It's also about companionship. Most of us come from a job - a place where we are amongst many people and then when we venture out on our own, suddenly we're alone. No wonder many VAs return to a job in the first or second year of their business. It's not always about whether they're making enough money, or whether the business is surviving - it is often very much about the person who is running that business needing companionship. In my first couple of years I could see that being home alone … [Read more...]
Search Results for: depression
No, not everyone can be a VA
Seems, these days, that if someone is between jobs, seeking to run a business but has no idea what, or has a job they hate and want to leave, the common cry is 'Why not become a VA? Anyone can do it!' Well, I'm here to say that's not the case. Not everyone. It takes a special set of skills but also a mindset and I would go so far as to say, a certain personality as well. Yes, most people can use a computer these days, but that doesn't mean they're good at it. Yes, most people are on the … [Read more...]
Working at home not always good…
Recently my husband was chatting to someone who has been working at home for the past year or so now. At first it was exciting for them and they were very focused on what they were doing. But, more recently, they're finding it hard, can't focus, not feeling productive and feeling very alone. They're losing their motivation. My husband told this person that he and I both also work at home, and we have each other for company. But he's only been at home, himself for just over two years, whereas … [Read more...]
Home alone
Sounds like a movie title, doesn't it? :-) When you're working as a Virtual Assistant the reality is that you are working home alone, day in and day out. If you've been in a corporate office for some years you will be used to the social interaction of chatting to others, or just knowing that there are other people nearby. But when you're working for yourself, the reality is, there isn't usually anyone else around, unless you have children in the house or others you might be caring for. I've … [Read more...]
Tips for building your Virtual Assistant career
As long as you are confident with your current set of skills, then you have a starting point. You should (obviously) already have a good computer at home, reliable internet connection and the necessary hardware and software to complement those skills. Mixing and mingling with others via VA forums is a good thing to do. Networking away from VA forums, i.e. going out there and meeting local business people is a must. Not only will you learn things about running a business locally from other … [Read more...]
Being a VA does not mean working home alone
I saw an interesting 'side' comment from a VA at one of the VA networks this morning. She'd commented about how unselfish and sharing the VA community has been to her and that although she works at home alone, as we all do, she felt she had a number of allies to call upon. And she is right about that. Working at home alone day in and day out does require commitment and a resolve to manage on your own. Many don't succeed at this. They end up suffering from feelings of isolation and depression … [Read more...]
The flexibility of being a Virtual Assistant
Recently, a member of our VA forum was highlighted in a national paper with respect to her 'sea change' and the work she does from home. The paper was highlighting the jobs that could be done at home. Being a Virtual Assistant has so many positives to it. Let me share with you some of those benefits: You choose the hours you want to work to fit around family schedules You choose the type of work you want to do, based on your skillset and personal interests You decide what your rate of pay … [Read more...]
Friday Finds
Didn't get my normal interview up this week - just waiting on more to come through. But if you're a VA with a client who would like to participate, or perhaps you are a client who uses a VA and would like to participate, please do get in touch with me via the contact form on this blog. Thank you also to everyone who sent me their messages of condolences (over 40 of them) and comments on my family site this week after the loss of our beloved 16 year old cat, Beauie. He's been a faithful and … [Read more...]
