RJ Nonan · Restarted August 15, 2026 · Execute, Not Plan
The Full
Action Plan
Job hunt + learning + Rue Solutions + DNV. Every step written like you've never done this before — because this time, you execute, not just plan.
⚠ You are a planner. This is the last plan. Everything after this is execution.
Destination: Spain · DNV Apply Q1 2028 · Return Mid-2028
Day 1 — Saturday, August 15, 2026
Reset and audit today. Rest Sunday, August 16. The execution queue below begins Monday, August 17—do not overload the reset weekend.
🌿
Reset weekend: Confirm this August baseline, prepare accounts and workspaces, and archive the July timeline. No applications or outreach on Saturday; Sunday is a full rest day.
0/7 done
Open LinkedIn on your desktop browser — not phone
Desktop is easier to edit. Go to linkedin.com and sign in.
Edit your location → "Philippines · Open to Remote"
Click the pencil icon on your profile → scroll to location → delete "Spain" → type "Philippines" → toggle "Open to remote" ON → Save.
Replace your headline with this exact text:
Operations & Systems Specialist | Automation, Notion & Workflow Design | Founder @ Rue Solutions | Open to Remote
Replace your About section
When you hire someone for operations, you're not just hiring a task-doer. You're hiring someone to make the chaos stop.
I spent nearly six years in high-volume shipping logistics — coordinating imports, managing documentation, and keeping complex workflows running across shipping lines, freight brokers, and clients simultaneously. I know what it looks like when operations break down, and I know how to prevent it.
Since then I've built Rue Solutions, where I design operating systems, automations, and workflow structures for small businesses. Which means I don't just follow existing systems — I build and improve them.
What that means for your team: operations that don't depend on one person's memory, processes that are documented and repeatable, and tools that talk to each other so nothing slips through manually.
I'm currently open to remote operations roles where I can bring this directly to a growing team.
Tools: Notion · Make.com · Framer · Shopify · Zapier · Tally · Buffer
Update Evergreen Shipping description
As Import Staff in the Customer Service Department, I managed the full import documentation cycle for inbound shipments across a high-volume shipping agency.
· Processed and verified import manifests, bills of lading, and customs documentation
· Coordinated between shipping lines, freight forwarders, brokers, and clients to resolve delays
· Served as primary point of contact for import clients, managing inquiries and escalations
· Maintained accurate records across multiple simultaneous shipments
· Nearly six years in this role taught me how to manage complexity and keep operations moving under pressure.
Update Rue Solutions description
Rue Solutions helps small businesses and solopreneurs replace operational chaos with clear, working systems.
I design and build:
— Operations Systems: Notion-based dashboards, client databases, SOPs, workflow pipelines
— Automations: Make.com and Zapier integrations that connect tools and eliminate manual work
— Websites: Clean, fast Framer sites built for service businesses
Every project ends with a system the client can actually use. Clients across the Philippines and Europe.
Turn on Open to Work → Recruiters only
Go to Settings → Job seeking preferences → Open to Work → Select "Recruiters only" (NOT "All LinkedIn members" — that shows a green banner that looks desperate) → Save.
0/6 done
Sign up at weworkremotely.com
Best board for Operations, Customer Success, EA roles. Create account → set job alerts for "operations" and "coordinator".
Sign up at remoteok.com
Create account → search "operations" → bookmark the results page → check daily.
Sign up at dynamitejobs.com
Good for part-time remote roles. Sign up → set alerts for "operations" and "admin".
Sign up at justremote.co
Strong for admin and ops part-time. Create account → browse Operations category.
Set LinkedIn job alerts
Go to LinkedIn Jobs → search "Operations Coordinator" → filter: Remote → click "Set Alert" → repeat for "Project Coordinator remote" and "Operations Associate remote".
Create a Notion Applications Tracker
Open your Notion OS → add a new database called "Job Applications" → columns: Company | Role | Board | Date Applied | Status | Link | Notes. Status options: Applied / Interview / Rejected / Offer.
0/5 done
📌
Before applying to any job, check this: Can the employer provide an official remote work contract letter stating your role, salary, and that the company is non-Spanish? If they can't — the job doesn't count toward your DNV. Don't waste time on jobs that won't help your case.
Go to weworkremotely.com → Browse All Jobs → search "operations"
Read the first 10 listings. Look for: Operations Coordinator, Operations Associate, Chief of Staff, EA with systems focus. Skip anything under $800/month or requiring EU hours only.
Apply to 1 job on weworkremotely
Pick the best fit. Write a short cover letter using the 3-sentence formula (see Job Hunt tab). Submit. Add to Notion tracker immediately.
Apply to 1 job on remoteok.com
Same process. Short cover letter. Submit. Add to Notion tracker.
Apply to 1 job on LinkedIn Jobs
Use the Easy Apply feature where available. Customize the cover letter for each role. Add to Notion tracker.
Reply to any active LinkedIn recruiter thread
Someone messaged you about a Head of SEO role. Even if it's not the right fit, reply professionally — it keeps conversations open.
Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out! I appreciate it. I'm actually focused on Operations and Systems roles right now, but I'm open to hearing more about what you're building. Would love to connect!
0/4 done
Check your Wise account is active
Go to wise.com → log in → confirm your account is verified. If not, verify now — it takes 1-3 days. All international client payments and job payments go through Wise. This creates your paper trail for DNV income evidence. Without it, you can't receive USD properly.
Schedule BIR visit this week (not optional)
What to bring: Valid ID (passport or national ID), TIN card (you already have one from Evergreen). What to do: Go to your local BIR Revenue District Office → ask for Form 1901 (Registration as Self-Employed) → fill it out → pay ₱500 fee → get your Form 2303 (Certificate of Registration). Why this can't wait: BIR Form 2303 is required DNV evidence. It proves you're formally registered. The sooner you register, the sooner your business is legit on paper.
Create your DNV Evidence Folder in Google Drive
Right now. Open Google Drive → New Folder → name it "DNV Application — Rue" → inside, create these 5 folders: 📁 Income Evidence (Wise statements + invoices), 📁 BIR Documents (Form 2303, ITR), 📁 Clearances (NBI, Spain criminal record), 📁 Identity & Insurance, 📁 Contracts (remote job contracts). Save everything here the moment you get it. Do not play catch-up later.
Start UXcel Monday — 2 lessons only
Go to uxcel.com → sign up free → open "UX Design Foundations" → complete 2 lessons (about 10 minutes total). That's it. Don't binge. Just start the habit.
🔥
End of day check: Before you close your laptop, open Notion and confirm all 3 job applications are logged. If they're not logged, you didn't really apply — you just browsed. Log it.
Week by Week — Months 1–3
Each week has four tracks running simultaneously. Job hunt every single day. Learning in the scheduled blocks. Build something every week — not just watch tutorials.
🗓️
Cadence: Friday reviews on Aug 21, Aug 28, Sep 4, and Sep 11; Saturday buffers on Aug 22, Aug 29, Sep 5, and Sep 12; full Sunday rest on Aug 23, Aug 30, Sep 6, and Sep 13.
Week 1
Foundation
Aug 17–23
Goal: LinkedIn live, job boards set up, Notion + Figma started
Job Hunt
3 applications per day minimum. Set up all 5 job boards (see Today tab). Cover letter template written. Log every application in Notion.
Boards: weworkremotely · remoteok · dynamitejobs · justremote · LinkedIn
Notion
Watch "Notion in 12 Minutes" by Keep Productive (YouTube). Then: build a simple 4-column task database with Status, Priority, Due Date, Notes. Don't use templates — build it from scratch.
YouTube: Keep Productive · Thomas Frank Explains
UXcel
2 lessons per day from UX Design Foundations. Topics: Core UX Principles, Visual Design Fundamentals. 10-15 minutes only. Don't binge.
uxcel.com/courses/design-foundations
Figma
Install Figma (desktop app, not browser). Watch "Figma for Beginners" Part 1 (official Figma YouTube). Learn: Frames, shapes, text. Do what they show, don't just watch.
YouTube: Figma official channel · "Learn Figma in 1 Hour"
BIR
Visit BIR RDO this week. Bring valid ID + TIN card. File Form 1901. Pay ₱500. Get Form 2303. Save it in Google Drive DNV folder immediately.
Notion task database built + BIR Form 2303 saved + 15+ job applications sent
Week 2
Deepen + Upwork
Aug 24–30
Goal: Upwork live, Notion formulas started, Figma Auto Layout
Job Hunt
Continue 3 applications/day. Set up Upwork profile — title: "Operations Systems Specialist", overview: copy your LinkedIn About section. Set hourly rate: $25–35/hr to start. Apply to 3 Upwork jobs this week (search "operations" "Notion" "workflow").
upwork.com → Operations category
Notion
Notion formulas: IF, CONTAINS, DATEADD. Watch Red Gregory's formula series (YouTube, free). Then: add a formula column to your task database that auto-calculates days until due date.
YouTube: Red Gregory · Notion Formulas playlist
UXcel
Continue UX Design Foundations. Focus on: UX Workflows and Deliverables, Working in UX. After each lesson, write one sentence about how it applies to Lumi.
uxcel.com — UX Workflows module
Figma
Auto Layout — this is the most important Figma skill. Watch "Figma Auto Layout Full Tutorial" by Mizko or DesignCourse. Then: rebuild your task database UI as a Figma frame using Auto Layout. Practice until it resizes correctly.
YouTube: Mizko · DesignCourse · "Figma Auto Layout"
Upwork profile live + Notion formula working + Auto Layout practiced
Week 3
Components + Process Mapping
Aug 31–Sep 6
Goal: First LinkedIn post, Figma components, SOP written
Job Hunt
3 applications/day. Follow up on Week 1–2 applications (email: "Just checking in on my application"). Post your first LinkedIn content piece about systems or operations. Engage with 5 posts per day.
LinkedIn content: Teach something you know about Notion or operations
Ops
Process mapping: Open FigJam (free) → draw a swimlane diagram of how a client gets onboarded at Rue Solutions. Who does what, in what order. Then write your first SOP using this template: Title → Purpose → Steps (numbered) → Who does each step → What tools are used.
FigJam (free) · Whimsical (free)
Figma
Figma Components: watch "Figma Components Tutorial" by DesignCourse. Build a button component with 3 variants: Default / Hover / Disabled. Then build a card component. These are reusable — you'll use them on every project.
YouTube: DesignCourse Figma Components
UXcel
Finish UX Design Foundations if not done. Start next course: UI Design or Figma-specific course. Continue 2 lessons/day.
uxcel.com — check their course library for next step
1 Rue SOP written + Button + Card Figma components built + 1 LinkedIn post published
Week 4
Make.com Starts
Sep 7–13
Goal: First Make scenario live, wireframe done, 2nd LinkedIn post
Job Hunt
3 applications/day. Second LinkedIn post. Check all job boards for new listings. Follow up on any interview requests within 24 hours.
Target: 60 total applications by end of Week 4
Make.com
Go to make.com → sign up free → go to Make Academy (academy.make.com) → complete Module 1: Introduction to Make. It's free and official. Then: build your very first scenario — when a form is submitted, send yourself an email notification. Simple. But now you've built a real automation.
academy.make.com — Module 1 (free)
Figma
User Flows: Open FigJam → draw the flow of what happens when someone visits ruesolutions.com. What pages do they see? What do they click? What's the goal? This is your first UX flow. Then in Figma, wireframe 3 screens from that flow (low-fidelity, boxes and text only).
FigJam for flow → Figma for wireframes
Framer
30 mins only: Log into Framer, open ruesolutions.com in editor, make sure the Cal.com booking link is working. If not — fix it. This is a live client-facing fix, not optional.
First Make automation live + Rue Solutions user flow mapped + wireframe of 3 screens
Weeks 5–6
Make Deepens + Lumi Flows
Sep 14–27
Goal: Make webhooks done, Lumi wireframes started, first Upwork bid response
Job Hunt
3 applications/day. Start bidding on Upwork (small: "Notion setup for my business"). First Upwork client within this window is the goal — even $50 project counts.
Upwork: bid on projects under "Operations" and "Notion" categories
Make.com
Make Academy Modules 2–4: webhooks, HTTP modules, filters, routers. After each module, build one real automation for Rue Solutions. Example: Tally form submitted → creates row in Notion Leads database → sends you a Telegram or email alert.
academy.make.com Modules 2–4
Figma
Open Lumi. Ask the team: "What's the main user flow? What are the 3 core screens?" Then wireframe those 3 screens in Figma. Low-fidelity is fine — boxes, labels, arrows. You're practicing product thinking, not making it pretty yet.
Figma → create new file "Lumi — Wireframes by RJ"
Framer
1 hr: Watch Framer CMS tutorial (Framer University, free). Build a simple CMS-powered blog or case studies section — even if you don't publish it yet. Understanding CMS = faster client builds.
framer.com/learn → CMS tutorial
Tally→Notion→email automation live + 3 Lumi wireframe screens in Figma
Weeks 7–8
Integration + Client Package Ready
Sep 28–Oct 11
Goal: Full ops package built, Framer template started, first client or interview
Job Hunt
If you have interviews — prioritize them. Prep using your Evergreen experience. If no interviews yet — increase to 5 applications/day and also try OnlineJobs.ph as a backup board.
onlinejobs.ph → Operations category (PH-focused remote jobs)
Full Package
Build your complete client-ready Operations System: Notion OS template (databases, views, SOPs) + Make automation connecting it to a client intake form. Document it. Take screenshots. This is your portfolio piece — you'll show this to every prospect.
Figma
Build a complete wireframe for a service business website — 5 screens: Home, Services, About, Case Study, Contact. Apply Auto Layout + components you built. This becomes a reusable wireframe template.
Apply to a real client or Rue Solutions itself
Framer
Take your Figma wireframe and build it in Framer. This is the Figma→Framer workflow. The output is your reusable client website template. Customize it twice for two different "industries" to prove it works.
framer.com → your workspace
Full Ops System documented as portfolio case + Framer website template built
Month 3
October 2026 — If/Else
Depends on whether job started
✅
IF job started: Congratulations. Show up fully. Learn how they operate. Use evenings (1–1.5 hrs) for learning — alternating Ops/Figma days. Use weekends for Rue. Max 4 hrs Rue per weekend or you'll burn out.
⚠
IF no job yet: Increase to 5 applications/day. Widen the role search — include EA, Customer Success Coordinator, Admin Assistant (operations-heavy). Take one Upwork contract even if small. The goal is evidence of income, not the perfect role. Also try: OnlineJobs.ph, LinkedIn "Open to Work" boost.
Job Hunt — Specifics
Everything you need to apply, follow up, interview, and close an offer. Read this before every application session.
weworkremotely.com
Best board for ops roles. Search: "operations coordinator" "operations associate" "chief of staff" "EA". Check every morning. New listings posted daily around 9–11am EST.
remoteok.com
Search: "operations" "Notion" "workflow". Good for tech-adjacent roles. Sort by newest.
dynamitejobs.com
Good for part-time. Browse: Operations, Project Management, Admin. Many roles allow flexible PH hours.
justremote.co
Strong for admin/coordinator. Check the Operations category. Good for 20-hr/week roles.
LinkedIn Jobs + onlinejobs.ph
LinkedIn: search "Operations Coordinator remote" + filter Remote. OnlineJobs.ph: backup option, many Filipino-friendly remote companies post here.
📝
The formula: Sentence 1 = what you specifically noticed about the role. Sentence 2 = your most relevant experience connected to their need. Sentence 3 = one specific thing you'd bring. Short. Direct. No filler.
I noticed you're looking for someone to bring structure to your operations — that's exactly what I've spent the last 6 years doing, first in high-volume shipping logistics at Evergreen, and now building backend systems for small businesses through Rue Solutions. I'm skilled at turning chaotic workflows into documented, repeatable systems using Notion, Make.com, and process mapping — and I work well autonomously in distributed teams. I'd love to bring this to [Company].
⛔
What NOT to do: Don't write 4 paragraphs. Don't start with "I am writing to apply for." Don't just repeat your resume. Don't mention salary expectations unless they ask. Don't apply to roles requiring EU hours only — won't count for DNV.
8:00–8:30am
Check all 5 boards for new listings. Open promising ones in tabs.
8:30–9:30am
Write and submit 3 applications. Customize cover letter for each. Log all 3 in Notion Applications Tracker immediately.
9:30–10:00am
Check LinkedIn messages. Reply to any recruiter within 24 hours. Follow up on applications older than 7 days with a short check-in email.
⏰
Rule: Job hunting stops at 10am. After 10am, you learn and build. This boundary protects both. Job hunting bleeds into panic scrolling if you don't cap it.
24 hours before: research the company
Read their website, LinkedIn, recent news. Find ONE specific detail to mention: "I noticed you recently expanded to Southeast Asia — that's actually why I'm excited about this role." This one thing separates you from everyone else.
Answer "Tell me about yourself" with this structure:
I spent nearly 6 years in operations and logistics at Evergreen Shipping — managing import documentation, coordinating across shipping lines and clients, and keeping complex workflows running in a high-volume environment. After that I built Rue Solutions, where I design operating systems and automations for small businesses. I'm now looking to bring that same systems-thinking to a remote team where I can make real operational impact.
At the end: ask about the remote work contract
One thing I want to confirm — I'm in the process of applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, and part of that requires official documentation of remote work. Would you be able to provide an official letter or contract confirming my role, salary, and that the company is based outside Spain? Just want to make sure that's possible before we move forward.
If they say no or "we'll see" — this job can't count for your DNV. Decide accordingly.
Learning Tracks
Three tracks. Ops is primary (70%). Figma + UXcel is secondary (20%). Framer is maintenance (10%). Learn in this order — don't mix it up.
⚙️
Track 1 — Operations + Automation
70% of learning time · Months 1–3 heavy · Your income engine
01
Notion Advanced
Databases, relations, rollups, formulas (IF, CONTAINS, DATEADD), filtered views, native automations. Build your own Rue Solutions OS as the practice project — not a tutorial project, a real one.
Keep Productive · Thomas Frank Explains · Red Gregory (formulas) · notion.so/learn
Week 1–3 · 2–3 hrs/day
02
Process Mapping + SOP Writing
Swimlane diagrams in FigJam. SOP template: Title → Purpose → Who does it → Step by step → Tools used → What success looks like. Write 3 SOPs for your own Rue Solutions processes before writing any for clients.
FigJam (free) · Whimsical (free)
Week 3–4 · 2 hrs/day
03
Make.com — Modules 1–5
Go through Make Academy in order. Module 1: intro + first scenario. Module 2: triggers and modules. Module 3: webhooks. Module 4: HTTP modules (connecting anything). Module 5: filters and routers. After EACH module, build something real — not another tutorial.
academy.make.com — free and official · All 5 modules
Week 4–8 · 2–3 hrs/day
04
Notion + Make Integration
Connect them into one system: Client fills Tally form → Make creates row in Notion Leads database → Make sends you a Telegram/email notification → You follow up. This is your flagship deliverable. Every client will want this.
YouTube: "Make.com Notion integration tutorial"
Week 7–8 · Build it completely
🎨
Track 2 — UI/UX: UXcel + Figma
20% of learning time · For Lumi + websites + product thinking
01
UXcel — UX Design Foundations
This is the theory layer. 2 lessons per day, 10–15 minutes. Topics: Core UX Principles, Visual Design Fundamentals (color, typography, composition), UX Workflows, Wireframing basics. After each lesson: write one sentence about how it applies to Lumi. Don't skip this — theory without application is trivia.
uxcel.com/courses/design-foundations · Free tier · Start here
Week 1 onward · 2 lessons/day, every day
02
Figma — Auto Layout (Most Important)
Auto Layout is the foundation of everything in Figma. Watch the official tutorial + Mizko's version. Then: rebuild something you use every day (a card, a nav bar, a form) using Auto Layout. Don't move to step 3 until Auto Layout clicks.
YouTube: Figma official "Auto Layout" · Mizko · DesignCourse
Week 1–2 · 1–2 hrs/day
03
Figma — Components + Variants
Main components, instances, variants (states: default/hover/disabled/active). Build a mini design system: buttons, input fields, cards, navigation. Label everything properly. This becomes reusable across every client project.
YouTube: DesignCourse "Figma Components" · Figma official tutorials
Week 3–4 · 1–2 hrs/day
04
User Flows + Wireframing (Apply to Lumi)
Draw user flows in FigJam first (what happens when a user does X). Then wireframe the screens (low-fidelity = just boxes and text, no colors). Your Lumi practice: ask the team for the 3 most important user flows, then wireframe all 3 screens for each. This is your design school.
FigJam · Figma Community wireframe templates · Mobbin.com (study real apps)
Week 5–6 · Apply to Lumi every single session
05
SaaS UI Patterns
Go to Mobbin.com — it shows screenshots of real app designs. Study 3 apps you use. Look at: dashboards, empty states, modals, sidebars, onboarding flows. Recreate one screen from each app in Figma. You're learning by dissecting, not by inventing.
Mobbin.com (free tier) · Figma Community · Dribbble (for inspiration only)
Month 2–3 · Once a week, 1–2 hours
06
Variables + Prototyping (Later)
Design tokens, light/dark mode, interactive prototypes. Only start this after steps 1–5 are solid. Don't rush here.
Figma official docs · YouTube
Month 4+ only
🌐
Track 3 — Framer
10% of time · Existing offer — deepen, don't rebuild from scratch
01
Fix Live Site Issues First
Before learning new Framer features, fix what's broken on ruesolutions.com: Cal.com booking button must work. All prices in USD. Projects pages — either fill them or remove them from nav. Mobile view — check every section on iPhone.
ruesolutions.com → Framer editor → publish after each fix
This week — before anything else
02
Framer CMS + Interactions
CMS collections for case studies/blog. Scroll and hover interactions. Animations — subtle only, nothing that distracts from the message. Watch Framer University (free, official).
framer.com/learn (Framer University — free)
Month 2 · 1 hr max per session
03
Figma → Framer Workflow
Design a 5-page website wireframe in Figma. Export to Framer. Build it. Publish it. This is your client delivery process — design first, build second. Faster, better results every time.
Figma design → Framer build → Netlify or Framer hosting
Month 2–3
🚫
Do NOT learn these right now: React, Next.js, TypeScript, Redux, Zapier, Webflow, Flutter, backend engineering, advanced JavaScript, CSS animations. Not because they have no value — but because they contribute ZERO to your income in the next 6 months. The list stops growing today.
DNV Path — Spain Q1 2028
Updated timeline with life-happens buffer. Q1 2028 is the application window. Spain Mid-2028. Every peso documented from day one.
Month 1–3 · Aug–Oct 2026
Zero Income
Survive. Build. Apply. Normal.
- LinkedIn updated + job boards live (today)
- BIR registration done — Form 2303 saved to Drive
- Wise account verified and ready for payments
- DNV Google Drive folder created + organized
- 3 job applications every single day
- Zero income for 3 months — this was always in the plan
Month 4–6 · Nov '26–Jan '27
Building
Job starts. Floor established. First income documented.
- Remote job income begins — every payslip saved to DNV folder
- All payments received via Wise — download statement every month on the 1st
- First Rue client payment — invoice formally, save copy
- First retainer pitched to a project client
- BIR quarterly payment if required — consult local accountant
Month 7–9 · Feb–Apr 2027
Growing
First retainer locked. Both tracks building.
- First Rue retainer confirmed ($300–500/month)
- Hire BIR accountant (₱2,000–5,000) to prepare for April ITR
- April 2027: BIR Form 1701 (Annual ITR) filed — get BIR-stamped copy
- NBI Clearance: apply at nbi.gov.ph → pay ₱130 → allow 1–3 weeks → DFA apostille after
- DNV document checklist: what do you have? What's missing?
Month 10–15 · May–Oct 2027
🎯 Hold the Threshold
€2,646/month (~$2,900) · 6 consecutive months · This IS your DNV evidence.
- Total income at or above $2,900 every single month — no dips
- Wise statement downloaded on the 1st of every month — saved immediately
- Every client invoice saved — no exceptions
- NBI Clearance + DFA apostille — complete before August
- Spanish Criminal Record: request at sede.mjusticia.gob.es using NIE + Cl@ve PIN
- Health insurance: buy before applying. Cigna Global / Allianz Care / AXA. €30,000+ coverage, no copayments. Budget $60–150/month.
- BIR Certificate of Good Standing — request from your RDO close to apply date
- Remote job contract letter — officially request from employer
Month 16–18 · Nov '27–Jan '28
Buffer Window
Life happens here. This buffer is intentional.
- If threshold was hit early and sustained — use this window to finalize ALL documents
- If things ran slower — this absorbs the delay without breaking the plan
- DNV document packet fully assembled and reviewed
- Spanish Consulate Manila appointment booked — book early, slots fill fast
- All documents apostilled where required
- Do NOT stop working — income must not drop
Q1 2028 · January–March
APPLY
Submit DNV application at Spanish Consulate Manila.
- Address: 5th Floor, Libertad Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Ave (Pasay Road), Legaspi Village, Makati
- Appointment required — book weeks in advance
- Fee: ~€75
- Processing: 10–20 business days after submission
- After approval: visa issuance takes 3–6 more months
- Continue working during entire waiting period — don't stop
THE CLOSING NOTE
"$0 for 3 months is not failure.
A job while building Rue is not settling.
A buffer window is not falling behind.
Spain still happens. Mid-2028 is yours."
🇵🇭 Aug 2026 → 💼 Nov 2026 → 📈 May 2027 → 📄 Q1 2028 → 🇪🇸 Mid-2028
Rules — For Planners Who Don't Act
You said it yourself: all plans, no action. These rules are written specifically for that. Read them when you feel stuck. Print them if you have to.
📌
This is the last plan. You are not allowed to make another roadmap, another strategy doc, another framework, or another system for the next 90 days. What you have is enough. What's missing is doing it.
Rule 01
Planning is not progress. Applications are progress.
Every day you end without sending 3 applications is a day you chose planning over progress. You are allowed 30 minutes of planning per day. After that, you execute. No exceptions.
Rule 02
Discomfort means you're doing something real.
Comfortable = you're still planning. Uncomfortable = you're sending applications, writing cover letters, messaging strangers, posting content. The discomfort is the work. When you feel it, lean in — don't open a new tab.
Rule 03
Done badly beats not started perfectly.
A mediocre application sent today is worth more than a perfect application written and not sent. Submit. Log it. Move on. The next one will be better.
Rule 04
Every session ends with something made — not just watched.
Tutorials are not learning. Building is learning. After every Notion, Figma, or Make session: you must have built something. A database. A component. An automation. If you only watched, you wasted the session.
Rule 05
Stop adding skills to the list.
Every time you think "maybe I should also learn X" — the answer is no. The list is closed. Notion, Make, Figma, Framer. That's it. No React. No new tools. No new ideas until Month 7.
Rule 06
One task owns the morning.
Every morning, write ONE thing that must happen today. Not a list. One thing. Everything else is bonus. If your one thing is "send 3 applications" — do that before anything else, including breakfast if possible.
Rule 07
Bad days have a minimum viable output.
On bad days — grief days, tired days, demotivated days — you still do the minimum: 3 job applications and 2 UXcel lessons. Nothing else is required. But those 5 things are non-negotiable even on the worst day.
Rule 08
Spain stays visible.
Put a photo of Spain — Alicante, your old neighborhood, the sea — somewhere you see every day. On your phone wallpaper. On a sticky note. On your desk. On hard days, look at it. Remember why all of this exists.
Rule 09
Outreach happens even on bad days.
The job you land in Month 4 was applied for in Week 2. The client you sign in Month 5 was messaged in Month 2. The pipeline builds invisibly. Stop outreach for a week and you feel it 6 weeks later. Keep going.
Rule 10
You already survived something harder than this.
2025 took a lot from you. You rebuilt, relocated, and showed up anyway. Building a business from scratch in the Philippines is not harder than what you already came through. It just feels uncertain. Uncertain is okay. Stopping is not.
Minimum Viable Day — When Everything Feels Heavy
Good day
3 job apps + 2 hrs ops learning + 1 hr Figma + 2 UXcel lessons + LinkedIn post (2x/week)
Average day
3 job apps + 1.5 hrs ops learning + 2 UXcel lessons
Hard day
3 job apps + 2 UXcel lessons. That's it. That counts.
Crisis day
1 job application. Just one. Keep the streak alive. Come back tomorrow.
Never
Zero applications. Not once. Not for any reason.
🌱
Friday check-in (5 minutes only): Open Notion. Count applications sent this week. Count what you built. One sentence: "This week I did X and Y." That's it. No judgment, no spiral, no replanning. Log it and close it.