Catherine Gladwyn

Working for others in a pointless 9-5 was never enjoyable for me - my dream was to be my own boss so I could enjoy the best years of my life, and health.

I started my business as a Virtual Assistant in late 2015 and within 3 months I'd handed in my notice at my 9-5. In year two I was earning double my annual income.

I wake up every day excited to work.

For me starting on this journey from 9-5 to Virtual Assistant was daunting, I had all the usual fears, fear of failure, fear of losing face, fear of going broke, fear of letting myself and my daughter down, but I also had the added worry of my chronic health issues. Equally though, my health was one of the many reasons I wanted to be my own boss, to improve and manage it.

I have a pituitary (base of brain) tumour which was first 'removed' in 2012, then radiotherapy in 2014 which slowed the tumour but destroyed the pituitary gland so I have (secondary adrenal deficiency) Addison's Disease too. I've since had four more surgeries and chemo.

But, I am happier than I have ever been in my life!

No one should struggle in life and work need not be life-limiting.

I love my life now more than I ever have, despite the challenges, and that's largely down to being able to have my work revolve around my life and not the other way around.

And this is why I published my first book, How to be a Virtual Assistant. Solely to help other women, who find their 9-5s life limiting, see that there is a better working life out there.

How to be a Virtual Assistant helps you see what being a Virtual Assistant is like, what it involves. Is it something that will make your life easier too?

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When I started my VA business, back in 2015 I knew my tumour might one day return. And it did. Five times! Ironic really as I couldn't even grow carrots in lockdown.

After four more rounds of neurosurgery I had to take 12 months off - completely - to recover. I couldn't work. No way. I couldn't even scroll through my phone, without having a nap, for about a month.

However, because of how I'd built my business I experienced no loss of income. I had a team, I had multiple income streams but more importantly I created a safe, sustainable, profitable business and, I show you how too, in my second bestselling book, The 20% Rule® - How to ensure your business is safe, sustainable and profitable.

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Voted Best Book for VAs, by VAs, in the Virtual Assistant Voice Awards

Mentioned in The Guardian – ‘How I Spend It’

Listed one of ten best business books written by women in The Independent