Hello readers, I hope you are keeping well.
November is upon us and now with Halloween behind us, the race is on for Christmas. I know it might be a little too early for some, but this year I want to get with the jolly season early (no I do not mean Christmas decs up right this second), but I have been very organised and planned in my Christmas outings and play dates well in advance.
It might sound a little too organised for some but with being self-employed it allows me time to focus on what is coming up and what deadlines I need to be aware of. Also, it does go with the job, and all my clients know I will be an accountability buddy if you need me to.
This month I have a few things to share with you, as I have had some time to reflect and review where I am in my business but also my personal affairs.
So let’s delve down into the news!
What have I learnt as a parent?
Being a Virtual Assistant and a parent is like juggling two worlds at once. It’s a unique and challenging experience that comes with its share of ups and downs. Today, I want to share my personal journey as a VA and working parent with a toddler and the surprising benefits I’ve found in this beautifully chaotic balancing act.
- Benefit 1: Enhanced Time Management
One of the first skills you learn as a working parent is time management, and as a VA, this skill becomes even more crucial. Having a toddler with me has forced me to become a master of time. I’ve learned to optimize every minute of my workday, squeezing productivity into short, focused bursts when he is napping or engaged in playtime. This newfound ability to make the most of limited time has made me a more efficient VA, helping me meet deadlines and tackle tasks with precision.
- Benefit 2: Improved Multitasking Skills
Multitasking becomes second nature when you’re a parent, especially with a toddler running around. As a VA, this skill has translated into being able to handle multiple client projects simultaneously. Whether it’s answering emails while supervising playtime or scheduling appointments during naptime, my ability to switch gears quickly has become an invaluable asset in managing various tasks for my clients.
- Benefit 3: Heightened Patience and Adaptability
Raising a toddler teaches you patience like nothing else. It’s impossible to predict when a meltdown might occur or when your child will need your attention urgently. You can go from focused writing to dropping it all as they need a hug in seconds. I was use to dealing with multiple tasks before, but it’s given me a new insight into processing how to deal with challenging tasks calmly, adapt to unexpected changes in clients’ needs, and provide steadfast support even in high-pressure situations.
- Benefit 4: Enhanced Communication Skills
Parenting involves clear and effective communication with your child. As a VA, these communication skills have been refined and expanded in my interactions with clients. I’ve become adept at understanding and meeting their expectations, actively listening to their needs, and conveying information in a clear and concise manner.
- Benefit 5: Renewed Perspective on Work-Life Balance
Having a toddler by my side has given me a fresh perspective on work-life balance. As a parent, I’ve come to understand the importance of setting boundaries and making time for family. This insight has allowed me to help clients achieve a healthier work-life balance, providing them with a more personalized and empathetic approach to their work.
- Benefit 6: Strengthened Bond with My Child
Above all, the most profound benefit of being a VA and a working parent with a toddler is the strengthened bond with my son. While it’s undoubtedly a juggling act, having my toddler with me allows me to witness his growth, share precious moments, and be an active part of their life. This experience is priceless and has enriched both my personal and professional journey.
Being a Virtual Assistant and a working parent with a toddler is no easy feat, but the benefits are abundant. It has made me a more skilled and empathetic VA, improved my time management and multitasking abilities, heightened my patience and adaptability, and deepened my understanding of work-life balance. Most importantly, it has strengthened the bond with my son, making every moment of this dual role worth it.
November Challenge
I have set myself for a new challenge this November, I will be raising money for Stand Up to Cancer. I haven’t done a charity event for some time and really this one fits in at the perfect time. Both my mum and I have decided to partake in 100 squats-a-day challenge to raise money for Stand up to Cancer. Cancer unfortunately hit our family quite hard, and both my nan and my mum had breast cancer, both thankfully survived but watching them both go through treatment and deal with the effects on your body and mental health was tough to watch.
I will shamelessly ask if you can please help sponsor me and keep me going on my squatting journey to raise money. Any donations or shouts of encouragement are most welcome, and I will be keeping you posted on my social media channels as to how it goes.
Wish me luck, and hopefully, I will have thighs of steel in time for December.
You can sponsor me on the link. Please and thank you!
Reflections
At the end of each month, I like to review how the month has been. October was extremely busy and topped with a sprinkling of chicken pox in the house it gave me time to think. As a VA and parent, my time is regularly helping others get sorted and this means I do work some strange hours just to make sure I don’t let my admin down on my business.
Running a business when you’re self-employed is not always easy and with the cost of living causing stress in most households, it can be difficult to switch off.
I have decided for this winter, that I will be focusing on me and letting my hair down when I can. I love my job and working with my amazing clients, and I will continue to offer my kickass services, but I need to also focus on me. This is why at the start of the blog I mentioned those all-important Christmas outings and important play dates with my family.
So I have booked them in and will be looking for other potential festive activities for the family. Please do shout if you know any good ones, as my son is sure to enjoy anything noisy or lights up!
I shall wrap up for now, as I return to some client work that needs to be completed today. I hope you have a safe and cozy November and please do reach out if you would like to know more about working with a VA or even just fancy a virtual coffee.
Wish me luck on my challenge and see you next month!
Take care.
Rachel