So often I get emails from readers who want to go freelance but they can’t ever imagine earning enough money to live off.
What if I told you it’s totally possible? In fact, it’s not only possible, it’s totally do-able if you think about it in steps.
Take Julienne, for example. She became a freelance virtual assistant and cut down her hours to 20 per week. Even better, she upped her income by 36%.
Amazing, right?
But the beauty of it is that Julienne ISN’T an anomaly. She worked hard and made a strategic plan for going freelance. If you can do that, you’ll be living the lifestyle you want in no time at all.
I asked Julienne a few questions about her transition from employee to freelance virtual assistant so that we can show you guys how do-able it is!
Pssst! If you’re thinking of launching your own freelance career, you might be interested in my upcoming e-course, which is launching in January 2016. It’ll cover every aspect of being a freelance writer, with in-depth workbooks, videos, tutorials, and guides! Sign up below to be one of the first to get it!
What inspired you to become a freelance virtual assistant?
I had a deep desire to do work I really loved.
For years, I kept saying the same thing again & again to my husband: “I wish I had a job where I ran social media for a company and worked on their newsletters and blog posts. I just don’t know what’s that called.” So when I was introduced to the concept of a Virtual Assistant, there was no looking back! I do work that love, with people I love. And I have time freedom and the freedom to earn as much as I want. It’s an amazing thing!
How did you manage your freelance business whilst working full-time?
This is such a tricky thing, isn’t it?
I’d say long hours and productivity are keys in the beginning. I worked nights and weekends on my business after my day job. And I would do my best to optimize any down time I had. For instance, I’d answer emails on my lunch hour and I’d read articles or do research on the bus during my morning commute.
Just remember: that intense business is just for a season. When your business is growing, you’ll get some relaxation time back. It’s easier not to burn out if you know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!
How did you make sure the transition from full-time employee to freelance virtual assistant ran smoothly?
Much of my transition focused on finances.
My husband & I do a written, household budget each month, so we were completely clear on what I needed to make in my business for the finances to work.
I grew my client base and biz systems methodically for over a year before launching full-time. I didn’t set a “quit date” or anything – just waited until the numbers told me I was ready for the switch. And then I gave my employer a healthy 2-month notice and assisted with the transition to my replacement. Wrapping up the loose ends like that made me feel really good, too.
See: Julienne’s post about the 3 ways she prepared her finances before going freelance.
What is your workload as a freelance virtual assistant like compared to before?
When I went full-time in my business, I went from working 45 hours per week to 20 and increased my income 36%.
It’s important to remember though that those 20 hours are representing direct client work. That’s not including the rest of the hours I spend throughout the week on things like invoicing, blogging and marketing. So I do end up working more than 20 hours. But those extra hours are both optional and enjoyable!
It’s a lot more fun working a lot when you’re building something that you own! (Lizzie: couldn’t agree more!)
What services do you provide as a freelance virtual assistant and how did you settle on those?
Most often, my clients hire me to help them set up systems (for things like client onboarding) – or to handle their email or social media marketing.
I realized that I can bring the most value to a client when I stick to my zone of genius. In essence, offering what I’m really good at as a service; instead of trying to ‘reinvent the wheel.’ So I’m a great fit for a client who doesn’t love list-making and pouring over details and numbers. Someone who’s looking for a team member to happily handle those things for them. (Because details light me up!)
What tips would you give someone looking to take their freelance business full-time?
Pay attention to details and be the kind of CEO you’d want to hire.
Be sure that you’re doing things like: keeping good records; filing your taxes on time; and paying attention the specific laws in your city or county. If you need to, surround yourself with people who have the expertise you don’t (like accountants or attorneys). Those things will be the foundation for your business and will ensure you can keep growing for years to come.
Julienne DesJardins works with solopreneurs who are ready for major growth in their businesses. As a virtual assistant, she helps her clients design systems that allow them to turn their attention away from the small details and back to the big picture. Her “no project too small” philosophy means you’ll find packages that are customizable to fit your business & budget. Visit her website or connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.
Your Turn!
Have you thought about becoming a freelance virtual assistant? Any questions or reservations about it?
Great tips- and something to look into for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie recently posted…Holiday Date Night
Definitely Stephanie! My pleasure 🙂
I am wondering how much a virtual assistant costs! I would love one to grow my blog but I definitely couldn’t afford one at this point in my life. Maybe after I get my master’s and start working full time!
Chelsea recently posted…DIY Christmas Centerpiece
I think it depends on their skills and experience, Chelsea! But there are loads of affordable virtual assistants out there 🙂 I’m definitely looking to get one within the next year or so!
It definitely depends on skill & Location. A North American-based VA will tend to cost $15-$30 per hour.
I am so glad that I found your site thru BlogLove. My ultimate goal is to work for myself but it’s so hard to figure out how to make that dream a reality. This is a great article!
So glad you like the site Caitlin, and I’m glad you found me too! Let me know if you have any questions about freelancing or working for yourself 🙂
Good for you! That’s awesome!
I love that you made sure to point out that working those extra hours is just for a season. We don’t need to lament our time if we know things will get better.
Kristin C recently posted…What We Say On Facebook Matters
So true – if you have an end point to the crazy hours it’s much easier to bear, right?!
It was so fun chatting with you! Thanks for the opportunity. 🙂
My pleasure Julienne – I loved hearing about your experiences!
This is definitely something I want to look into.
xoxo, Jenny
Awesome Jenny!
I love this!! I’ve been wanting to work for myself for the longest time. I’m a lifestyle blogger and freelance writer for SpouseBuzz, but I’m not at a point where I’m making a full time income yet. I’m also constantly helping other bloggers with their sites and social media accounts (literally half my day is spent logged into someone else’s blog, helping them with whatever it is that they can’t figure out on their own). I’ve been told by many that I should just become a virtual assistant and start charging people for it and but I just haven’t taken the leap yet or figured out how to go about doing it. Hopefully I can get it all figured out in 2016! 🙂
Yes! You sound like you’ll already make the perfect virtual assistant, Keating! I hope 2016 is the year when you start working for yourself! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
This is such a great post! I love all of the tips Julienne provided! I thought about doing VA work, but quickly realized I’m in need of a VA myself because I really can’t stay organized for very long ha ha!
So it’s definitely not the job for me, but I do agree it can be a great way to make money from home.
Cole recently posted…100 Ways to Say I Love You + $500 Nordstrom Gift Card & Gold Mini iPad Giveaway!
Hi Cole! Yes, Julienne’s tips are awesome, right?! Haha I could definitely do with a VA, too – I’ve got so many ideas with no real system for wading through them!
Thanks for the post and all the tips!!
I am bookmarking this to have it as a reference.
Yay! Glad you liked all of Julienne’s tips, Ana!