Is Collette still with us? Something that I keep in the back of my mind is that to really obtain anything of value sometimes you just have to "walk through the fire" to get to the other side. There's always a transition period that can be frightful for any new venture. But anything worth having is also worth working for. I'm having to learn all kinds of new things to get started that I don't need to use in my other business. So it's a real growth experience.

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I understand where you're coming from, Collette. I love to create and am very good at it. But, business tasks, not so good. I go back and forth on how I want to approach my career in social marketing every few days.

As well as a fear of failure, I think I deal with a fear of success.

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Tony Thomas - Social Media Professional
Social Media of Portland

Thank you for checking back. This is why I love this industry.

I'm definitly getting more comfortable and have been approached by both of my clients that in the near future they would love to have me subcontract for them full-time. Since I started the post my daughter had to be put on a daily growth hormone shot, which is covered by my current insurance. So I told both clients the only way I could quit is if I can cover the health insurance premiums. So yes I'm getting past the fear of doing it on my own. Now it's just making sure I am covered within my budget.

Originally Posted by hbplifestyle

Right now I work FT and subcontract PT. Most likely I'm just getting cold feet because becoming a VA is more real. How many others contemplate whether you really want to be your own boss or work for someone just at home? Maybe that's why I subcontract. Please tell me I'm not the only one who questions owning their own business. If you have questioned yourself can you find companies that do hire you to WAHM?

Believe me I am right there with you. I have thought about this so much that my head hurts. I have taken a VA start program and got the certificate but still question where I will get the clients and how long it will take to get my business known.
My husband keeps telling me that I have to stay at my current nursing job even if this turns into a job money making job. The whole idea of the business is to get away from the current job. (Screams)

Teresa Sweigart
Sterling's Virtual Services

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Teresa Sweigart
Sterling's Virtual Services

I rather think the question would be "Why Not Work for Myself". As already pointed out, there is really no job security anymore only limited income and personal time. The bottom line is going to work for someone else is a risk (pink slip, layoff, cut in hours). Don't be afraid of investing in yourself!

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Elvia Abdussamadi
PROVA Administrative Services

Originally Posted by PROVA

I rather think the question would be "Why Not Work for Myself". As already pointed out, there is really no job security anymore only limited income and personal time. The bottom line is going to work for someone else is a risk (pink slip, layoff, cut in hours). Don't be afraid of investing in yourself!

You brought up an excellent point, there really isn't such a thing as job security anymore. That actually helps me get through things.

Since we have to or choose to work, who better to work for than yourself. You've already made that decision, I think you just need a little support and affirmation. And that is what this forum is for. Wishing you much success.

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Elvia Abdussamadi
PROVA Administrative Services

I'm chiming in here a little late, but I just wanted to say that I understand the fear of becoming your own boss. For years, I didn't even want to be a supervisor in my line of work because it just seems like so much pressure and so many expectations! But I realized that if I am my own boss, I will have a certain level of passion for what I do and can set my own expectations. I won't have to answer to anyone but myself and knowing this relieves some of the anxiety I felt about in charge. I look at it like being a mom. I'm not afraid to manage my kids because they're mine and I set the rules. The same will apply to my business. I hope the comparison helps a little!

I just want echo everyone's thoughts: job security, layoffs, etc are the norm in 2010 unfortunately .... and like a pp said why place my sweat, tears and sleepless nights for someone else only to get the pink slip -- what happened to loyalty?

I am glad to hear you working through these issues and it is really great to hear that you have worked them out. It gives me hope for myself, just in the planning stages now.

Hearing other people's success stories about this subject has helped greatly. I think we need a Chicken Soup For the Virtual Assistant's should to help with feelings like this one.