedom, flexible work hours and no commute time.
Two years ago, if someone told me that I could work with international clients and team members without ever having to leave home, I would have probably laughed at them. Today this concept is a reality. Cultural differences, physical locations and geographical boundaries no longer separate the two arms of business: buyers and sellers. The lifestyle opportunities that technology and companies harnessing that technology, like Elance, offer are both overwhelming and awe-inspiring all at once.
Most people want to find international clients but don’t know how to do so or where to find them. Elance has put it all at our fingertips. Now with a click of a mouse button, I can browse through a seemingly endless list of buyers specifically seeking exactly what I offer and immediately connect with them. That is nothing less than magical.
If I, someone from a developing country with limited resources, and grave security and safety concerns, can build a sustainable life around the world of outsourcing and freelancing, then really anyone can! It just takes a lot of determination and the will to succeed.
I’d like to add my heartfelt gratitude for people who either directly or indirectly have helped make my online business dreams a reality and have truly inspired me:
If there’s any one thing you can take away from my story, it’s that “Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” – Confucius.
Dec 1, 2009Hello, i was delighted to see your video as my story is somewhat similar to yours, the difference is that currently im only a provider on Elance, but luckily im one of the top providers in animation and motion graphics category, i want to wish you best of luck with your venture and if you think i would be able to contribute in it in anyway, you have my email 
Regards
Abbas
Dec 1, 2009AoA Salma!
Really impressive work I am sure you guys are doing great job just need some more tips how to bring my wife to do some work as well she was a working women in Pakistan but after moving to UK she is not working at all I am not worried but I want her to do something she is only doing baby sitting I dont want to force her but I want her to be active.
Thanks in Advance
Dec 1, 2009Salma – what a lovely, positive video. Well done on achieving so much – and your wee daughter is gorgeous!
Dec 1, 2009This is beautifully done and very inspiring, Salma! Congratulations for everything you’ve accomplished and best wishes for your future endeavors.
Your fellow Suite writer,
Megan
Dec 1, 2009Salma,
Loved the video! It was very professional and heart-warming. You encourage women all over the world who want it all. You’re showing us how to work at home, retain independence and dignity while keeping one of the most important jobs in the world…mothering your precious little one! Keep up the great work.
Vicki
Dec 2, 2009@Rukhsana: Thank you so much Khala; means a lot! So glad you wanted to watch it multiple times
@Abbas: Well now, you’re the inspiration story on Elance, seriously! I’m actually really impressed by your work, both in animations/motion graphics and music Thank you so much for your appreciation and I do hope we get to work together at some point!
Syed Hashmi: Thank you for your appreciation! The best advice I can give would be to not pressure your wife into anything, but perhaps inspire her with creative success stories about all that women (and indeed men) can do these days using technology. Maybe you can even start by showing her this video, and really there are so many inspirational stories out there. The will to want to has to come from within because its all about living your passion and doing something that makes you happy. I wish your family luck and please let me know if I can help in any way. Thanks!
@my fellow suite writers Rosemary, Megan and Vicki: I LOVE you guys! The suite forums are my daily inspiration, my cure to writer isolation and my learning ground.
All, I am truly humbled by your comments and appreciation. Thank you so much. Here’s to making valued connections!
Dec 2, 2009Such a wonderful entry Salma – very inspiring.
Jx
Dec 2, 2009Hi Salma,
Truely impressed by the video!
Liked the fact that the script was crisp, to the point and inspiring! Considering I’ve had the long standing complaint ‘im not doing anything!’ while ive been away from pakistan I dont think ive got an excuse now…will start working (on something) now!
best wishes…
Dec 3, 2009Jade: thank you for your wonderful comment; you are an inspiration yourself and i wish you much success in pursuing your music career and in sunny Vietnam
Ayesha Khan: Thank you for watching and commenting! Do let me know if i can be of any help when you start your new venture – even if its just a chat
Dec 3, 2009awesome video!!!!! Keep it up!
Dec 3, 2009Salma, very very well done! This would inspire anyone, specially women, who are in a similar situation of not wanting to go out to work to fulfill their need for independence, and yet not be away from home. I am thoroughly impressed! Infact will share it with people I know who are looking to work from home .
My best wishes for your new venture.
Dec 4, 2009Very impressive! The concept is very good. Its truely an inspiration for women specially who cant leave their home and yet want to be independent..Zoya looks soo cute..Wish you all the best.
Dec 4, 2009Sheherzad and Najla: Thank you so much for your appreciation!
Tehseen: Thanks for your wonderful words! That’s probably the best use of this effort: if it can make other people, women and men, realize that there’s a whole world of possibilities out there for them to explore and effectively use, then the purpose of the video and blog would be fulfilled. Please do share; I would love to help others get off the ground! Thank you so much.
Dec 4, 2009Very impressive Salma. It opens up a new world of opportunity for a lot of us who complain about not getting enough time for family or fun. Its a fascinating new approach and with your inspirational story, gives me even more motivation to jump the ship and join this venture. Good luck
p.s: Your daughter is beautiful, and i quite like how the video revolved around her.
Dec 4, 2009It’s a great video, clearly highlighting how you have managed to maintain a perfect balance between family & work! Very impressive, informative and motivating! Zoya looks absolutely adorable and I must compliment Ali for doing such a great job with filming the video!
Best of luck for all future endeavours!
Dec 4, 2009very impressive. thoroughly enjoyed it…loved the ‘Joyaa’ bits:)
Dec 5, 2009You are doing a commendable job. mashallah! I wish you all the success in the world.It is really good to see that you are so devoted to your family as well.Good luck in all your future endeavours. Hey Zoya! way to go kid!!
Dec 5, 2009Salma, WOW!!! Thanks to my crazy life, i just watched your video, actually ive been replaying it for the past 1 hour now, because its so great, so inspiring and really well-made. Dont know where to start, because i loved every aspect of it. First and foremost, the positive and inspirational message, my fav line was that now your work is structured around your life and not the other way around – pretty cool that It takes a lot of guts and hard work to do what youve done and Im so proud of you! Such an inspiration really to women all around the world – infact the struggle to maintain a balance between work and home (private life) is a really hot topic here in Denmark, so i think your video really speaks to a lot of people and ofcourse coupled with the fact that youre working out of Pakistan adds another dimension to it as well. You are def a role model in so many ways
Ummm, can i just gush now about how CUTE zozo looks in the video?! She really brought the video to life and it was so much fun to see all the zoya bits Mashallah, shes lucky to have such loving and hardworking parents. Kudos to Ali for an awesome-ly made video – very professional and can i come over for some omelettes and french toast too?
YOU look really great in the video – i couldnt help but notice that youre wearing a couple of things i got for you, yay, hehe! Loved the pink on you and also great to see that you´re using the alarm clock!
Just made Martino watch it too – (he´ll write his own comments to you) this video really made my day, congrats on everything youve achieved so far and tons of good luck on the challenges to come. Your video and you promote hope and optimism and i love the idea of turning challenges into opportunities! So impressive on all front
Dec 6, 2009Very cool! Finally the world can see there’s more to Pakistan than donkey carts and bombs! I wish you more success Salma and Ali
Dec 6, 2009Salma, one of the most inspirational, refreshing, and creative things i’ve seen in a while. besides Ali’s excellent job on the technical front (we are used to that), it really sends a a great message on so many levels, and i think that is captured really well. the video and its content is universal, young mom trying to get back into work life without neglecting her family, i think women anywhere in the world can relate to that; it is up-to-date, because the internet indeed gives endless opportunities and online businesses really have a future; it is pakistani, by referring to the challenges that the country is facing and how to cope with the realities, which is something that any pakistani can identify with, but it also shows many non-pakistanis that may not know much about it that the country has so much to offer, such as the great entrepreneurial spirit displayed in the video, and is not just about the usual clichées; and it is personal, because in spite of the well balanced approach taken, it is unmistakably YOU.
what i like best about it that it sends a strong message that there is always an option in life, in spite of whatever challenges there may be. it is so easy to become complacent and accept things as they are, or using the challenges you face (good and bad ones), such as parenthood, economic troubles, political turmoil etc as an excuse for not taking charge of one’s life and destiny. it happens to all of us, in small ways and bigger ways, but at the end of the day, when the outcome is something fresh and new and great that might not have been there if the challenges had not pushed you that way, it shows us all that if you really want to grow as a person, the last thing you want from life is an easy ride.
great job, thank you for sharing.
Dec 6, 2009Great Job I wish you all the best! I hope your msg reaches all the women/families out there who are struggling. I myself have been looking at online jobs but always thought it was a fraud. You just gave me a push to try it out:) Thank you!
Dec 7, 2009wow Salma great work! You are so inspirational for all of us non 9-5 types. I don’t know what else to add that hasn’t already been said before. Btw how did you get Zoya to frisk about like that in the cot
Dec 9, 2009I just knew this would get in the finals Salma! Such a great entry, and wonderful, open story about your life. I’ve still got my fingers crossed for tomorrow! Good luck.
Jx
Dec 17, 2009Salma,
Wow. What a great story. What a beautiful family. Best wishes for a safe and prosperous 2010 – and I’m sending good thoughts for Pakistan as well.
Your Fellow Elancer,
Ben Gran
Dec 23, 2009Perfect! Wonderful! I love it! And I wish you prosperity and luck with all my heart. You deserve it. And give 2 or 3 kisses to Zoya from me. I truly hope that I will meet her soon.
Dec 24, 2009We live in a world of incredible possibilities. Your story is inspiring and will serve as a path for others to follow on.
Dec 31, 2009Thank you all for the wonderful comments and the support. I have lots more planned for 2010, which is just right round the corner – more blogs, some e-books, and many videos as well since this one got such a great response! Happy new year to all of you, my wonderful readers
Jun 25, 2010hello salma . main ne ap ki video deikho bohat khushi ki baat hei k ap elanc main success hoi..
main b chahta hu elance per kam ker plz guid me how can i start work with elanc.com plz i really need it ..
my e mail id is mediasuport@hotmail.com
Jul 20, 2010salam … I have a question about Elance .. I,m a student and Graphic designer and soon be a 3d animator too i recently joined Elance and bid on some projects but i didnt win any one Now i cant bid on any project please tell me what should i do now .. ???
Aug 10, 2010Salma amaizing to see yr video.Its realy amotivative massege to those house wives who want to do somthing wuthout going out.you have proved to a real graduate of IBA.But credit goes to Ali also who can make delecious Frech Toast for you.In the end sorry for recent loss for you and Ali.
Aug 15, 2010i want to start a business or job..
then what should i do???????
Aug 15, 2010salam…
mein apki video se bohot inspire hui hun…
mein b kuch krna chahti hun…
aap mjhe btayen k kis tarah hm ye kr skte hain?????
full information kahan se or kis tarah mile gi???????
apka koi contact no hai to plzzz dejiye….
Aug 20, 2010hey salma how are u,i am working doing job but fad up! want to complete my masters but unable to do due to my work,i want to work online,wanna work on elance i have a profile there and i bid many times but i got difficulties there needs to learn many things,may i have few guides from you how should i do ?from where should i take start? thanks zahid
Aug 21, 2010I’ve seen you on CNBC. i love successful and independent ladies running families and you are one of them. you talked about personal satisfaction and thats what i am looking for. how can i pass elance entry test because i do not know what sort of question these would be? about what they ll be asking me and if i fail once can i retake my test again
why you are out of form … means not answering to our questions
9:31 pm
Salma well done! I’m so impressed by you brand new self innovated venture. I wish you loads of success. Your video is so fascinating that i saw it couple of times. Zoya is sooooo cute mashallah. Keep up the good work!Wish you all the best! tc