Living My Best Life: A Freedom Maker's Perspective

Never in a million years did I think I would be living this lifestyle. I mean seriously, who actually dreams of marrying an active-duty Marine where you will be forced to spend limitless time apart? Not me. Way back when, in the summer of 2008, I had decided to head east to the beaches of Emerald Isle to serve cocktails and beer at the infamous beach bar, The Emerald Club. I was not expecting to find my forever love. I was there to save money to pay back the thousands I owed in college tuition. I was not aware that this particular place was the go-to-hang out for our American heroes stationed at Camp Lejeune. I remember asking a co-worker how she knew which customers were Marines and ones that were just there on vacation? I remember the laughter because she was completely blown away that I did not even notice the traditional haircuts that they all seemed to be rocking. From then on out I was schooled on how to spot a Marine from a mile away.

Fast-forward to 2011 and I married my active-duty Marine and chose to put my career on the backburner and focus on his career and our future family. This was all by choice because I could have pursued my dreams and goals but living this life of changing locations every two-three years is not for the faint of heart. Trying to find a new job after every move, keeping up with credentials, and the costs of childcare was overwhelming.
If only I had known then what I know now I would have joined Freedom Makers a lot sooner. Two words. Virtual Assistant. Being a Virtual Assistant is the absolute dream job for a military spouse. I am able to work from the comfort of my home while caring for my three-year-old son and also my six-year-old when he’s out of school for holidays or summer break. It’s the best of both worlds. I wanted the ability to stay home and be the best mother and wife possible but at the same time, I wanted something for myself to help me continue to grow as a person. This is it. It motivates and challenges me to keep growing and gives me something of my own. I’ll never regret my decision to stay home with my kids while they are little, but I must admit that it is nice to have a job that forces me to go outside my comfort zone and keeps my brain flowing.
Currently, I am assisting two clients in California even though I currently reside in Virginia. Yes, the time difference does make things a little more challenging but is easily manageable if both parties are willing to work together. Having the flexibility to work the hours that fit my schedule between errands, drop-offs, playtime, naptime, preparing meals and running my household makes being a virtual assistant the perfect fit for myself and my family. Being flexible and open from both parties in the business relationship is extremely important. However, knowing that they are counting on me to handle a project for them I will work through the wee hours of the morning to get it completed if need be. Multiple times “life has happened” and both of my clients have told me, “Family first and then resume business duties.” This is the exact moment I knew I had selected the best professionals to assist. Anyone who understands that working from home brings its own set of challenges and is willing to adapt to their timeline are the people I want to be associated with. With that being said I of course value my clients and their businesses and I want them to succeed and meet their personal and professional goals just as much as they want me to succeed in being their virtual assistant. It’s teamwork and dedication at its finest and I’m loving every minute of it.

Knowing that I can continue to work for my clients from where ever the Marine Corps sends us is reassuring and an incredible feeling. I cannot imagine having to leave a job just because we are being relocated to a new duty station and having to start all over again. Being a virtual assistant has enhanced my life and pushed me to do things that I never dreamed possible. Having to research topics that I have no previous experience with is keeping my mind and brain firing on all cylinders. I have the best of both worlds and am excited to see what my future holds and where Freedom Makers takes me next. I am living my best life.

Freedom Makers provides virtual assistants who are military spouses. Due to their association with the military, they understand how to be flexible and deliver top-notch service. Freedom Makers’ mission is to support military spouses and their families by creating a path to stable, uninterrupted employment and income. Freedom Makers can help your business with many services. Contact us today.