This is where I’m at. I own my own virtual assistant business and have a better work-life balance now.
Let me tell you a story. A woman used to get up and go to her job in the corporate world and loved it. She loved the job security, having a reliable income and the role itself.
Then suddenly things changed not at work but in her personal life. She was about to embark on the most amazing journey of motherhood. This journey was amazing, and she loved being a mum more than anything. It made her heart sing with joy but the thought of returning to the corporate world to work no longer made her happy or fulfilled. Yes, she still had all the necessary skills and security etc. but it didn’t fill her with joy. So, when she was made redundant within a year of returning, she felt a bit unsure of the future but looked forward to what was next.
The redundancy gave her an opportunity to work for another fantastic organisation in the corporate world. This role fitted with family life at that time but as this came to an end two years later, she felt at a crossroads in her career as she wanted more flexibility and to get rid of the commute that added to her already long day.
What is next?
She was faced with this question once again. There was something else to consider, how does she find a role that she’d love but at the same time enable her to continue being the mum she wanted to be. It would have been easy to take the known road of entering back into the corporate world, but this didn’t fit with what she ultimately wanted. Yes, she could have found a role that may have ticked off some of those things she enjoyed doing. After lots of time looking for a role to fit with her values, she found it was difficult to tick off all those things she enjoyed and gave her flexibility.
After some time of not being able to find what she wanted and needed she felt lost until one day during a conversation with her supportive husband he suggested a new career path. One that could give her the opportunity to be the mum she wanted. It sounded too good to be true. This new venture she instantly fell in love with and got excited the more research she did. What was this new venture? It was owning her own business and becoming a virtual assistant.
Why did being a virtual assistant appeal?
At first being a virtual assistant and owning her own business would mean she could build in the flexibility needed to live how she wanted. This appealed greatly as it would allow her to be the mum she wanted to be. The more research she did the more excited she became about being able to utilise her skills from over 17 years in the corporate world. She could do what she loved. And yes, the challenge of running her own business may have been new and somewhat daunting but at the same time it was exhilarating. The idea of owning her own business was motivating also.
She started her own business and even though marketing herself was challenging and completely new as it required a complete mindset shift it was seen as a positive challenge. It took time to get seen and build that like, know, and trust up but she loved every day, every new challenge and stepping outside of her comfort zone.
So, what about now?
Is she still a virtual assistant? Does she have more of a work-life balance? Well, fast forward a year and she now begins her day knowing her heart is singing. Yes, she still owns her own business as a virtual assistant and her work-life balance has improved considerably. Now her days are filled with things she loves to do, and she has the flexibility to be there for her son. This is truly fulfilling.
Yes, the above story is me!
I don’t regret the 17 plus years I spent working in the corporate world. These years gave me a wealth of experience and I worked with some fantastic individuals in some great organisations. But I also don’t regret taking the leap and starting my journey as a business owner.
It hasn’t been easy as I’d never owned my own business before, but every challenge and new experience has made me stronger and the person I am today. More than anything I love what I do. I get to help others with something I’m passionate about and have met some amazing business owners. I also love that I have a business that is flexible in that it allows me to work around school, be the mum I am and makes my heart sing. I’m still able to be true to me and as a virtual assistant I now have a better work-life balance.
Does your heart sing?
Or do you need support to find more time to grow your business, work with clients or spend time with family? If so, look at my website and get to know more about me and my services. Take a step towards making your heart sing and contact me today.