always think positive!

I’m not sure if this will be a shock to you, but here it is: my part-time virtual assistant job folded up effective first day of 2013.

Not really a good way to start the year, you might say.

Here’s the story: I was doing my usual work for the client when I got an email from her, telling me that she has to end my contract. The client told me that her travel website is not going live yet (real-time registration), so she could not afford to pay me anymore. She kept telling me that I was a consistent great worker, but she could not keep me.

Again, not really a good way to start the year.

Of course I got sad. I’m a human working for a client whose miles away from me. I was looking forward to helping more in her business. Also, I am still experiencing having online office mates, as she hired two virtual assistants last December.

I sighed. Then, I sent her my reply. I told her that it’s okay. Now I get to focus on finishing my research proposal in my master’s degree class. Also, I will have more time to finish my VA 2.0 assignments. Wow, I got a lot of work to do still!

The client appreciated how I welcomed the news, albeit sad. The client told me that I could always ask her for referrals if I needed it.

A few days later, I saw my contract ended, with a great feedback from my client.

It was bittersweet. At least, I was not fired.

Recently, one of my mentor’s virtual assistants asked me for a private webinar – I would be a guest panelist for a no-holds barred question and answer with a budding virtual assistant. I was hesitant: I am no longer a virtual assistant (well, for now). How can I be a credible panelist?

My mentor’s VA said it all: it doesn’t matter. You’re still a VA, with full of experiences under her belt. (More of this story in my other post.)

Now, it’s close to three months since I my contract ended with my client. I am focusing on finishing my research proposal and finishing my VA 2.0 assignment. I realized it’s hard to juggle many things, but I’m still trying.

I consider this gestation period another journey to success. I know I’ll come out of this more ready for challenges and more open to better opportunities.

Getting an end contract was not part of my 2013 plan. But one thing’s for sure: this year, I see myself working full-time from my home.