To ask if there are any self employed virtual assistants here?

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Seriously considering trying this.

I've been working as legal secretary/assistant for a long time (since I left school) and really want to try working for myself.

As this is the only job I've ever done, I've been looking into working as a virtual assistant.

Does anyone here do this? I'm obviously in the very early stages of looking into this but would welcome any advice (or warnings!).

I've read that it's best to have a focused business type which would obviously be law in my case and I do feel there's a market for it. A lot of the firm's I have worked in pay locums when things get busy and I've worked in a few that would benefit from not having to find office space for someone in fact the firm I'm at now has floated this idea about already as we just don't have the space for another full time staff member but do need assistance with the administration side of things.

I did it for a while. I did enjoy it as the workload can be hugely different and I got the ‘ego boost’ by establishing myself as a troubleshooter. Money wise though, it wasn’t worth it. Back to the day job.

Yes absolutely! I have been a VA since February this year! It's fab! Check out VA Handbookers and Virtual Assistant Coaching & Training on Facebook. They both offer courses so you can consider those but if you're not interested in doing a course, they could still be great for guidance and support to help you set yourself up. I'm a VA with a niche in the property industry as I was a PA in that industry for 10 years. In the same breath you would be choosing your niche based on your industry knowledge. My current clients are all from existing ex colleagues/associates I've worked with over the years. VA's charge differing rates but the going rate is £25p/hr so you can make great money but it is hard work and you do have to invest in yourself. Good luck if you choose to follow that dream!

Yes! I'm one and I have also written an award winning bestseller titled, How to be a Virtual Assistant, to help others start and run their own successful VA business.

Like with any business, it takes commitment and hard work.

I think your niche in law would be absolutely amazing! I really do believe solicitors need to get more savvy with today's world and more virtual, and having a VA is the perfect way to start that transition.

If you search for my name, Catherine Gladwyn, on Google and Amazon you'll see my book and there's also lots of resources on my website.

I wish you every success.

I was approached by Virtalent. They were a joke and would never recommend them as an agency.

I have been a VA for 4 years and it’s a fab flexible job. I’m just travelling to my parents on the train for the day and working online :) There is a good resourceful Facebook page VA Handbookers where you can connect and ask questions, plus there is a wealth of info to support you. Finding a reliable income and work is key and many start with a paid part time job and then gradually transfer. I was fortunate and asked if I wanted to take on a role and it’s grown from there and now have four clients.