9 September 2018
Trouble in the office
I always enjoy Anita's insights. This is a good read on ways to handle passive/aggressive colleagues.
2 September 2018
Virtual Assistance: What a way to work!
I have recently been doing some online work and it has opened up a whole new world for me. Of course others have been on the bandwagon for some time and are doing quite well. What do they know that I don't and why have I not moved on this before now?
Striking out on your own can be frightening. Especially when you are used to the traditional workplace of going to an office, getting a steady paycheck, being on the company pension and benefit plan, etc. There are definitely things to consider, but the opportunities can be limitless.
I always thought the ideal situation would be if you had two incomes, as in a spousal relationship. Then if the other partner had a 9 to 5 job with all the trimmings, striking out on your own would not be as risky. But what if you are on your own like I am?
I think I just answered my own question about being an entrepreneur. The definition of an entrepreneur is exactly the opposite of security. Some people have a dream and go for it. Right now, I'm sitting on the fence so it would seem that I am not currently an entrepreneur, but I could be. I have always been a late bloomer, but when I put my mind to something, watch out!
I have spoken to a few individuals who have done well on their own. They have taken the things they are really good at and have effectively marketed it. But where do I start?
I found a good article on the importance of the virtual assistant website that is worth a read if you are curious about it and a must read if you are planning on it. 8 Must-Have Elements For Your Virtual Assistant Website
Also, I plan to continue to talk to people about it. I want to get all the information I can before I move forward. Here are some virtual assistant sites that inspired me to think that I could do this:
Canadian Virtual Gurus
Virtual Office Guy
Hire My Mom
Jennie Lyon VA
Baby boomers, of which I am one, are on the move. We are all at the age where we can leave if we can afford it. At the organization where I currently work it seemed for a time there was an announcement of someone's retirement every week. A few were done in clusters because there were two or three leaving at the same time. And as I walk the halls, I see a lot of gray heads that are either contemplating retirement soon or have already given their notice.
I am anticipating retirement, but can't see that I will be happy with the traditional idea of retirement such as travelling, cottage life, cruises, etc. It's not that I don't want to do those things, I do, but I want a little more than that too.
People are healthier than they used to be at this age and I don't think we are ready to throw in the towel quite yet. I remember when some of the people I knew growing up retired. Of course I was younger at the time, and I thought they were so old, but now that I've reached that age, I don't feel old at all - well, except for the natural creaks and groans that come with age, I feel pretty darn good and I still have a lot to offer professionally.
I do want to take time to smell the roses in my retirement though. I have two lovely grandsons that I enjoy spending time with, but they are getting older and at some point they won't want to spend as much time with their Granny as they do right now. If I call them to go for ice cream and play in the park, they are excited to go. In a few years time one of them will be a pre-teen and I just can't see that happening anymore. I'll miss it like I do now when I think back to my daughter when she was younger, but I'm happy she is grown and independent with her own family and I feel the same about my grandsons.
So what will I do with my time? Working virtually seems to be a nice answer to that question. I won't have to go to work and can work as much as I want from the comfort of my home. I also have friends who have retired and are skilled as an administrative professional, who also want to work now and again and earn some money to take a vacation. Sounds like a recipe for a good business.
Stay tuned...
Striking out on your own can be frightening. Especially when you are used to the traditional workplace of going to an office, getting a steady paycheck, being on the company pension and benefit plan, etc. There are definitely things to consider, but the opportunities can be limitless.
I always thought the ideal situation would be if you had two incomes, as in a spousal relationship. Then if the other partner had a 9 to 5 job with all the trimmings, striking out on your own would not be as risky. But what if you are on your own like I am?
I think I just answered my own question about being an entrepreneur. The definition of an entrepreneur is exactly the opposite of security. Some people have a dream and go for it. Right now, I'm sitting on the fence so it would seem that I am not currently an entrepreneur, but I could be. I have always been a late bloomer, but when I put my mind to something, watch out!
I have spoken to a few individuals who have done well on their own. They have taken the things they are really good at and have effectively marketed it. But where do I start?
I found a good article on the importance of the virtual assistant website that is worth a read if you are curious about it and a must read if you are planning on it. 8 Must-Have Elements For Your Virtual Assistant Website
Also, I plan to continue to talk to people about it. I want to get all the information I can before I move forward. Here are some virtual assistant sites that inspired me to think that I could do this:
Canadian Virtual Gurus
Virtual Office Guy
Hire My Mom
Jennie Lyon VA
Baby boomers, of which I am one, are on the move. We are all at the age where we can leave if we can afford it. At the organization where I currently work it seemed for a time there was an announcement of someone's retirement every week. A few were done in clusters because there were two or three leaving at the same time. And as I walk the halls, I see a lot of gray heads that are either contemplating retirement soon or have already given their notice.
I am anticipating retirement, but can't see that I will be happy with the traditional idea of retirement such as travelling, cottage life, cruises, etc. It's not that I don't want to do those things, I do, but I want a little more than that too.
People are healthier than they used to be at this age and I don't think we are ready to throw in the towel quite yet. I remember when some of the people I knew growing up retired. Of course I was younger at the time, and I thought they were so old, but now that I've reached that age, I don't feel old at all - well, except for the natural creaks and groans that come with age, I feel pretty darn good and I still have a lot to offer professionally.
I do want to take time to smell the roses in my retirement though. I have two lovely grandsons that I enjoy spending time with, but they are getting older and at some point they won't want to spend as much time with their Granny as they do right now. If I call them to go for ice cream and play in the park, they are excited to go. In a few years time one of them will be a pre-teen and I just can't see that happening anymore. I'll miss it like I do now when I think back to my daughter when she was younger, but I'm happy she is grown and independent with her own family and I feel the same about my grandsons.
So what will I do with my time? Working virtually seems to be a nice answer to that question. I won't have to go to work and can work as much as I want from the comfort of my home. I also have friends who have retired and are skilled as an administrative professional, who also want to work now and again and earn some money to take a vacation. Sounds like a recipe for a good business.
Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)