This question is mostly asked by those who recently started working online and have managed to start making some money too soon. It could be good money, more than what they make working in a factory, office, as a security guard, teacher, etc., and so they wonder why they should keep on waking up early to get to their regular, on-site work when they could make so much more working at home.
It’s understandable why it’s so tempting to quit a regular job for online
work as a freelance writer or virtual assistant. People long for freedom to
control their lives; to control when they wake up and go to bed. Freelance work
seems to offer a bit of that freedom. Indeed, some students have even contemplated quitting college to work online. So, should you quit your regular job in
Nairobi to work as a virtual assistant?
Unfortunately, there's no direct answer to that. Deciding whether to quit your regular job in Nairobi to work fully as a
virtual assistant is a significant decision that depends on your individual
circumstances, goals, and preferences.
Here are some factors to consider before making this decision:
1. Financial Stability
Assess your financial situation. Can you comfortably support yourself
as a virtual assistant, especially if there is an initial period with irregular
income or while you establish your client base? Consider your savings and any
potential alternative income sources.
You might have initially made some good money, but that’s no guarantee
it will always be that way. Ask anyone who has worked online for a long time. There
is usually what is called a “famine season” when the wells you dry on gradually
or suddenly dry up. So it boils down to: do you have a fallback plan should
things take a nosedive?
2. Skills Mastered so Far
Do you have the necessary skills and experience to be a successful
virtual assistant? This includes proficiency in communication, organization,
time management, and the specific services you plan to offer. If you need
additional training or experience, it’s important to acquire these before making
the transition. I outlined some virtual assistance services one can offer, so check to see how much more you can
learn to arm yourself properly before quitting your regular work.
It should not be that you have learned one or two skills, and because you
earned good money from them, you conclude you are ripe for online work in
Nairobi. The devil is a liar.
3. Market Demand
Research the demand for virtual assistant services in your chosen niche
or industry. Understand your potential competition and whether there is a
viable market for your services. As I encourage you to learn, I’d also urge you
to check the marketability of what you have already learned so far. Are you guaranteed regular tasks from different clients?
4. Networking
You don’t want to quit your regular that pays your bills before networking
to find more clients to work for as a virtual assistant. Building a client base
as a virtual assistant often involves networking and marketing.
Do you have a plan for finding clients and maintaining a steady stream
of work? This might include using online platforms, reaching out to your
existing network, or other marketing strategies.
5. Benefits and Security
Consider the benefits and job security provided by your current job,
including healthcare, retirement contributions, and job stability. Compare
these to what you can achieve as a virtual assistant. You might need to make
provisions for these independently.
6. Work Environment
Let this sink in. As a virtual assistant, you will be working at home or
wherever you can be able to get stable internet, quiet and peace. Think hard about
where you will be working from. You will not be working in your client’s
office, so ensure you have a suitable workspace and are comfortable with this
arrangement. Do not quit your job before this is in place.
7. Lifestyle and Flexibility
Not everyone is able to work at home or supervise themselves wherever
they would choose to work as virtual assistants. Never have this notion that working
online means absolute freedom. You are only free from regular, on-site
employment, not free from working. You will have to be disciplined to meet
deadlines and deliver desired results.
So, assess whether the flexibility and work-life balance of being a
virtual assistant align with your personal preferences and lifestyle. Some
people thrive in this setup, while others miss the structure of a traditional
job.
8. Long-Term Goals
Consider your long-term career goals and how being a virtual assistant
fits into them. Will this role help you achieve your professional aspirations,
or is it a temporary solution?
9. Trial Period
If you’re unsure of these factors, I advise you to consider continuing to work as a part-time virtual assistant while keeping your regular job. This
can help you test the waters and determine if it’s a sustainable path for you
in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision to quit your regular job and work fully as a
virtual assistant should be based on a thorough evaluation of your financial,
professional, and personal circumstances. It’s a significant step, so take your
time to plan and ensure that you’re well-prepared for the transition.
Additionally, consulting with a career counselor or business advisor
can provide valuable insights and guidance specific to your situation. Warning: I am not a career counselor or business advisor.