Do I have the skills?

[Anonymous]

Hi! I am wondering if someone could tell me if I have the necessary skills to work as a VA. I have been a science teacher for 7 years. I have never worked as a Administrative Assistant, although I have obviously used Word, excel, email, powerpoint the internet and I am very compentent in these programs. I am also alright at using photoshop. I don't know Access, and have never programmed for the internet. Do you think that I will be able to do this, or do you think that I will be overwhelmed. Right now, I am very burnt out from teaching, and I need something new, although I don't think that something that would stress me out more would be a good thing. Tell me about your experiences. Thanks.

Corina

[Debbi]

Hi Corina,

I think that working virtually is a different way of working, and you have to be ready for that step. It's a little isolated, in that you work alone, or with your kids assisting :D so you have to be extremely focused and able to finish things with a million distractions.

For example, if I have a project that is due but I just don't want to work on it, I used to have a hard time staying focused - it always seemed like the dishes had to be done right now, or I really should weed the garden...oh, isn't there a bed to be made somewhere!!! You see what I mean? It can be tough, but I think it's really just a different style of working. It can be stressful with deadlines, etc., but I don't see it as any more stressful than 'normal' work.

If anything, I think it's less because if I need a break, I take one. If I need to be going to town, I can take a break and go. You might want to try it out first; take some basic one-time assignments and see what you think before leaping into it full time.

As for skills, most VAs need to know the software (MS Office, etc.) and know their way around a computer and the internet. Also, I think that VAs are exceptional problem solvers and dedicated workers - the successful ones are, anyway.

I don't know you personally so I can't really say if you fit the bill, but maybe this can give you an idea if it's something you would want to pursue.

Personally, I love it and I cannot imagine going back to a regular job. I would, in fact, hate it, I'm quite sure. I love the freedom I have, the day to day challenges and most of the time, I love the people I work with/for.

I hope this helps you! If you ever wanna chat, just let me know!
Deb

[Lori]

Hi Corina,

It sure does sound like you have the skills that you need. Especially that you have some photoshop experience. That will give you an advantage with a lot of clients.

I have some VA articles you might want to read on this page: http://www.freelancemom.com/Freelancing.htm

I hope you find some useful information there. If you do decide to make the leap - be sure to let us know. And come by with any questions you need help with.

Warm Regards and thanks for joining the forums!

Lori

Hi! I am wondering if someone could tell me if I have the necessary skills to work as a VA. I have been a science teacher for 7 years. I have never worked as a Administrative Assistant, although I have obviously used Word, excel, email, powerpoint the internet and I am very compentent in these programs. I am also alright at using photoshop. I don't know Access, and have never programmed for the internet. Do you think that I will be able to do this, or do you think that I will be overwhelmed. Right now, I am very burnt out from teaching, and I need something new, although I don't think that something that would stress me out more would be a good thing. Tell me about your experiences. Thanks.

Corina

[momathome]

I agree. It sounds like you have great skills. Just believe in yourself- that will be your greatest skill (not to mention what makes you most marketable)!

Personally, being a virtual assistant has been trememdously rewarding on the whole. That being said, it is not for everyone. Some people miss the daily workplace interaction.

Try it part time and see how you like it.

Best wishes.

[TelecommutingMoms]

I agree. It sounds like you have great skills. Just believe in yourself- that will be your greatest skill (not to mention what makes you most marketable)!


I couldn't agree more!

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