At this point, you may have browsed your way through this website (or maybe not, and so you randomly stumbled across this page) and so far only seen me from a professional point of view. Just for a change, it might be nice for you to learn more about me beyond the work I do, and how I got to where I am at now.
Firstly, let me share with you some interesting facts about me:
- I am currently studying a part-time degree in psychology – for many years I’ve been fascinated by what makes people behave in the way they do and what makes them tick. I am also very analytical by nature so taking this route seemed perfect for me.
- I am half-Welsh and bilingual – this helped me choose my business name!
- I was unable to ride a bike until my late 20s – it’s much harder to learn as an adult but my goodness, it felt amazing once I was finally able to continue pedalling without stopping.
- I have travelled to 25 countries and almost every continent except Antarctica and South America.
- My name is Welsh, pronounced “Sharn” and means “God is gracious”.
- My interests are getting in touch with nature e.g. hiking, visiting the beach or countryside, travelling, sampling different food spots, cooking, baking, getting active e.g. pilates, strength training, trying out various activities and visiting undiscovered attractions in London and beyond
You’re probably now beginning to build a picture of me – adventurous, well-travelled, foodie, active etc.
Secondly, how did I end up becoming a Virtual Assistant?
Around the first half of 2022, a conversation with a colleague gave me the realisation that throughout my working life, I was not being stretched, challenged or learning as much as I wanted.
It was this frustration that led me to look at my journal, revisit the pages where I had jotted down my interests and scan the list where the word ‘psychology’ stood out to me.
I had this lightbulb moment – for some reason I had been putting off this idea for years, but then at this moment I thought to myself “if not now, when?”, and so I finally made the decision to begin a psychology degree.
The idea was that I would eventually use the knowledge and skills gained towards a more fulfilling career (you’re probably wondering if I want to become a psychologist? Maybe and it’s still TBC, but there are plenty of other fields where this knowledge would come in handy – Marketing, User Experience Research, Training etc.)
I know what you’re thinking right now – what’s this got to do with a Virtual Assistant? Bear with me before I get to that shortly.
Back then, I was working part-time and so I announced my plans to my manager, requested to continue with my part-time hours and suggested a job-share if the role needed to become full-time.
Why?
Having experienced a lot of extreme stress and anxiety throughout my lifetime, in addition to a few episodes of work related burnout, I was determined to do all in my might to prevent history from repeating itself. In the past, I had attempted at one time to juggle a full-time job with studying for a professional qualification, but I was burning the candle at both ends.
In the beginning my manager agreed to my proposal of flexible working, however further down the line various doors were closing which signalled a new chapter for me.
So, fast forward to October 2022, I had just quit my job and began working my way through the degree, really enjoying this challenge and stimulation which I wasn’t getting from other areas of life. I made a plan to begin looking for part-time vacancies after the new year to achieve my desired balance in life.
Come Quarter 1 of 2023, I browse the various job listings available and apply for a few. At the same time, I feel so uninspired and unmotivated by what I am seeing out there. Not only that, but no doors were opening – no interviews, no job offers, no nothing. Very odd given my wealth of experience.
I plodded on (as you do), because I told myself that these ventures take perseverance. As the saying goes “Good things come to those who wait”.
At the end of March 2023, one Friday I opened up my internet browser to revisit the job adverts I had previously saved, but for some bizarre reason they all disappeared, just like that. I even tried to recover them by visiting the ‘History’ section but to no avail.
However I did come across a “job advert” on Reed posted by a training provider specialising in setting up your own Virtual Assistant business. Intrigued, I went down a rabbit hole, watched their free webinar and did some extensive research for a month before deciding to put my job hunt on hold and sign up for a course.
Thirdly, what prompted me to take this step?
Throughout the researching period, I learnt that the perfect candidate for a Virtual Assistant is someone who typically has an admin background and skills, is organised, loves learning, is adaptable, self motivated and self disciplined amongst many other qualities. Those who had decided to set up their own businesses had done so due to a number of factors but mainly more flexibility and choice in the tasks they do, working pattern, how and who they work with, in addition to how much they earn.
I was sold.
I realised I was going nowhere with my job hunt, and the freelance life would offer me complete freedom and flexibility which is a) what I was eager to have and b) something I wouldn’t get as an employee.
Yes, I knew it was going to take a lot of hard work, determination, perseverance and dedication, but thinking about what would be on the other side made me realise that life really is too short to not take certain risks if we really aspire to something.
In the early summer, I had decided on a VA training course provider and signed up. I learnt so much in a few weeks, not only from the module material but from the Facebook community of other Virtual Assistants who have been amazing and supportive. What I love about this industry is that it’s all about collaboration not competition.
If you told me a couple of years ago I’d be setting up my own business, I’d say to you NO WAY. But look at what I’m doing now!
I do not regret taking this step at all and I am really enjoying it so far. Not gonna lie – I have my bad days and worry about getting clients, imposter syndrome etc. but when those thoughts come about I just have to silence my inner critic and remind myself of all the challenges in life I’ve managed to overcome, and that I am more capable than I realise. As a friend once said, the things we often worry about don’t actually happen!
So there you have it, an insight into me and how I got to where I am at now.
If anything I’ve shared has resonated with you at all, I’d love to hear your comments, questions and thoughts.
