We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlie Micheli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charlie, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
As a new mother, the overwhelming sense of responsibility was palpable. But it wasn’t just the typical challenges of motherhood that weighed on me; it was the silent burden of financial strain that accompanied my decision to stay home with my newborn. It was a decision grounded in practicality – the cost of childcare outweighed the potential income I could bring in. So, I embraced my role as a stay-at-home mom, doing my best to cherish every moment with my little one while silently grappling with the nagging worry of financial stability.
When my youngest arrived, I faced a pivotal moment. I realized that in order to provide the best life for my family, I needed to find a balance between motherhood and career. That is when I accepted a position in the mortgage industry, working from home while also trying to be present with my two children under two. It was extremely difficult, to say the least.
The days blurred together as I juggled loan files, work calls and diaper changes, deadlines and bedtime stories. However, amidst the chaos, I found a sense of fulfillment in excelling at my career while nurturing my family. I was shortly offered a promotion and then came added responsibilities. Very soon I found myself teetering on the brink of burnout.
Working from home with two toddlers underfoot was no small feat. The constant juggling act left me drained, both physically and mentally. I knew something had to change. It was during this moment that I made a bold decision, a leap of faith – to carve out my own path. That is when I decided to start my own business as a virtual assistant.
The transition wasn’t easy. Starting my own business meant facing uncertainty and financial instability. But I was fueled by a fierce determination to create the life I envisioned, I kept moving forward. I hustled tirelessly, seeking out clients and honing my skills, all while still striving to maintain a delicate balance between work and family.
This journey was filled with challenges, and there were moments when self-doubt threatened to derail my dreams. But with unwavering perseverance, I pushed through the obstacles, inching closer to my goal with each passing day.
And then, one day, it happened. I finally reached a milestone – I not only replaced my previous income but surpassed it. The weight that had once pressed heavily upon my shoulders was lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of empowerment and fulfillment. Something I had envisioned had finally come to life!
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned along the way. I have built a career from the ground up, achieved goals I once thought were unattainable, and forged a path that aligns with my values and aspirations.
My journey from overwhelm and burnout to empowerment and confidence are evidence to the power of resilience, determination, and faith in yourself and what you can achieve. And, today, as I continue on my journey of entrepreneurship, I do so with the knowledge and belief that no challenge is insurmountable, and no dream is beyond reach.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi there! I’m Charlie, and I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs and businesses streamline their operations and amplify their online presence. As a virtual assistant and online business manager, I provide comprehensive support in areas like content creation, social media management, project management, and more.
What excites me most about what I do is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in my clients’ lives. Whether it’s helping them reclaim precious time by handling administrative tasks or empowering them to scale their businesses through strategic planning, I thrive on being their trusted partner in success.
At the heart of my brand is a commitment to delivering top-notch service tailored to each client’s unique needs. I believe in fostering genuine connections and providing personalized solutions that drive real results. Plus, I’m always staying ahead of the curve, continuously learning and evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the digital landscape.
As for what’s new, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now offering VIP Days! These intensive, focused sessions are perfect for tackling specific projects or tasks without the commitment of a monthly retainer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs who need targeted support to level up their businesses.
I’m excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to continue supporting amazing individuals and businesses in achieving their goals. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level or explore how we can collaborate, I’d love to chat!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities that have been pivotal in my journey are adaptability, communication, and continuous learning.
-Adaptability: Keeping up (enthusiastically) with change and view challenges as growth opportunities.
-Communication: Prioritize clear and effective communication to build strong relationships.
-Continuous Learning: Stay curious, seek new knowledge, and invest in personal and professional development.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I find it helpful to step back and take a deep breath. Then, I prioritize tasks and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Taking breaks, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and reaching out for support from friends or loved ones also helps me regain perspective and focus. It’s important to recognize when I need to ask for help or delegate tasks. Ultimately, finding what works best for me in managing overwhelm is key, whether it’s through exercise, journaling, or simply taking some time for self-care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://charlieannmicheli.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieannva/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-m-356a5121b
Image Credits
photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/asterdaisyphoto/
