I was an engineer for a decade; I enjoyed the work and was good at it.  Even so, I decided to quit working for someone else.  That's all well and good, but I had to figure out what to do.  I liked many things, but nothing so much that I wanted to do that "job" exclusively: technical writing, shell script programming, system administration, desktop publishing, transcription, and data analysis.

During my search for a job title, I came across the term Virtual Assistant and decided that was the way to go.  A virtual assistant is a professional with his/her own business that provides services to clients.  The services are varied and can help small business owners get by without hiring a full-time, in-the-office employee.  A VA can often be a one stop shop and take care of whatever the client needs: either by doing the tasks by his/herself or by subcontracting out.  The VA's client can learn just one phone number or email address and feel secure that his/her needs will be met, on time, and accurately.

I joined the International Virtual Assistant Association, IVAA, and started to "meet" other VAs.  I also studied and achieved job role certifications from Brainbench as a Technical Writer, Editor, Administrative Assistant, and Customer Service Representative.

Despite my busy work life, I still manage to enjoy life.  I have a wide variety of interests, including playing with my kids and dog, reading, drawing and painting, gardening, games, writing, and cooking. Whenever my children are about to reach a new milestone, or a cool holiday comes up, I compile a  little "book" for them. I have a lot of hobbies. I get involved with a hobby for a few months and then leave the hobby for awhile. Eventually, I get back to the hobby. I have a friend that describes me as "getting to a 90% competency in a subject quickly."   Also, I joined a MOMs group and I am currently the secretary for the club.  I wanted my children to have a regular playgroup.  As a side benefit, I have a regular "playgroup" too.