Have you ever had a simple question stop you in your tracks? I had this experience a few days ago while I was at the Forum on Virtual Assistance conference (which by the way was fantastic). I was sitting outside with Barb Lang the coordinator and brilliant mind behind this conference just talking away when she asked me “So what’s next for you?”
Wow! Talk about stopping in my tracks. I wasn’t quite sure how to respond because I didn’t really give it much thought. I ended up saying “not sure” and left it at that. However this question has been a continuous broken record in my mind since she uttered those words and I still haven’t quite grasped the answer.
Let me be honest with you. I love what I do, I love being a VA, but I’ve been doing this for some time now and although I love this profession and what it’s done for me, recently I find myself questioning whether or not I want to continue doing this for the next 10 – 20 years. I know shocking isn’t it?
I’ve reached a plateau in my career, I’ve met most if not all of the goals I set for myself 10 years ago when I began my career as a VA. I have two published books; I’m working on my third. I’ve been supporting other VA’s by mentoring and coaching for over 6+ years. I am a College Instructor where I teach VA’s, something that has far surpassed any goal that I had set for myself. In other words, I find myself wondering if “I’ve become all I can be” right now.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not retiring from the VA Profession, being a VA is not simply what I do but it’s a part of who I am, a part which I am not willing, at least not right now to let go of.
However since Barb asked me that question, a lot of things have come to the surface and I’m finding the time has come to plan out the goals for the next 10 years. I’ve got lots to think about!
I guess at this point I’m looking at the next path, the next journey…the next steps with eyes wide open trying to clearly define what that looks like.
So, how about you, have you thought about it…what your next steps are?
June 9th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I’ve been thinking the exact same thing recently.
I think it is important to reevaluate your goals on a regular basis.
It’s a great feeling when you reach your goals but I agree when you come to a plateau it’s time to set some new ones.
Congratulations on reaching your goals and then some!
Glad you had a fantastic time at FoVA. Sounds like everyone did. I’m sorry I missed it this year.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Thanks Sally! Maybe we should start looking into “The Next Step” support group
June 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I totally, totally know what you mean … I have often felt this way. Faced with having reached my goals and then asking “What next?” So when is the first meeting of the “Next Step” support group?
June 10th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Yvonne,
Let’s talk about it! I know I could defintely need some support surrounding this right now.
June 10th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I know for me, I always have a depressing lull after I’ve reached a big goal I’ve been trying to achieve for a very long time. It’s like the lull after the storm. Maybe this is just where you are at right now Michelle, in the lull, waiting and beginning to plan for that next fantastic storm to hit
It is similar to the downer I get after attending a function like FoVA where I get to finally meet and spend time with a bunch of VAs I’ve networked with online. I so look forward to these yet they go by so quickly! The moment I get home (am in the moment now), I miss everyone and wish it wasn’t over. You are just wishing it wasn’t over/completed as you miss the adrenalin rush. You’ll find a path onto another storm soon…don’t worry 
Sometimes I find it just from having a good call with a friend. 
June 11th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Thanks T, you are right. I think the key is trying to discover what the next storm looks like for me!
June 16th, 2009 at 6:05 am
Michelle,
As you know, I’m at that point now. You are helping be to go to the next level (goal). I understand how you feel. If we didn’t have dreams and goals, we would never reach our goals.
June 16th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
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August 22nd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Michelle,
I understand completely where you are coming from! I just recently (a year and a half ago) made the decision to begin a new career as a VA. I felt I had contributed all that I could to my former position and it was time to try my hand at something new and challenging. I am convinced that Virtual Assisting will be a challenge I will throughly enjoy! Thank you for all your help along the way as one of my instructors.