Build Your Personality

After 8 years working as PA to the Manager and Head of Finance & Administration for a finance broker, the company went into liquidation and I was let go. I'm able to truthfully say that I loved that job and the people I worked with and I was devastated when it occurred.

The finance effects of the redundancy were difficult, but controllable short term. But what I totally under-estimated was the emotional effect it was to have on me.

I automatically set about attempting to find another job but after so many years with one company, I had chipped out a role for myself which simply didn't exist in other firms. I also discovered that I had no need to work for any other person. I had become ruthless about being an employee, something which I'd never experienced before myself and had always found annoying in others.

Whilst I had confidence in my capabilities and abilities, I invented all kinds of reasons explaining why positions would not suit me. I hadn't nevertheless , lost the fervour to work and to demonstrate high productivity, so I commenced to look into the likelihood of beginning my own business.

It appeared a clear call to stay within my area of expertise and data and so I changed into a Virtual PA. I can stiil take an advantage from a workload which is hugely varied and incorporates all my talents but I am my personal boss.

Two of the major benefits I now enjoy are working in different industries and with different people. One of the key facets of a good PA is the working relationship with their executive which, as an employed PA, steadily builds up over a period of time. As a Virtual PA it is an aspect which I certainly focus on, in order to foster that relationship regardless of working remotely. It is fascinating to see how my style changes from customer to customer reliant upon their own style, preferred working strategies and approach for example.

I also find that my abilities are kept much more recent as I mostly ensure I Am researching the best technology, software, working practices and so on. And my client's projects are so wide ranging I Am continually using different talents which may not necessarily be the situation when working for one employer.

I wouldn't advocate redundancy to anybody, but with hindsight it wasn't the end of civilization - just the beginning of my Virtual PA business. If you'd like to take an identical journey then why don't you hunt down a VA Training Course.