Is Growth and Balance Possible When Working Remotely in the Philippines?
Remotely Philippines • June 30, 2025

Can working in a remote set-up offer both career growth and personal balance in the Philippines?

For many professionals, remote work offers convenience. But for others—like Lemuel Cardona—it opens the door to something more: a fulfilling career that supports not just financial goals, but also family life and personal growth. Lemuel is one of our seasoned Senior Audit Associates, and he joined Remotely Philippines in 2022.


At first, his priorities were straightforward—stability and the ability to be present for his growing family. But what he found was far more than just a job. He found a long-term opportunity to thrive, both personally and professionally, in a company that values people as much as performance.

Key Takeaways


  • Working remotely in the Philippines is not just a convenient setup—it’s a viable path to long-term, fulfilling careers
  • Lemuel’s story shows that with the right support, remote professionals can thrive both personally and professionally
  • A strong company culture, leadership mentorship, and clear communication make international collaboration effective—even across time zones
  • Work-life balance isn’t a buzzword at Remotely Philippines—it’s a lived value that supports both performance and well-being
  • Building trust and connection remotely is possible when companies prioritize people, not just productivity

Family and Career Aligned


When Lemuel began searching for a new job in 2022, he wasn’t looking for the ideal role, he was looking for stability. At that time, he was working as a contractual employee in his hometown in Borongan, Samar. His wife was pregnant with their second child, and their growing family brought new responsibilities along with financial pressure.


“I started looking for opportunities on JobStreet,” Lemuel recalls. “I needed something more secure, something that could support us long-term.”


Then, in a moment of unexpected timing, life presented an opportunity. Just a day after his wife gave birth, he received an email from Remotely Philippines, inviting him to a final interview.


“It caught me by surprise. I had just become a father of two, and suddenly there was this potential job offer. I didn’t expect much from it at the time—I thought maybe I just got lucky.”


That interview would become a turning point in Lemuel’s life. Within days, he was offered a fully remote accounting position supporting an offshore client. It was more than just a new job—it was a shift in his entire work-life dynamic.


“I never imagined landing a work-from-home job that allowed me to take care of my wife and newborn while continuing to grow my career,” he says. “Looking back, it wasn’t just luck. It was the start of something much bigger.”

Growing with a Company That Grows with You

Lemuel in a black suit for Remotely Philippines

When Lemuel joined Remotely Philippines in October 2022, he stepped into a company that was still in its early stages. The entire team—leadership included—was fewer than ten people. 


“I was surprised on my first day,” he recalls. “It was a tight-knit group. Edu and Edna were hands-on, and everything felt very personal.”


But what stood out for him wasn’t just the size of the team—it was the energy. There was a clear sense of direction, of building something meaningful from the ground up. Even then, the core values that defined Remotely Philippines today—inclusivity, transparency, accountability—were already in motion.


Lemuel quickly became part of that momentum. Supporting an offshore client in an audit-focused role, he had to adapt to new systems, workflows, and expectations—fast. But he didn’t do it alone.


“Working across time zones and cultures wasn’t easy at first. But Edu and Edna were always there to guide me,” he says. “Their mentorship helped me navigate the challenges, and over time, I found my rhythm.”


With patience and support, Lemuel not only adjusted—he flourished. What began as a steep learning curve became a platform for growth. He strengthened his technical skills, built rapport with an international team, and became a trusted contributor to his client.


Now, as the company continues to expand, he reflects with pride on how far they have come together. "Seeing how much Remotely Philippines has grown—from fewer than 10 people to where we are today—is incredible. And knowing I’ve grown alongside it—that’s something I’m truly proud of."


Professional Growth Without Missing Life at Home


For Lemuel, one of the most rewarding parts of working at Remotely Philippines is the ability to grow in his career without sacrificing precious time with his family. Unlike many traditional work setups that demand long hours away from home, his role has given him the freedom to be both a dedicated professional and an engaged parent.


He shares, “I’ve had the chance to develop professionally while being present for my family’s milestones. Whether it’s witnessing my kids grow up or simply sitting down to meals with them—I get to be there. That’s something rare.”


But this kind of balance doesn’t just happen by accident. At Remotely Philippines, it’s intentional. The company doesn’t just offer flexible working hours—it fosters a culture that sees people as more than their roles. For him, that people-centered environment has made all the difference.


“Remotely Philippines is more than just a workplace—it truly feels like a family,” he explains. “Even in a fully remote setup, there’s a strong sense of connection and support. You’re not just seen as an employee, but as someone who matters.”


From day one, Lemuel felt that sense of belonging. Whether through approachable leadership, thoughtful check-ins, or the way teammates uplift one another, the culture has shown him that remote work can still be deeply personal and purpose-driven.


“The leaders are genuinely supportive. The culture is warm. You feel heard, valued, and guided every step of the way,” he says. In an industry where burnout and disconnection are common, Lemuel’s experience stands out. At Remotely Philippines, his growth hasn’t come at the expense of his well-being—it’s been empowered by it.


Looking Ahead: Paying It Forward

A group of friends jumping

Now entering his third year at Remotely Philippines, Lemuel isn’t just focused on continuing his own growth—he’s thinking about how he can contribute to the growth of others. His journey, which began with a single job application during one of the most life-changing time of his life, has turned into a clear path forward.


“I see myself building and leading a team within the company—one that reflects the same values and support I’ve experienced here,” he shares. It’s more than a personal goal. For him, it’s a way of giving back—of honoring the mentorship, trust, and opportunities he received by extending those same things to others. He knows firsthand how far someone can go when they’re supported in both life and work.


“To new hires, my advice is simple,” he says. “Embrace the culture. Stay open to learning. And don’t be afraid to connect with others.” He truly believes that in Remotely Philippines, you’re not just joining a company. You’re joining a team rather a family that grows together, supports each other, and leads with care.


Lemuel’s story is proof that working remotely in the Philippines can offer more than convenience. With the right company, it can offer you purpose, belonging, and a future worth building—not just for yourself, but for those who come after you.


What Does His Story Says About Working Remotely in the Philippines?


Lemuel’s journey reflects a growing reality in today’s workforce: working remotely in the Philippines isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. It’s not a temporary fix or a post-pandemic trend. For professionals like Lemuel, it’s a sustainable, fulfilling career path grounded in growth, flexibility, and purpose.


His experience shows that when companies invest in the right culture, infrastructure, and leadership, people don’t have to choose between career progress and personal presence. They can have both.


So for organizations wondering whether remote talent strategies can truly succeed—and for professionals wondering if a remote setup can support long-term growth—Lemuel’s story is proof that the answer is a resounding yes.


At Remotely Philippines, we’re building more than just remote teams. We’re building careers, partnerships, and futures that thrive—wherever you are.



Let’s build something better, together. Contact us today

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