Hi folks!

I've been thinking about becoming a VA for almost a year and it's been an off and on kind of thought. I know what I can do and am capable of learning. My situation is this....I have a full time job with a great boss and fantastic company. Even though I know this and have a desire to be my own boss, all my husband sees is that I am giving up a reliable job for something that I hope will work out. It's not as though he isn't supportive, just that we have a steady income and why give that up. My question is "Is being a VA really worth it?" Are their any places that I can pull stats up to show success rates? He just loves numbers...lol. And, if you have left a decent full time job to start your own VA biz, would you do it again?

Thanks so much!!

Laura

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Laura Kelly-Pifer

Funny...I'm right where you are, yet, my goal in the long run is to do what I love best--being creative and doing work for those who need my expertise in that area. In this economy, nothing is stable and so I want--if nothing else--to get to do my VA business on a part-time basis.

Sounds like you're trying to do some soul-searching. So, I kinda think you have to ask yourself that question honestly.

Starting your own business (especially if you've never done it before--my situation) is really a lot of work and you have to be willing to learn the intracacies of starting up. It's not easy, but it's fun and a rewarding experience.

I'm curious about your question regarding VA success rates...Good luck with your decision!

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Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com

Hi Laura,

I would have to agree with Laura. I am also in your position but my husband has always supported the idea of us owning a business. As Kathya said it will require a tremendous amount of time and energy but creative and freedom can't be beat.

However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being happy with where you are now. I thought about quitting my full-time job but have decided against it. I do plan on going part-time in the next year or so.

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Cathryn Branch, MPA 'We will either find a way, or make one.' Hannibal

Thanks ladies! I appreciate your reply.

Laura

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Laura Kelly-Pifer

I am a newbie and have no full-time job to sustain me. I do however have a plethora of secretarial/exec. admin work, and the willingness to make it happen. I would suggest talking to your boss about telecommuting for a few days out of the week, just for starters, to see how it works, out (that way you won't have to forego benefits). Also read the "virtual office survival handbook", by Alice Bredin

I've been doing this for just shy of 6 years now. Yes I'd do in again in a heartbeat -
I will be honest, I would make a little more money, and have better benefits, and real vacation time being back in the corporate environment.

I would also be working 50-70 hours a week + a commute + plus someone else would be raising my daughter during the day time. I work right around 25 hours a week, homeschool my daughter, participate in my favorite moms group MOPS, and get to go to the beach on days I feel like cutting out a little early - with no one to answer to or having to justify it, other than me.

Owning your business means when changes need to be made you're the one that gets to do it. Working for someone else means your benefits, and layoffs occur at someone else's commands.

The only real caution I would have is to never be content, always learn more, always try for one more client than you think you have time for, and don't stop marketing just because you're at the hours you want to be.

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Cheryl O'Neil
Southern Orange County

Just want to drop in here and say what a great response that was from Cheryl!

Laura, you do have a hard decision here. It's not like the VA biz is gonna make you a millionaire.

Can't resist adding that I spent some 30 years in arts administration, but I've never done anything as creative as this virtual assistant business.

It all depends on your definition of success ...

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and information. I truly know that this would be a great fit for me. I will check out the book suggestion. THANKS again!

Laura

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Laura Kelly-Pifer

Very late response, but I have to jump in. I think you're asking a great question, Laura!

Only you can decide which is the right decision. For some, the VA life is perfect (I love Cheryl's answer!), for others, not. Whatever you decide, don't judge yourself harshly. It's very personal.

But you don't have to decide absolutely right this minute. How about this: keep your full-time job and do a little VA work on the side. You can go about it informally to start--just call yourself a freelancer, put some basic policies and contracts in place, and drum up a few assignments.

Then at the end of a trial period (you define it--six months maybe?), assess. How did you feel about the VA work you did? Did you like choosing your own work, or did you miss the simplicity of having tasks assigned to you by your great boss? Did you generate enough leads and contacts (or learn where to get them) that you could bring in a sufficient income on your own? If you go solo, will you have a reliable support system--both professional and personal--or will you feel isolated?

Be prepared for the trial period to be very hectic. I was working full-time during the first ten months of my VA business--and had a newborn baby during three of those months on top of it. Even pre-baby, it was a very tough schedule to maintain. Just keep in mind that the madness is temporary, and don't let that figure too heavily into your decision. If you want to maintain "normal office hours" as a full-time VA, you absolutely can do that.

Please come back and tell us your decision. And know that whether you take the plunge or not, we're here cheering for you!

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AnnaLisa Michalski, Sunny Words Writing Services

I love the trial period idea. AnnaLisa, I can't believe that you managed so much with so many things going on in your life. Kuddos to you for making it work!!!

I really feel that I could do both jobs. It's just deciding to go for it. There is so much information out here and trying to figure out what would work best for me can be mind boggling.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

Laura

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Laura Kelly-Pifer