After a lovely week away in Devon, I have come home feeling refreshed, recharged and genuinely ready to get back to work as a self employed virtual assistant.
For the whole week, I completely switched off from client work. No emails. No admin. No checking in. No squeezing in a few jobs while I was away. It was a proper break, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. ✨
Instead, I spent the week relaxing and enjoying quality time with my husband Steve and our two dogs, Pudding and Pippin. 🐾 We enjoyed the slower pace, the fresh air, the lovely scenery and the simple pleasure of not having to rush.
That kind of break is so important when you run your own business.
Taking a Proper Break as a Self Employed Virtual Assistant
When you are self employed, it can be very easy to stay half switched on all the time. Even when you are meant to be resting, part of your mind is still thinking about your inbox, your clients, your to do list or what needs doing when you get back.
This time, I did things differently.
I gave myself permission to fully switch off. No guilt. No laptop. No trying to squeeze work into holiday time. Just rest, time with my family and the chance to properly recharge. 💛
That week away reminded me that rest is not wasted time. It is part of running a business well. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step back, breathe and come back with a clearer head.
Why Being Self Employed Suits Me So Well
Coming home from Devon has made me realise something even more clearly than before. Being self employed really is perfect for me.
That does not mean it is always easy, because it is not. Running your own business comes with responsibility, pressure and hard work. But it suits me because I have built something that fits around my life, my strengths and the way I work best.
For me, self employment is about more than flexibility. It is about purpose. It is about creating a working life that feels right instead of forcing myself into one that never did.
And that is a big difference.
Why I Love Being a Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual assistant is such a huge part of why I feel this way. 💻
I love helping people. I love bringing order to chaos. I love supporting business owners who are brilliant at what they do but do not have the time, energy or headspace to stay on top of all the admin behind the scenes.
As a virtual assistant, I get to make a real difference. Whether it is email management, organisation, financial admin, website updates, diary support or general business admin, I know the work I do helps my clients feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
That is what I love most. I am not just ticking things off a list. I am helping people create more space in their business and in their minds.
From Dreading Work to Looking Forward to It
Years ago, when I worked in HMRC, I used to dread going back to work after a holiday. That sinking feeling would start before the break had even ended, and it would hang over the last day or two.
Now, it is completely different.
As I sit here writing this, knowing I will be back in the office tomorrow, I am actually looking forward to it. I am ready to get back to working with my clients, getting organised and doing the work I have built for myself.
That feeling says a lot.
It tells me that becoming self employed was one of the best decisions I ever made. It tells me that building Vicki Admin Fairy was worth it. And it tells me I have created a business that fits me far better than the old working life ever did.
Building a Business That Works for You
One of the biggest things this break has reminded me is that success is not just about being busy all the time. It is about building a business that supports your life, your wellbeing and your goals. 🌿
For me, that means having a business I can step away from when I need to and come back to with energy and enthusiasm. It means doing work I care about. It means knowing that being a self employed virtual assistant is not just what I do, it is something that genuinely suits who I am.
That is a lovely feeling to come home with.
Final Thoughts
Devon gave me the rest I needed, but it also gave me perspective.
It reminded me that I do not want to escape my business. I actually enjoy coming back to it. It reminded me that self employment has given me a way of working that fits who I am, and being a virtual assistant has allowed me to build a business that works with me, not against me.
If you are feeling overwhelmed in business, or like you need more structure, support and direction, you are definitely not alone.
If you are a VA and you are looking for more confidence and clarity in your business, my Confidence and Clarity Pack is a great place to start. If you are self employed and want a practical guide to help you feel more organised, focused and in control, take a look at my Self Employed Companion here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GFH1YL22
Feel free to drop me a message
Vicki