Freelancing; My New Career as Virtual Admin

Freelancing; My New Career as Virtual Admin

From Cubicle world to the Freelancing world

My life as a Corporate Worker

After I graduated college, I immediately looked for a job. I’ve searched for a job post not related to freelancing and applied there hoping I’ll get hired. Things were not easy. I’ve experienced rejections and that was frustrating for a breadwinner like me. Months of patience passed, then finally I’ve got hired! I've worked work at my best and make sure that I won't lose my job. For years, I am thankful to have a stable job that supported my family and my needs. But working for a decade from 9:00 am until night, doing the same thing every day, makes me feel exhausted and unhappily realized; Am I be working forever as a “corporate slave?”.

Visual to Virtual

Then one day, my sister-in-law introduced me to her new job that is so flexible and timely. She encouraged me so much by visualizing these advantages:

• Freedom

Most freelance jobs allow you to work from home. No hassle commute or driving for long hours and getting stuck in the traffic that is so frustrating.

A freelancer has the freedom to use those extra hours as they wish. Perhaps it’s a chance to pursue a new hobby. Also, just having the freedom to wear something you’re comfortable in is a bonus.

• Flexible

There are no fixed hours. If you want to work 60 hours one week and take the next week off, you can. If you want to work 10 hours Monday but only 2 hours Tuesday, that’s cool. Also, choosing which projects you want to work on is a big plus. If you enjoy working on your projects, then you’re going to be more motivated. Working on them is not a chore.

• Financially Independent

Working hard to make someone else rich? This is the reality mostly in an employee. But as a freelancer, there are several sources of income to choose and worked on. You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” This is good advice for freelancers. If you build a portfolio of clients, then you are not financially dependent on one source. If one client suddenly pulls the plug, then you have a few others to keep you ticking over while you find a replacement. Surely, having a traditional salaried job is more secure than being a freelancer, many will say. But in the current economic climate, the so-called job for life has all but disappeared. Redundancies and layoffs are more common. Therefore, freelancing can be more secure. And my favorite,

• Time with Family

Need to pop out for some groceries or pick the kids up from school? Or have a family vacation anytime soon? No problem. As a freelancer, you can take a break when you want. There are no set rules.

Changing Career as a Virtual Mom

I knew little about the world of freelancing. What I did know was that I enjoyed using my computer, searching on google a lot of time, exploring Microsoft Office and Google Docs. The more time I spent away from my family, working in full-time positions that would often have me working 10-12 hour shifts, the more passionate I grew about wanting to make a change; working from home and being the primary caretaker of my two daughters. These made me realize that I want to become a freelancer and follow my WHYs!

Taking action to be a Freelancer

I immediately enrolled online in Filipino Virtual Assistance Academy and took formal training there as an Admin Specialist. I'm glad to nurture the skills that I have and to gain new skills to keep up in this freelancing world. I’ve learned a lot and still eager to learn more. Along with my experience, my perspective has also altered. It isn't about the money anymore. Yes, earning money is a bonus and feels very, very good but living a satisfying lifestyle, is for me, worth more than valuable.

Work with me

Hi, I’m Carla – a wife, mother-of-two, and your Virtual Assistant!

If you’re interested in hiring me, please see my business website for more information on the services I provide.