OF PASSIONS, MOTHERHOOD AND BECOMING A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever thought of myself as becoming a virtual assistant. I was never tech-savvy, I did not understand computer jargons, and I have never liked computer lessons back then. Sure I had good grades in computer class, I studied and learned the ropes - for the simple fact that it was one of my minor subjects, but I honestly did not enjoy any of it, as in NONE. AT. ALL.

I have always loved animals, I enjoyed being surrounded by all kinds, and so in my young mind, I was set to become an animal doctor! I didn’t even know what the profession was called, but I was decided, when I grow up, I will be one.

I went away for college and took up veterinary medicine despite of my mom’s objections. I left the city life and the comforts of home to study in the province. I was culture shocked, I had to be on my own, I had to do things independently, I had to learn to become one of ‘em “cowboys”. I had to juggle my subjects and thrive in a place so different from where I grew up in. I had to deal with all of these - ALL. FOR. THE. LOVE. OF. ANIMALS.

I graduated and gained a degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I was one of the few in my batch to graduate on time. I was so happy and proud of myself. I was an examination shy of earning my professional license. I was one step away from achieving my goals of being able to heal and help all the creatures that cannot help themselves. My lifelong aspiration was ultimately within reach. I will finally be fulfilling a childhood dream.

Then, MOTHERHOOD HAPPENED.

My life’s really gone 180 degrees.

All of my plans were put on hold, my dreams were pushed a little further at the back, I had to be prepared on becoming the best mother to this tiny being in my womb.

Motherhood brought out the best and worst in me. I enjoyed being with my son 24/7, I felt a new sense of fulfillment, I embraced this wonderful new role of being a stay at home mom and wife. My priorities have completely changed.

Veterinarian, whaaaat?!

Fast forward to ten years after my son was born, I had a couple of veterinary related jobs in between, but still, nothing compared to the contentment I felt when I was with my family, seeing my son grow before my very eyes, and being able to be there for him every time, all the time.

But our funds were getting low, our son’s needs were growing more and more each day, I had to find a way to help my husband with all of our household expenses. I had to look for a way to help with the finances and be physically present for my little boy at the same time.

My sister introduced Filipino Virtual Assistance to me, I was hesitant at first, I never really liked the idea of working online, and I was scared. I was scared because I didn’t know anything about the softwares and tools used. I didn’t have the skills that the clients were looking for, I only had basic computer knowledge, I knew I needed to learn. I had to decide fast.

I enrolled in the online freelance course for aspiring virtual assistants, I had a lot of doubts at first, everything was so new to me. I had to clear away all my qualms and skepticisms, I needed to learn not only the lessons taught, but also to love what I was doing. Days passed and I noticed that I slowly began looking forward to live coachings and doing assignments. I allotted time and effort in doing the tasks. I finally enjoyed what I was asked to do. WHAT WAS WRONG WITH ME?

Today I am enjoying the opportunities of helping others through my work as a virtual assistant (see my services and contact information here), the financial freedom, and above all - TIME, the time to be with my son at his eminently crucial, formative years of life. I can always be with him to teach and guide him and to just be physically present when he needs me most. I can be the best mother that I always hoped for.

My childhood dream may currently be on hold, I may or may never be a licensed veterinarian, but I know the passion to help all creatures who cannot help themselves still lives within me. It does not take a license to hinder me from helping animals in my own little ways. I may never be the greatest animal doctor, but I know, in my son’s eyes, I am the greatest mother, and that, my friend, is all that matters.