I fell into the Virtual Assistant Industry simply by being in the right place at the right time. I’d left a corporate job where I was feeling frustrated by the lack of opportunities for moving up the corporate ladder. I had good skills that I felt were going to waste and I was often looking for ways to add to my job while I was there. I know I made it difficult for my successor in that role, simply because the position had been molded around my own abilities. And I know the 8 Project Officers I was working for at the time would have missed me. However, I was looking for more.
I chose to leave and start a home-based secretarial service at home, registering it in March 1994. Within 18 months I’d heard about the Internet and things unfolded from there. From doing basic stuff such as typing letters and resumes (no longer a basic skill I might add) and doing data entry into spreadsheets and Access databases, my own skill set has increased considerably as I’ve followed my passions for the things I enjoy doing and the type of clients I enjoy working with. The Internet and resulting technologies have opened up many doors and many possibilities.
We often hear and read about how we should be working in an area that matches our talents, abilities and passions. How often do we learn of others who hate their jobs and what they do for a living? And yet, shouldn’t they be making a life as opposed to making a living?
Your personal faith and beliefs might be different to mine but I do want to share with you a reading for today. It is entitled ‘You’re Equipped for a Purpose’ and this is the message in part:
Much of what is given to us goes unrecognised and unused. Mac Anderson says: ‘Making a living is not the same as making a life… You can’t fake passion; it’s the fuel that drives any dream and makes you happy to be alive…The first step is to know what you love. We all have unique talents and interests, and one of life’s greatest challenges is to match [them] with career opportunities that bring out the best in us. Sometimes we only find it through trial and error-but it’s worth the effort… James Audubon…changed locations, partners and businesses, yet failed and became bankrupt. Not until he understood he must change did he have any shot at success… He loved the outdoors and was an excellent hunter and artist. He travelled the country observing and drawing birds, and earned a place as one of the greatest wildlife artists ever. More importantly, the work made him happy and provided the peace of mind he’d sought all his life.’
While I don’t usually share here about my personal beliefs and faith I do believe the above to be an important message for all, no matter where your faith in life might stand. The reality is we are all given gifts and abilities, talents, whatever you would like to call them. How many people do you know with an incredible talent and yet that’s not what they do for a living? I certainly know people like that and I see them go from job to job not happy. If you’re passionate about organising, managing, being an administrator, getting things in order, and serving others, and you are good at doing those things, then being a Virtual Assistant is a good answer. I can truly say I have loved this industry and all it has to offer to people who want to use their skills and make a difference to others in business. I’ve had opportunities, met interesting people and been to places that would not have been possible had I stayed in the corporate world. Yes, I’m doing the work I love… are you?
