Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

marylocke · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008

This is so frustrating. I typed this long post and then I lost everything! URG. Anyhow, here it is again:

I created a business plan. I finally decided on a company name, I have a host for my website, and I'm on my way. My business cards and logo will be ready next week. 1 problem: I don't know when the right time to tell my bosses that I'll be leaving.

I work for a company owned by a married couple. There are 9 FT employees total. I have been with them for over a year now and they have told me many times, they don't know what they would do if I left them. Recently they booked their vacation and asked me if I'd be around to run the office for the week and a half while they are gone. (July). Needless to say I said that it was fine, and I feel so very guilty.

I need some advise here. When is a good time to let them know I'm beginning my own venture? I would definatly offer to stay on with them until they return from vacation if they'll have me, but I don't want to short any potential clients I may find.

How did everyone here transition from their FT job?

Mary Lou

Delady · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008

My first thought in reading your post is..."Can you take them on as your first client?" Find a way that it would benefit them and sell your services to them...of course, I'm assuming that your current position entails something that you would perform in your VA practice.

On the other hand, an age old saying going something like this "Don't quit your current job, until you have another one to take it's place", if you can plan it out that way. I would start small if it's not an urgent reason why I'm looking to leave...if you can launch your practice and work for another 3-6 months (full-time) until it can at least replace what you are bringing in now, then all the better. But you want to build your clientèle first.

That's just my 2 cents (and what I'm currently doing

).

marylocke · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008

I know you are right. I have to have patience. I'm so excited about doing this that I just want to let everyone know!

I can def do some of this stuff from home and offer them these services. The problem with that is, I'll have to convince them. It's been convenient for them to have me there. They don't offer 401K or profit sharing and my health insurance is covered by my husband's job. I think I'll just have to type them a business plan!!!

I am an office manager... for a promotional apparel and items company. I would love to let them in and tell them what my plans are! We have our own graphic artist and he could create all kinds of marketing stuff for me!

I'm just worried that if I show my cards too soon, they may look for someone else, and leave me without a FT paycheck.

ML

Delady · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008

Piece of cake...take note of all the things you do on a daily basis, at work, jotting down the tools that you need to do them with...

Come home and find tools on how you can do the same things for them from home virtually...(for instance, if 50% of the time you are answering the phone, there are services that would forward calls to you and you could forward them back to anyone at the office). Give them a proposal for the work (just as you would bid on another project from anyone else) and in your proposal make sure to stress the fact that they will save money, because they don't have to pay for any lag time that you may find you have for a week (take note of that also as you are doing your on-the-job assessment). You can also throw in a "special offer" for them being your current employer and your first client.

This could turn out great if they already recognize that you are an asset to their company. Of course, do this when you are ready to show them your cards...don't rush to do it.

Tess · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008

Great advice here! I wish I had something to offer on this but I started my practice while on what was going to be a semi-permanent vacation so didn't have that sticky transition to deal with.

I'm cheering for you though and I know you'll make the right decision at the right time!

mis4ta · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008

I agree.......!!!!!!!!!! Present a proposal or plan that works for you and them and go get em! Perfect timing!!!! It looks like you have your first client in the bag.........if you play your words right!!!

marylocke · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Thank you all very much. I know you are right. Thanks for the advise. I really do appreciate it, Delady. I really am so happy I found this site.

Kathryn · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Great advice! I'm going to be in your shoes very soon Mary Lou, and I'm glad you asked this question!

Delady · #9 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Originally Posted by marylocke

Thank you all very much. I know you are right. Thanks for the advise. I really do appreciate it, Delady. I really am so happy I found this site.

No problem at all...this is only the beginning to your excitement, I've learned so much from this forum it's great!

Keep us updated on when you launch your website and your first Press Release (of which I've been stalling on...lol!)

Much success to you!

My Office Zilla · #10 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Mary Lou,

Please don't think that I want to discourage you. I'll be in your boat too. The difference is I'm in a large corporation with hundreds of employees. People come and go frequently. I've worked for very small companies too and similarly you are in what sounds to be a very small group. When a group is that small things tend to be very intimate and accomodating. That being said please be prepared for your employers to be shocked and angry along with possibly hurt and betrayed.

You are excited because you are on a new road. They may possibly feel they've hit a huge road block...even with you standing there solutions in hand. If betrayal is on their emotions list they may not even want you to stay out a full two weeks, let alone continue to work for them!

Along with solutions on how to work your job virtually you might want to have, as a back up plan if they won't let you stay, a plan to work contractually to get a new person up to speed with what you do in your position. With options like this on the table and well thought out, once their emotions run the course I think they'll see you do have their best interests at heart!

Should things head south the main objective is to stay on YOUR plan. If they don't want to hire you virtually then immediately discuss staying on until they hire someone to replace you. Willingly doing this will put YOU on THEIR schedule. If they drag their feet on hiring someone new you'll feel stuck. So have ground rules ready of how long you'll stay - period. After that you are out and when they hire someone you'll fulfill your end of training someone on a contract basis.

Now, I'm not saying that your deadline is the rule to die by. If you see that they are actively seeking and a candidate with the right skills hasn't shown up then give more time. That is understandable. However, if your deadline is a week away and they haven't even begun looking - stay strong!

Either way it goes I can see the relationship change ending on a positive note. Good luck and remember...if you are stong enough and determined enough to START YOUR OWN BUSINESS then this should be just a pebble in the road!

You'll do great!

Sundi