Why Virtual Assistants (and Writers) Should Help Each Other

I have started training again. I was a bit hesitant at first for reasons that I will not delve into while writing this blog post. My new trainees are very good at convincing me to share what I know with them.

You see, this year has been a roller coaster of sorts for me. I started writing freelance last year when I left my full-time job to pursue a dream that's closer to my heart - to build my own business. One thing I learned from that business venture is never to go into business with a friend. Hearts will be broken no matter how careful you are.

Anyway, I kept working for clients here and abroad and I now have two regular clients and another one who sends work to me on a per project basis. I can honestly say that these 3 very kind people have been sending so many blessings my way.

I also partnered with Marc Acsay to train newbies about the basics of SEO and SEO Copywriting. We had two trainings, which were very successful.

However, in the middle of 2012, I was very cordially invited to join an SEO company whose office is located in Fuente Osmeña. The opportunity was so great and the pay was very generous yet I still had some misgivings.

After mulling it over, I decided to give it a shot. What did I have to lose, right? I was open to try new things. And so, I became Head of Content at JoeRyan Digital Inc. The bosses were kind and so were my colleagues. But early on, there were signs that I was in too deep... that this was not for me... I had to make a choice... and so I left.

That was then. This is now. Today, I realized that I have not fully committed myself to home-based work. That one foot was still "on the boat" while the other was "on water." I just read about this story on this week's Gospel. I think it's about time for me to leave the boat and step into the water to walk towards Jesus.

Yes, I am scared of commitment and that applies in every aspect of my life, including work.

Even though I am making less than what I was earning at the SEO company in Cebu, I am still making enough to be able to share my blessings with my family, eat delicious food at my favorite restaurants, and still save some money for a rainy day. Best of all, I work at my own pace. I realized that my freedom can never be bought. I choose my work hours and work comfortably from home.

And last month, I started training again. This time, I helped a friend learn the basics of online work and we even found a couple of clients. One of them stayed and one of them has dropped out but things are looking up. I am happy to be training my friend because I am learning too. And now, slowly but surely, she is earning online too.

I am also training another person who desires to be a content writer. I was skeptical at first but her persistence won me over. Her zest for learning is infectious. I am even reviewing my old lessons now. I hope that these trainings will help me become a better person, a better writer, a good mentor, and a light in their way.

Thank you, Lord Jesus for these opportunities. Amen.