Following today’s Day 8 Ultimate Blog Challenge theme, I thought I would share why I do not work a day-to-day, set schedule job and I love it!
Before I started my own business nearly 15 years ago, I worked a cubicle job at a hospital scheduling software company. There were days that I was bored and uninterested in what I was doing…and I was an Executive Assistant to the president of the company! It was that feeling of being unchallenged and bored that led me to find a home-based business opportunity, plus I wanted to be home with my kids for when they really and truly needed me. When I took on the challenge to start building my business, not only did I work my day job, but I was working nights and weekends too. Granted it was exhausting and sometimes overwhelming, it was those countless hours and days that I was finally able to quit my desk job and work full-time in and on my business.
I believe for the first five years or so, I would still work some long hours during the week, but not work as much on the weekends. I would try to allow myself a day of not working at all. I would have that feeling that I needed to be present for my clients seven days a week. If I wasn’t working on client tasks, I would feel guilty that I’m not being the best that I can be for them. I’m not going to say I was the perfect Virtual Assistant, because there were times I had to manage life more than I did my business. I’ve learned who to work with and not work with so I can have a balanced work-life experience. And that’s not easy either. You can’t just wave a magic wand and it all falls into place for you. It takes scheduling your day, allowing home and life time in case an emergency happens. If you have kids, then you will always have emergencies! Instead of promising unrealistic deadlines, I provide better turnaround times that also allow me to schedule downtime too. Knowing that I may have multiple client projects I’m working on at the same time, I let my clients know that a specific task or project will be completed on or before a certain date and time. I communicate this up front to a client, mostly through email correspondence. I actually keep a daily paper schedule next to my desk of who and what I’m working on. Yep, I’m old-school and still use a to-do list on paper! LOL
I love that my business allows me a flexible schedule that I can control. None of my clients I work with keep me “chained to a desk”. If I want to work early in the morning or late in the evening or even on a Saturday or Sunday, then I am free to do this. As long as I keep in constant communication with my clients, then they are satisfied. I make it known in my initial consultation and in my client agreement what my hours of operation are and if they do not hear from me towards the end of the day, then I will be sure to follow up with them the next business day. My clients respect that. If they don’t, then perhaps the relationship with them is not meant to be. When you get to that point in your business, then you are truly managing your schedule and you should be enjoying being an entrepreneur. I do love what I do and look forward to the next 15 years being in business for myself!
I love that my business allows me a flexible schedule that I can control. #blogboost #blog #blogging #UBC #ultimateblogchallenge Click To TweetFeel free to comment below if you have an unusual work schedule, if you own your own business or not. I would love to hear your thoughts!
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What a great post, Aletha! When we work our own businesses it gives us the choice of when, where, and how we want to work our business and it doesn’t have to be the 9 to 5 grind anymore. If 9 – 5 are the hours a person chooses for their business, that’s fine, the point is it’s their business and it’s their choice. Flexibility to me is the name of the game!
Agreed, Livvie! Nothing wrong with working during the daytime hours for your business at all. 🙂
You’ve come a long way with a lot of dedication and hard work. I know you are inspiration to your children.
Thank you, Bonnie! It feels really good to be where I am in my business right now. It also shows in my children too.
I love that freedom, too, to work my own hours and be available for the things that come up. I’m glad you were able to find a business you love!
Absolutely, Jeanine! It feels good to do what I love, in my own time. 🙂
After more than two decades being a corporate Exec, I have now run my own company and do consulting work, which gives me the flexibility to multi-task in a whole new way…takes getting used to, but after finding myself running an errand at 10a and NOT in a big corporate meeting, I like it!
I hear you, John! It took me some time to get used to not working in a structured office setting. I had to make sure I was putting my focus on work and not everything going on around me in my home.
A great post Aletha! As the 9 to 5 grind, you knocked it out of the park. There is really nothing I could argue with if using your own time to work when you want and what is the most successful and creative time for you.
I couldn’t agree more, Douglas! 🙂
I can s000 relate to this post! I’m in the early stages of growing my biz and still working fulltime. It’s nice to know that it can be done without going crazy! Your post is very inspirational, hope to be working for myself someday soon. Thanks!
Your goal of working for yourself someday, Monique, is definitely attainable. I know there will be moments you will be exhausted and just want to throw your hands up and quit, but don’t. If you’re passionate about owning your own business and you love what you do for others, success will come and you will be able to run your business full-time. I am a living testimony of this.
For many years I was a VA and in the beginning I was definitely chained to my desk. Uggg!!! I made changes real fast.
I’m not a 9 to 5 gal either. Retired VA now, and think about getting a part time job to help pay bills. But, the though of clicking in and out makes me nauseous.
Currently, I run a small grief coaching business. I much prefer setting my own hours.
Eydie, there were times in the beginning for me that I worked A LOT of hours and I felt I could not catch a break, but I soon learned not having time for myself and family was not healthy for me. I had to scale back a couple of times. As much as I wanted that additional income, it’s not worth it if you cannot enjoy the fruits of your labor. I don’t think I could ever go back to working an outside job!