There are many reasons people give to want to work out of their homes. The main reason I hear? “I get to work in my jammies!” As a matter of fact, I think I may have even heard that come from my own lips when I began working for Project Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Assistants work from home. We produce letters, memos, and complex manuals. We develop databases, write reports and perform a multitude of “office work.” Virtual Assistants use our own supplies, computers, office space and time to produce for other companies what they are unable to efficiently produce for themselves. Let’s take a look at what that really entails. If you are thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant, you may think you have stumbled across the best thing since sliced bread, and for some it is. To determine if you are one of those chosen few who are capable of successfully working from home you need to explore the deep, dark areas of your own psyche. Are you prepared to face that? If so, here we go…

In the real world, your alarm clock goes off, and if you are anything like me, you hit the snooze button for about 15 minutes, and then you arise to face the day. More than likely you make a pot of coffee, glance through the newspaper (online or in hard copy), and hit the showers. In larger cities, your time is dependent upon the train or bus schedule, the amount of traffic you will meet during rush hour or the child you must get off to school. By 9 am, you have already “worked” several hours and now you are headed to another 8+ hours of “real” work.

Now, you imagine yourself a Virtual Assistant, working from home: The greener side of the fence. Alarm clock? Most likely, if you have children, you have a built in alarm that forbids you sleep past 5 am. But even so, the pace is more relaxed. You can check in with your work projects at any time, day or night, via your computer. Breakfast with your kids and/or significant other becomes more of a reality. You can start work when you please, your only deadline being that of your client. All your attention, for the period of that project can be focused on one task. As you progress, you will easily be able to take on several projects at a time, and arranging the ones you choose around your life and schedule. But think about it. How much can be accomplished in pajamas? If you are the type of person who needs immediate stimulation upon waking to get the juices flowing, you may want to rethink the pajamas idea.

Here are a few guidelines that are imperative for a Virtual Assistant working from home:

1. Set a work schedule

Get up and get going! Don’t fall into bad habits by working “when you feel like it.” Sure it’s great to work from home, but remember this is your business and WORK is the vital part of keeping your business going.

2. Take a shower and get dressed

Just because you are in your own home, don’t get overly comfortable. Get up, shower and get dressed. Working in comfortable clothes is ok - but don’t do it in your jammies. Pajamas are for sleeping and subconsciously your mind and body know this. Get dressed and you will be motivated.

3. Nourish your mind and body

Take sufficient time to fuel your mind and body. Make sure that you eat breakfast and lunch. If you jump into to working right off - you may forget to eat and this will not help you to produce your best work.

4. Give yourself a break!

You will be working at your computer all day long. Short stretch breaks, and even a brisk walk outside will loosen tight muscles and refresh you.

5. Keep busy

The great thing about being a Virtual Assistant is its flexibility. However, it is imperative that you stick to your schedule - even if you have no assignments pending for the day. There is always something you can be working on - be it your website, your database, or promoting your business. Don’t rob yourself of your own hard work and talent. Time off should be scheduled not spontaneous.

Time management has been the key to my success as a VA with Project Virtual Assistant at http://www.projectvirtualassistant.com. Companies that employ our services must meet deadlines of their own, and call upon us to help them with their goals. We have the realization that while “our time” may seem like our own, in reality it is dedicated to each deadline until completion.

In short - the control you have as a virtual assistant is to keep focused on your goals and to pick and choose which projects work best for you. Starting out, this may not be an option, and may become just as hectic and time consuming as going into an office everyday, but trust me, once you get your feet wet it won’t be long before you are doing the backstroke in the world of the Virtual Assistant.

~~Angela Ward has been writing interesting and sometimes even informative articles for most of her adult life. She uses her background in office work and IT to assist, virtually, anyone who requests her services. Learn more about her at http://www.projectvirtualassistant.com

**This article is free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact. (November 13, 2007)