I know what you’re thinking: “What?! What could someone dead for more than a century know about remote working?” Before you leave, let me explain first. Despite not experiencing working from home, Gat Andres Bonifacio’s life can still offer lessons that we can apply for remote work.
And it’s proper to take golden nuggets of wisdom for our career from one of our esteemed heroes. As we celebrate Bonifacio Day this November 30, here are 5 Boni-fide remote work lessons we can learn from Gat Andres Bonifacio.
Circumstances are Not a Hindrance
Gat Andres Bonifacio is not from a wealthy family. In fact, he grew up in the slums of Tondo and was orphaned at an early age. He was born to face the cruelties of society from the start. But despite that, he persevered to the best of his ability. He worked hard as a craftsman, clerk-messenger, and agent of commercial firms.
He might not have risen to the ranks of the elite. But then, it goes to show that your circumstances are not a hindrance to progress.
The same way in remote work. Your clients will not care about your background. Whether you’re rich or poor, you can earn your way to success by giving the best output to your bosses. It’s a great equalizer.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New
Despite his circumstances, Gat Andres Bonifacio did not only work for survival. He also embraced learning as one of his tenets in life. He learned the concepts of classical rationalism, the French revolution, and the dynamics of sociohistorical processes.
Of which, it’s not typical through his peers. Because of this, he became part of the prestigious La Liga Filipina, which was organized by Rizal for organized nationalist movements and reforms.
Same with remote work. You may not have the marketable skills yet. But with openness in learning, you can give time to study remote working and freelancing skills. In this way, you can upgrade your arsenal to land the best remote working opportunities in your chosen career.
You Can Be the Start of a Movement
When La Liga Filipina was abolished, Gat Andres Bonifacio formed the KKK (Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan). Popularly known as “Katipunan,” it was an organized group that fought for the independence of the country.
Who would have thought that a man of such background could start a movement? It even grew to over 100,000 spanning central Luzon, Panay, Mindoro, and Mindanao.
When you start remote working, it can spark change in your family and the people around you. For one, you can have better opportunities at the comforts of your home today. And when the people close to you see it, you can then help them get their taste of success as well. It’s the time for a remote working revolution!
Not Everyone Will Understand Your Advocacies
As Gat Andres Bonifacio fought for total independence, the Filipinos in better social classes just wanted reform. The Katipunan fought against social structure and the exploitation of the poor and the indigenous people, while most of the middle-to-upper class wanted to maintain the status quo.
We will never know which one is right or wrong. But the point is, some people will not align with your advocacies. But if you believe in it, you should fight for it.
The same with remote working. Not everyone will understand why you work from home. Some may even challenge the legitimacy of a “true job.” And it’s alright.
You don’t need to explain yourself to people who don’t matter. If you believe in remote working, you should continue and be the best in your career.
Never Give Up Hope
With the fall of La Liga, did Gat Andres Bonifacio stop his advocacy? No. It actually started a bigger movement. He built one of the biggest factions against the Spaniards.
Imagine if he quit?
He wouldn’t have given a voice to those oppressed in this regime. It may not have led to total victory. But his leadership and passion were passed on to the next generation. And that fire continued to grow for our inevitable independence.
Like our remote working career, there will be challenges along the way. You might find it hard to find clients. Or you might be stuck with difficult ones. But don’t lose hope. All are just challenges that are stepping stones to greater heights in the future.
Conclusion
The life of Gat Andres Bonifacio is worthy of being celebrated. And it can not only teach true nationalism but also appreciate our remote working careers.
I hope we see the day that Andres Bonifacio’s dream comes true. Happy Bonifacio Day! Long live the Philippines!
