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.
Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/26/2009) 
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $10.00
Momprenuers (R) Online: Using the Internet for Work at Home Success
Amazon Price: (as of 12/26/2009)
List Price: $13.95
Used Price: $0.56
Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School (Book & DVD)
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/26/2009)
List Price: $29.95
Used Price: $8.92
Home Office Life: Making a Space to Work at Home
Amazon Price: (as of 12/26/2009)
List Price: $35.00
Used Price: $5.85
Check out these great items to promote your new Vitual Assistant Career.
No Business like Home Business Tote Bag
This tote is great for your laptop and other business material you need on the go. Why not proudly demonstrate your career choice...and its enviormentally correct!
Tote Bag
Price: 15.99
Vote on your Virtual Possibility
Please feel free to add to this list. I would love to hear about your ideas!
Read More About Virtual Business
- The Right Time To Hire A Virtual Assistant
- by Lawrence Perry You should not think of virtual assistance as an answer to your problems when your schedule gets too full that you can no longer function ...
- Virtual Assistant Helps Companies Organize Operations, Increase Efficiency
- According to ReceptionHQ officials, computers have yet to evolve to have the ability of a real virtual assistant who ? through the computer ? takes care of ...
- Virtual Assistance: Embracing The Newest Trend
- by Ronald Lester You've probably heard of Virtual Assistance, but maybe you aren't sure exactly what it is, or if it's for you. Now, the hottest trend is ...
- Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Virtual Assistant?
- One of hottest work at home jobs these days is a virtual assistant. It sounds unrealistic, but a virtual assistant were designed to work closely business ...
Coming Soon!
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!
Check this out!
- My Website
- Take a gander at my site. If you are considering a Virtual Business-check out how I set up my pages. Feel free to contact me for questions. As always feedback is greatly appreciated!
- A new great lens from my partner in Virtual Business
- Helpful lens on how to ask the right questions to get the job you want!
Please let me know what you think!
Feedback, ratings, even your own personal story are welcome!
submit
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- scarlettrhoades scarlettrhoades Dec 18, 2009 @ 2:47 am
- Thank you for the very informative Lens. I also checked out your VA website and it's great. I've just started my VA business and your Lens/website were very helpful! Thanks again! Scarlett
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- jgelien jgelien Dec 7, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
- Great lens. I am glad you are having such success.
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- Expressions Expressions May 18, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
- I am impressed another person setting themself free from the ball and chain of a boss! My wife and I wish you great success! I am happy you built this lens!
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- AslanBooks AslanBooks Feb 1, 2009 @ 10:32 am
- Thank you for listing your lens on The Squidoo Ink Pot -- http://www.squidinkpot.com.
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- Cari_Kay Cari_Kay Nov 20, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
- My sister-in-law just started her own virtual assistance business and it is thriving. I've been working with her the last month and am enjoying it as well.
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- aj2008 aj2008 Nov 20, 2008 @ 7:00 am
- Good luck with building your virtual business.
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- Kleppins_Kitchen Kleppins_Kitchen Nov 15, 2008 @ 10:43 am
- Interesting lens. I really enjoyed the journey. Congratulations on your Graduation.
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- Kristenph Kristenph Nov 6, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
- Nice lens. I have been looking at work at home options for a while.
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- OhMe OhMe Oct 19, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
- Wow. This is a great lens with tons of good info. Thanks.
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- mitch_angel2000 mitch_angel2000 Oct 17, 2008 @ 9:04 am
- I certainly agree with you. In fact, I had just quit my job for the same reasons and made this bold career move of working at home as web content writer. I am hoping though that I will be able to learn more skills in this virtual assistance world apart from being a writer. Thanks for visiting my site.
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