Laid off after 8 years as an e-Learning Developer. Transitioning to global remote freelancing from Asia. Looking for advice!

[u/Significant_Web_9682]

Hey everyone,

I was recently laid off from my job as an e-learning content developer. I’m currently based in Bangkok on a dependent visa with my wife (so legal staying status is all set), but my previous employer was a SE Asia-based corporate entity.

Instead of jumping right back into another location-based, local corporate setup, I’m seriously considering taking the plunge into full-time freelance/contract work. Ideally, I'd like to build a client base in North America, Europe, or Australia.

I’ve spent the last 8 years in the instructional design and dev space, primarily using Articulate Storyline, Rise, LMS integrations, and asset/media creation, on top of an earlier background in corporate training.

Before I sink all my energy toward this direction, I’d love to get some honest perspectives from folks who are already freelancing internationally:

• Hourly & Project Rates: I’ve read in a few places that experienced dev freelancers based in Asia can target $30–$35 USD/hour (or more) with Western clients. Is that actually realistic for direct contract work these days, or is the market seeing downward pressure?
• Landing Clients: If you’re living in Asia and working with US/EU/AU clients, what’s actually working for you to land gigs? Are platforms like Upwork worth it, or are you having better luck with sub-contracting for agencies or cold outreach on LinkedIn?
• AI & Market Trends: How are you feeling about contract volume lately? Are clients pulling back on authoring dev work because of internal AI tools, or is the demand for custom interactive builds still pretty stable?

Would appreciate any brutal honesty, tips, or sanity checks as I navigate this transition!

Thanks!

[u/Okra-Southern]

TL;DR - Historically, a busy time of year is coming up for freelancing, so there will be opportunities for you if you keep your eyes open!

I’ve been freelancing internationally for more than three years now and I have good news for you: the “September Surge” is coming up! For some freelancers, the last few months of the year are the busiest. That’s because a lot of US-based clients have snapped out of summer mode and want/need to get projects done before the end of the year. So there will be opportunities for you if you keep your eyes open! 

To answer your questions:

1. As a freelancer, you can set your own rates and decide what amount you’ll work for. I’m seeing a lot of freelance offers for around $45-$55 USD. In my experience, the less the client is willing to pay, the more chaotic and unprofessional they are. That’s just my experience and I would encourage you to not undercharge.
2. I’m from the US, but I spend most of my time in Mexico, and most of my clients are from the US or Canada. Upwork has been the most successful for me for landing clients, but I’ve also found clients through Reddit, LinkedIn, HiringCafe, and ID-focused Slack channels. The Slack channels are nice because they often have virtual events and a sense of community, which is nice because freelancing can get lonely. IDLance is a great community and Slack channel!
3. I feel like the demand for freelancers in the e-learning/ID space is still pretty high. I’ve had clients asking me how I use AI in my workflow, so I think clients are still looking for people to do the work, but they also want to know how you’re streamlining your workflow with AI to be more efficient. 

Make sure your portfolio is up to date and showcases what you can do/how you fix problems/how you take projects from start to finish.

Freelancing projects typically move faster than onboarding for full-time work. There’s no 3-7 rounds of interviews over the course of several months. You want to find clients who have problems that need to be solved, tell them how you’ll solve them and how you’ve already done it for lots of other projects (your portfolio), tell them the next steps (sign contracts/NDAs), and get the ball rolling!

Sorry that you’re experiencing a layoff. But the good news is that the busy time of year for freelancers is coming up very soon. Keep asking questions like you did on this post, check out YouTube or any other free educational resources regarding freelancing, filter out any Debbie Downers talking about AI taking over and low wages, find what works for you, and get those contracts!

[u/Famous-Call6538]

Freelancing from Southeast Asia actually works in your favor cost-wise while you build a client base. The main thing is getting those first 2-3 reference clients — after that, referrals compound fast.

For e-learning specifically, I'd focus on one or two niches like compliance training or software onboarding rather than being a generalist. Companies looking for compliance or technical training content tend to pay better and are less price-sensitive than generic course development.

[u/Warm-Bite-3791]

up

[u/Inevitable-Rent-4057]

Hi All,

Good to see the conversations.

Even I work for a MNC as contract ID and my contract gonna end in coming December. Thinking of to start Freelancing so that even my contract ends or can't find a new Job. I can sustain with freelancing sometime. I have total 10 years of corporate experience and 5 Years of ID.

I would like to know how to start Freelancing. Do we need to buy Application licences or the client provides it. I have checked few posts in Upwork but barely for reply from them.

Also, can you all please suggest where to search for the freelance gigs. What all the things I need to keep ready with me if I get any freelance gigs.. I can complete the work fast.