Virtual Career - How It Changed My Life

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Virtual Possibilities for Working Parents

From high-heels to slippers. I never thought it would never happen to me.

The Breaking Point

My story begins like many families. I have 4 children and worked 40+ hours a week as an Executive Assistant for a large corporation. I loved my job and was good at what I did. I love my family more and I saw them falling apart before my eyes. My 9 year old was failing 4th grade and had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. My 4 year old had chronic asthma issues and was in and out of the hospital. We found out he needed surgery and my life stood still. I was so stressed! You can imagine the toll on my marriage!

I returned to work after my son was on his way to full recovery. I realized I wanted to be home and the office began to feel like a prison. I began blaming myself, questioning if I were home could I have prevented any of the struggles that my children were going through. Yet I knew I could not just stay at home and leave my husband to carry the financial burden alone. I had to find a better way to have the career and be there for my family.

The Big Decision

Have you ever been on a roller coaster and know that inevitable drop is coming, yet the ride just keeps going up, up, up! You begin to ask, "what have I gotten myself into?" "Can this be over now?" That is how I was feeling about making a decision to quit my job and stay home. I know what you're thinking. Drama Queen! You have to understand, I was a great working mom but all I knew was how to live that lifestyle. Honestly, I was scared. Scared to stay home. Scared to fail.

Then like a light at the end of the tunnel, I discovered Virtual Assistance as a career. Ding! An answer to my prayers. I could utilize my current skills, continue to do what I loved and stay home with the kids...Wow! Without question, Virtual Assistance was the new career dream. I understood this was not going to be a success overnight but the only way to do something is to do it. So I did.

Virtual Assistance Possibilities

This is where we get to the good stuff!

Virtual Assistance is actually a very broad spectrum. When I started my business I adopted the idea based off my administrative experience. I offered services exclusively as a Virtual Assistant. However, as time went on I discovered that the "virtual" world is so much more.

The possibilities are immense when it comes to starting a Virtual Assistance Business. A single service can be supplied: Virtual Receptionist, Graphics Designer, Web Developer, or Writer (to name a few). Combining talents like my VA business opens up the potential to assist in various business fields. I have grown to offer services in technology, recruiting, graphics and design, web development, marketing and more.

Benefits of a Virtual Assistance Business

I can sum up in one word the benefits I instantly experienced when I started my VA business. Freedom! The freedom to be the mom that I never thought I could. The freedom to set my own hours. The freedom to take a vacation without getting approval. My list goes on and on.

What would your list look like? Ask yourself what benefits your family could reap if you or your co-parent or both started a virtual business.

Times have changed, technology has brought a tremendous gift to parents and families alike. I cannot think what my life would have been had I not pursued this career change.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is this: If you have a talent or talents, access to the internet, and dedication, you too can start your own virtual business. Time, organization, research, and patience are also great tools you should pack along for your business building adventures.

Now I bid you virtually good luck. Have to run off to play with the kids. Sometimes I wish they were virtual.(Sorry could not resist.)

My reccomended reading for building your Virtual Business.

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Virtual Career part II
I've received great feedback and requests on how I started my virtual business! I'm compiling valuable resources and tips that have worked for me. I want to follow the same path as other squidooers and share the knowledge!!
Thank you Squidoo for the inspiration!

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Angelina_Howard

I am a virtual business owner with a passion for writing. I love this site for freedom of expression and the ability to share my opinions with the world.

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