Why I Became a Business Support Specialist (aka Virtual Assistant)

My story may be unique but in many ways, it’s not that different from others doing exactly what I am doing. At some point in our lives, we hit a precipice where we are faced with the decision to lean back into our daily routine and everyday life or take the leap of faith and move forward in a different (& scary) direction toward our dreams.

My catalyst was one of those stories that will open your eyes to life’s “real” priorities and a story that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.

Corporate America’s Lack of Empathy

In 2016 I started dating my future husband and things moved fairly quickly. I moved in with him after a few months of dating and it was kind of a big deal. He lived 2.5 hours north of where I lived and worked. After several discussions with my employer to let them know my plans and to get approval to work from home, I had to give an ultimatum. I was working from home or I was resigning. Fortunately, I was approved to work from home with some stipulations.

About a month after moving north and starting my work-from-home life my boyfriend/future husband had a serious medical emergency in the middle of the night. I had to give him CPR on our bedroom floor and watch EMTs use a defibrillator on him. They put him on a stretcher and off to the hospital they went. His mother, stepfather, and I all jumped into a truck and headed to the local hospital. Once there, we were asked all kinds of questions and no one knew what was happening. He was later airlifted to a major hospital 3 hours south and I was in my car driving to meet them.

When it was a reasonable hour to reach out to my manager at my employer, I let her know what was happening and that I would need help with my work. The response I got was one I will never forget. She said, “Reach out to Dave (who was my colleague at that time). He should be able to help you.” I was flabbergasted. There was no empathy for the situation and no offer to help in any way. I couldn’t really believe it.

Long story short, my boyfriend/future husband and I had a traumatic week in the hospital and less than 10 days later were heading back home with no answers. All we knew was that we would be living a “new normal”. The one thing I did know was that I needed to leave the job I was in. There was no way I was going to continue working for someone that made me feel the way my manager did that day.

The final straw came during review time a couple of months later. I knew that I had a very successful year and I made sure my self-assessment reflected my accomplishments but when it came time to review my work with my manager I was told that I did a great job but that she couldn’t give out too many high marks regardless of if I actually deserved it or not. Corporate only allowed so many. At that point, I was done. Why was I going to spend my days working my booty off to be told that I am “average” or “mediocre”?? I told my boyfriend that I would be starting my own business and quitting my job.

Gaining Control of My Time and Income

I had heard on a podcast someone explain what a Virtual Assistant was and I knew deep down that all my skills from working in the corporate world could be a better fit in the VA world. I also knew that I wanted control of my own schedule and earning potential. I understood my worth and I wasn’t going to let people that didn’t care about me dictate my value.

I started Mountain 46 in the spring of 2017 and I haven’t looked back since. I grew my client roster quickly and was able to quit my corporate job a couple of months later. I have been growing my business since.

We work with some of the most incredibly talented and kind business owners. It’s been an absolute pleasure helping grow their businesses. My very first client is still one of our clients five years later. The company has had ups and downs and we have had to pivot more than once, but I truly believe that my skills are better used and that my value is known and respected by my colleagues and clients.

Mountain 46 is a Business Support Agency that supports small business owners all over the country. Our mission is to help our clients clear their path so they can confidently keep moving forward. Book a discovery call today to find out how my team and I can help you and your business.