Setting up on my own

[TheOutsideratnumber23]

I’m sorry this is less of an AIBU and more of a “should I do it”, and I know how wise and helpful this forum can be.

I’m late 40s and have always worked in PA/finance/admin support roles. I’m currently working for a friend (more of an acquaintance) doing a bit of bookkeeping for her business.

I’ve got a little home office with all of the equipment.

I’ve been considering setting up a remote/virtual PA/EA service. Anyone got any tips or experience of this?

I don’t need to earn mega bucks but I’m earning about £200/week as a side hustle and that would be nice to continue.

The first thing I would do is investigate how much your start-up/overhead costs will be. Insurance, any licences, advertising, etc. Are you legally allowed to run a business out of your home? Start with the basics and make a plan.

Would it be a better idea to train in book-keeping as well, so that you can offer more services?

Start up cost is nil if you already have the home set up
you need to register with HMRC as self employed which doesn't cost anything,
fill in a tax return each year - very straight forward on low earnings
pay class 2 NI which is not expensive and will support you future state pension
Market yourself - this may or may not cost depending on skills and contacts. Virtual PA suggests you could get referrals through linkedin.

If you are could at self motivation it is very definitely worth a shot BUT is prone to procrastination then it will be more difficult but still doable.

Get a website for your services but don’t neglect websites like People Per Hour, Fiverr and Freelancer when you’re starting out.

Advertise to bloggers. They often need little jobs doing

Contact your local Voluntary Action, CAB or Job Centre to see if there are local courses about setting up your own business. They were plentiful a few years ago but don't know if it's the same now