Portable careers
are a growing trend among the military spouse community. Frequent
relocations once frowned upon, are now being welcomed with open arms
thanks to the wonderful world of technology and the Internet. Military
spouses can now utilize their talents, skills, and abilities to launch
viable virtual companies at home and/or in cyberspace.
Fast dialup connections and high speed Internet access enable spouses to
conduct business online in real time on the web from anywhere in the
world, literally. From Alaska to Japan, from New York to Florida spouses
are able to sell products and services to clients around the globe.
Why is this new way of working so appealing to military spouses? Great
question! Spouses look forward to those three little words every three
to four years, “Honey, we’re moving. In times past this meant quitting a
job and starting all over, portable careers however allow a spouse to
take not only their career/business but also his/her clientele, this
benefit alone eliminates the reduction in household income.
Portable careers are especially appealing to spouses who are self
disciplined, enjoy working alone and are comfortable using technology.
The types of careers a spouse can start include: writing, editing,
secretarial support, virtual assistance, translations, transcription,
information research and retrieval, photography, interviewer and the
list goes on and on. Creativity is key when considering a portable
career or virtual business.
Important facts to keep in mind when starting any type of business: be
sure to check your local laws (business licensing, zoning, etc.), if you
are thinking about starting a business from government quarters be sure
to check with your base housing and/or JAG office for authorization.
Remember, the next time your spouse announces those three little words
“Honey, we’re moving”, simply pack your career and let’s go. Until the
next time, happy virtual officing!
To learn more about the Virtual Business Owners Initiative go to:
www.vsscyberoffice.com/vbo.
About the Author
Victoria Parham is the president and chief technology officer for
VSSCyberOffice.com, a forerunner in the virtual support services
industry, an advocate of portable careers for trailing spouses and
family members. Its web-based Virtual Business Owners Training
Program(tm), the first Virtual Careers program for Department of Defense
ID Cardholders, is available and accessible at military bases around the
world.
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