Mum Jo finds a virtual solution to her busy life (From Gazette Series)

Mum Jo finds a virtual solution to her busy life

"VIRTUAL dealings" is the way one Cam mother is juggling home life with a successful career.

Two years ago, Jo Cook, 31, made the decision to move from office hours of nine to five to working at home as a virtual PA.

She had previously worked as a PA in an office, had been an office manager and had also worked in IT recruitment but made the change because of family commitments.

She said: "I enjoy my job but it is important to be able to pick the children up from school."

The duties of a virtual PA are much the same as any other PA. They handle client's diaries, plan meetings, deal with correspondents and they can even answer the phone for their clients by having the line redirected to their house.

Jo even offers an additional service of producing leaflets and training material.

She said: "At the moment I work three mornings a week, but I also do paper work in evenings and when the children are home on holiday. "That's the danger with working from home you can lack the motivation for early starts but find the energy to work later."

An understanding husband allows Jo to juggle so well the demands of raising two children and being a competent PA.

She said: "Jon and I have been married nine years and even though my switch meant a drop in income, Jon agrees that the children come first." The couple have a daughter, Holly, 6, and a four-year-old son Josh.

Jo only has one client at the moment but with Josh starting school in September she is now able to offer her services to more companies. She said: "I have sent out letters, but it is hard trying to persuade people that a virtual PA works.

"Both parties need to be flexible. I understand that some companies may only want me when they are busy but can't afford another body in the office, and in return the company allows me to do my hours when I can." If you are interested in finding out more about being a virtual PA you can contact Jo Cook on 01453 547504.