Restaurant GM to Virtual Assistant: Embracing Entrepreneurship

The path of change is often laden with uncertainties, doubts, and fears. The decision to leave behind the familiar territory of being a restaurant GM to become a Virtual Assistant after 10 years was not one, I made lightly. Embarking on a new adventure as a Virtual Assistant was scary as hell. However, a desire for reduced stress and better health was more demanding. So I set my sights on starting my own business and embracing entrepreneurship but faced a series of challenges I never expected. I am going to let you in on my journey and the struggles I encountered. You will learn how I found the confidence to quit my job and soar as a Virtual Assistant.

Let’s start from the beginning. Restaurant GM to Virtual Assistant: Embracing Entrepreneurship

When I started my career as a restaurant GM, I loved it. Don’t get me wrong it was a great job and I enjoyed what I did. However, things changed over the years. 10 years to be exact. From moving across the entire state to working through a pandemic and what it did to the restaurant industry. The position changed, the people changed, and the industry changed.

In the last few years, I began to realize that there was no advancement for me with the company I was working for. Working 50+ hours a week and my stress levels were at an all-time high. Then the health issues started to present themselves. At this point, I decided it was time to think about moving on. I started to look for new opportunities. First, I was looking at wanted ads, but nothing sounded like a good fit for me. Not wanting to work in another restaurant but couldn’t find something that suited me. Online Opportunities became my go to.

The Journey Begins in Embracing Entrepreneurship

This was a lot of research and many failed attempts at what I wanted to do. I tried my hand at several different things, from painting to soap and candle making. There was drop shipping and selling printable planners. Nothing really felt right to me.

Not too long into my journey, I stumbled upon Pinterest Management. This was it! I can do this, I love Pinterest! I invested in a course and learned all things Pinterest. Was only able to get one client because I had no idea how to run an online business or market myself. So, I gave up and tried to be happy in the position I was in. But I was still unhappy, and the health issues got worse.

Back to the drawing board I went. When I looked into some more online opportunities and found Virtual Assistance. I took some time to really start to learn and hone some of the skills that I knew I could offer as a VA. Then I took a big leap and invested in a course that was going to teach me everything I needed to know to run a successful VA business. And it was worth every penny!

I am not saying that it has been all rainbows and butterflies since then. In fact, I am going to share with you the struggles I faced. How I overcame them to get to a place where I was able to leave my Full-time position.

Imposter Syndrome

Definition of Imposter Syndrome: as the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills. Imposter syndrome plagued my thoughts and made me question my worth and whether anyone would hire me as a Virtual Assistant.

Was I nuts leaving a job that had provided me with financial stability for the past 10 years? Am I being ungrateful for what I have been given? How am I going to afford insurance when I quit? Who is going to pay the kind of money I need to make? These were among the many questions I was asking myself every day. Not to mention the multiple breakdowns and the number of tears I shed during this time.

Cultivating Confidence

I knew that conquering self-doubt was crucial to my success. Then I dedicated my time to continuous skill development. Undertook mindset work through journaling and therapy. I read inspirational books. I did a lot of self-reflection on my values and strengths, and this played a pivotal role in reinforcing my determination. The turning point arrived when I landed my first client. This boosted my confidence and validated my abilities.

With newfound confidence and a honed skill set. I took action to launch my Virtual Assistant business. Completing the course and following the steps were just the beginning. I fearlessly marketed on social media. I remained committed to learning and adopting new skills to enhance my success.

The Struggle for Time

Like any new business owner, I faced the challenge of balancing time efficiently. I was still working 50 hours a week at my full-time job and every other Saturday at a brewery. I remember there being a few Sundays I worked from 9 am to 9 pm to do the necessary tasks to get my business going. Long hours and little downtime tested my resolve, but I remained persistent, driven by my passion for the work.

A Supportive Network

Amidst the challenges, I had unwavering support from my partner Casey. I know I couldn’t have done it without him. He cheered me on and reassured me that we would thrive through this transition. He talked me down off of many ledges and kept me going on the right path. Also, I had a strong network of friends and inspiring fellow business owners also bolstered my spirit.

Conclusion

The journey from a restaurant General Manager to a thriving Virtual Assistant is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Despite the initial doubts, I found the strength to forge ahead and embrace the changes in my life with grace. I hope my story reminds you that it’s possible to follow your dreams, even in the face of uncertainty. By investing in oneself, staying consistent, and seeking support, every aspiring entrepreneur can find the courage to break free from their comfort zones and discover new horizons of success.

Restaurant GM to Virtual Assistant: Embracing Entrepreneurship

The Virtual Assistant Course I took was the Virtual Savvy.

Want to learn more about what I do as a virtual Assistant? Check out my services!