What separates a virtual assistant from his/her corporately-employed counterpart?

While anyone who launches their own business is an acknowledged entrepreneur, are virtual assistants also more adventurous than some other workers?

While the jump from employee to self-employment is often explained as a wish to be in charge of your own schedule / be more available to family / choose one’s clients, I wonder if there is something else quantifiable that distinguishes remote professionals from others?

I have met some amazing folks who are living their lives with intention and on their own terms since I have been a part of this industry.

Consider:

Paula Williams, who is a full time traveling VA. (See my interview with Paula here.)

Erin Blaskie, who is about to embark on a trip across the U.S. in which she’ll hit 28 states in 31 days.

Angela Parker, who financed her family farm through her work as a remote professional, and who spends her weekends fixing roofs and fences.

My dear friend Judy Vorfeld, who is an accomplished photographer and adventurer extraordinaire.

I can only guess at the adventurous lives lead by many others of my virtual colleagues, since their public personae are unfailingly professional.

Working virtually doesn’t always mean living an alternative lifestyle, but the nature of our work arrangements enable those intrepid types who want to try something different to have at it.

Speaking of this, here are some other relevant posts:

• Kayaking as Metaphor for Blogging
• Kayaking with Dogs