Things have been a little quiet on the business front since I returned from France. Understandably so, since I didn’t much feel like interacting with the outside world immediately. DH has come up with the ultimate distraction- his tax returns. Or, more precisely, his accounts to send to his accountant so that they can deal with his tax returns. Anyone who has watched paint dry will know what a thrill this is, but as the weather has been appalling, I’ve been quite happy tucked away in our garret study filling in spreadsheets.
The business came about it a- typically- unexpected fashion. Lady W had to get rid of me to fund JF’s ABA programme. Not as terrible as it might sound. When you’ve worked with kids for this long (I had been nannying and maternity nursing for 11 years) you fully appreciate that a child’s wellbeing has to come first. And a parent will do whatever is necessary to achieve that. It’s their job. Ordinarily losing my job would send me into a flat spin, but I was very relaxed about it all really. DH and I had decided that I needed to keep on working part-time and, in an ideal world, find a local or home-based role that meant I could spend quality time with TWH. So I wrote down on a piece of paper all those things I had experience of doing, enjoyed doing, wanted to do. And came up with Girl Friday. Or, more specifically, A Helping Hand, my business. I got some posh business cards printed, emailed everyone I knew or had ever met and thus found myself three months down the line…
The beauty of my job is that I never know what my week is going to involve. One day I could be waiiting in for a delivery for someone, the next I could be finding the best deal on flights. One day I could be nannying, the following day ensuring a wedding goes smoothly. It allows me to spend some time quietly at home and some time in the adult world interacting. I even do bits and pieces for people who live overseas (thanks, mum!) It’s still early days, really, as I’m building the concept by word of mouth. So I’m not always as busy as I would like, but there’s always plenty to do at home- the dog seems to mess up the house faster than I can tidy it! And, long term, I’m hoping it will fit well around babies.
That’s assuming I haven’t become a best-selling author of chick lit before then.
Kelly, I know where to come if ever I (or anyone else) needs a Girl Friday! I hope (and I mean this in a nice way) that you’re incredibly busy x
NMO
Children are so important i couldn’t agree more. Their wellbeing is paramount and as parents it is indeed our job to ensure that stays. Sorry! thank you for commenting on my recent blog regarding Amy.
I guess my job as part time farmer/full time mum/cleaner/cook & dog looker-after always dictates my week ahead. Although this week I could do with your job!
Crystal xx
I’m being made redundant from my job on 13th July but can’t post about it on my own blog yet just in case someone I know reads it as it’s supposed to be semi-confidential at the moment. I suppose I’ve been toying with the idea of setting up on my own (I’m a PA/Secretary) and was wondering if there might be work doing Virtual Assistant work combined with something similar to what you are doing. However as I am single I’m not sure if I will be able to afford it. I have e mailed a girl I know who does it to get some advice from her. It’s a thought that is both extremely exciting and extremely scary. Any advice would be gratefully received.
Kelly and Gwen, I’ve been pondering a lot about this kind of thing myself just lately, what with The Wedding and all…..I just wish I had the courage to actually go out there and do it.
Am extremely envious of you Kelly and would like to say….Gwen, go for it! As David keeps pointing out to me, banks have money to lend for new businesses…..easier said than done my darling David!