Not the post, but that too. I was up really late last night browsing the forums and I am overwhelmed with questions. The majority of questions I know I can answer myself with research, but I will ask the question and give background and maybe I can get some perspective.

Firstly, I'd like to say you guys are very inspiring. That is all, for point one.

Second, my big question. I just got "let go" from my job and all I've ever wanted is to work independently- after my first traumatic "firing" experience, and to a degree before that, I never trusted employers to provide my paycheck regularly.

So I lost my job Tuesday- taking into account what I say below, am I barking up the wrong tree? Should I find a conventional job and then worry about following my wants? I am eligible for unemployment but I do have two small kids and am separated from my husband.

Skills- I am very multi-skilled. I have excellent technical skills and some graphic design and lots of small business marketing and branding experience. I could get into the specifics but I expect I will post my branding and whatnot soon so I don't want to bore ya.

I have lost 4 jobs over the past 5 years, never for cause. My most recent job loss was down to a very snap decision that the boss doesn't want to pay for marketing any more. I have never felt so relieved to be "let go" from a position, which was a shock. I have been working 9-12 hour days for the last year and have often had a 2+ hour commute to boot.

I know that's all over the place, but I don't want to imprudently pursue something because it's what I want. However, I also don't want to be in the same position ad nauseum. I'm so tired of my already-broken family's future being held to the whims of middle-management.

Thanks for listening and all. I am just confused because this is what I always wanted to do, so I'm like

So sorry to hear that you've had to jump around like that. Well, as for wanting to know if you should do this fulltime or find a job and do this part-time, no one can really answer that question but you. I am currently working my fulltime job and starting my virtual business in the afternoon and on weekends. Once I start making enough I will turn fulltime Virtual Asssistant. I wish I could now but then the bills wouldn't get paid. I'm not sure if I've helped you any but I wanted to wish you good luck in your decision.

Sorry to hear about what you are going through. I am currently working full-time whille getting by business going. Only you know what you should do. Keep reading the forums and asking questions.

Good luck!
Beth

I too am sad to hear of your job loss. My personal suggestion is to go on unemployment, go through the job search/interview process, and at the same time, set up your business online. I found the process of going virtual to be very time-consuming and overwhelming, but you are ahead of the game with your marketing/branding/technical skills.

I think you will enjoy and benefit greatly from working online and offsite and I am noticing more and more companies are offering telecommunication opportunities.

Follow your passion with purpose!

Sue

Hi there and welcome!
While I suppose condolences are in order for the job loss it doesn't sound like you're too terribly heartbroken and maybe this is just the chance you were waiting for to jump into your own VA practice - in which case - congratulations! The universe has opened the door wide and clear for you, now it's your move...

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Originally Posted by ablackburn

So sorry to hear that you've had to jump around like that. Well, as for wanting to know if you should do this fulltime or find a job and do this part-time, no one can really answer that question but you. I am currently working my fulltime job and starting my virtual business in the afternoon and on weekends. Once I start making enough I will turn fulltime Virtual Asssistant. I wish I could now but then the bills wouldn't get paid. I'm not sure if I've helped you any but I wanted to wish you good luck in your decision.

I believe I am entitled to unemployment, so that could be helpful. As far as workload goes, I am much better at work work than housework and I'd take on a lot of work if it's available. I am sure getting to that point is where we all want to be. I mean, I know that I've always wanted to work independently above all else.

There are some personal issues at play as well. I have had a long-term (romantic) partner for over two years who lives abroad. I'd love to be able to see him when I can without having to do less work or miss business as well. We also talk about living together a few hours away when we can and I'd love to not take another career setback in the process.

And thanks for the good wishes.

Originally Posted by Beth0813

Sorry to hear about what you are going through. I am currently working full-time whille getting by business going. Only you know what you should do. Keep reading the forums and asking questions. Good luck! Beth

I will probably keep looking on both ends and it does scare me a little- I figure I will use this weekend when job-searching will be not-busy anyway and gather all of the info I can to make some more decisions. I just registered a website for my resume anyway, so I hope to get that up and running in the interim.

I spend a very large chunk of my paycheck on childcare as it is, so that's another consideration for me.

Originally Posted by VASue

I think you will enjoy and benefit greatly from working online and offsite and I am noticing more and more companies are offering telecommunication opportunities. Follow your passion with purpose!

This is the weird thing- I've always hit the ground running when faced with job loss but now I just don't have it. I am tired of devoting all my energy and having it not noticed. I'd much rather only be paid for the work I do. I work fast, and I can be very cost efficient. I'm just afraid to be hopeful, here, since I've been "cut" lots of times when money is tight. It just seems so... ideal to work like you guys do.

Originally Posted by Tess

Hi there and welcome! While I suppose condolences are in order for the job loss it doesn't sound like you're too terribly heartbroken and maybe this is just the chance you were waiting for to jump into your own VA practice - in which case - congratulations! The universe has opened the door wide and clear for you, now it's your move...

I used to think that way, but the job thing and divorce has really worn me down. However, I am hoping that I can find out otherwise and maybe this will be the ever elusive "blessing in disguise."

Thank you so much for the advice.

Oh, one more thing. My website is my married name, so it will be firstnamemiddleinitiallastname .com when it's up but as a business name I was thinking of doing something related to hammerspace or a magic bag. Being an internet geek, I find it funny, but in my last job, I was (as was my co-assistant) being asked to do physically impossible things like, find a space for "this." The idea is that businesses that need the space can pull work and assistance out of hammerspace. It's also borne partly out of my last good job and small startup, where we always had to work to project the image of a larger workspace.

Anyway, as you can tell I'm really just starting out and trying to see if it will work, but I'm excited and a little hopeful, so thanks.

ETA: I just registered magic satchel dot com, I'll see if I can do anything with it.

magic satchel dot com - love it! In the game I play, I think it's hilarious that every weapon comes out of the left pocket - no matter how big!

I'm new here too - but it sounds like being a VA will be a great match for your talents - and situation. You get to stay home with the kids, also work, and travel when you're able. You get to decide not only your schedule - but you get to choose your clients as well.

Explore your VA options while checking around for a "traditional" job.. who knows, when someone offers you a job, you may realize you can do more on your own than working for someone else.

Good luck - you'll do great!

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Lori http://www.solterravs.com

Welcome from one newbie to another! We are in similar situations! I think we can do whatever we set our minds to do! I want to also encourage you to give what you want the merit it deserves! I understand having kids and bills (believe me! I get it!) But there is no harm in spending time and energy toward your wants too. Sometimes I think we just spend so much of our time thinking about what we do for others we forget how to dream and end up not even giving ourselves permission to! (stepping off my soapbox) Whatever you decide - GO FOR IT! Make it happen!

It never hurts anyone to "want" anything. It sounds like your "want" is your dream. Follow it, I am. Dreams can come true!