Working from Home Journal Part 1: How it all started.

Hello, I'd like to share my journey of becoming a part of the Virtual Assistant Industry. It all started when I first learned about the opportunity to work remotely. A friend of mine, who happened to be a Virtual Assistant at a certain company, recommended that I explore this field. At that point in my life, I was still employed in the BPO industry and had no family commitments. Working from home wasn't my primary aspiration at the time.

Fortunately, I decided to give it a shot and applied for a Virtual Assistant position. To my delight, I successfully passed both the interview and the training required for the role. What made this even more exciting was that the company was in need of someone to join their Recruitment team, and they believed I was a suitable candidate for the position. I went through the interview process for the Recruitment-Sourcing specialist role and was ultimately hired for the position.

Working from home has truly been an exhilarating adventure for me. The absence of a daily commute, the freedom to work in my pajamas, and the constant presence of my family have made it an unforgettable experience. I fondly recall my mom bringing me snacks right to my room – whether it was hot coffee or porridge on a rainy day, or sweetened papaya and avocado on a scorching afternoon. These cherished memories highlight the incredible comfort of working from the confines of your own home.

At present, I hold the role of a Virtual Assistant, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude toward my employer based in Virginia, USA. This professional setting has proven to be an ideal fit for me. I have the privilege of working alongside exceptional supervisors and coworkers. Continuous training and exposure to new tasks have expanded my knowledge and propelled my career forward. The level of camaraderie and support I receive from them makes me feel like an integral part of the company, not merely a contractor. I'm truly content with my current position.

Working from home does come with its share of difficulties, notably in the realm of technology. Relying on technology can be a two-edged sword. Issues such as internet interruptions, software hiccups, or hardware malfunctions can interrupt work and lead to feelings of exasperation. I can also recall instances when I lacked access to resources or equipment as they do in the office, and this had a noticeable effect on my productivity and overall job satisfaction. Additionally, I encountered communication challenges. Remote work occasionally hinders effective communication, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations among colleagues.

However, the aspect that didn't sit well with me was the sense of isolation and solitude. Working from home can be an isolating experience, particularly if you've grown accustomed to the camaraderie of colleagues in a traditional office environment. The absence of face-to-face interactions and socializing gradually gave rise to feelings of loneliness and seclusion.

But over the years, I've acquired strategies to conquer these challenges. It's crucial to establish a daily routine, define boundaries, maintain effective communication, invest in a suitable home office setup, and prioritize self-care. Employers can also contribute by offering support, resources, and clear guidelines for remote work, thereby aiding their employees in thriving within this work environment.

It is very important for me to keep track of the learnings, struggles and memories that's why I wanted to have my "working from home journal".