Today we have a remarkable guest on, and this is special in that this is an answer to a lot of people’s problems. This guest is Chris Ducker, a successful entrepreneur that moved to the Philippines back in about 2000/2001, and at that time he set up a company that actually does some unique services, virtual employees, that is virtual assistants of various kinds. This gives the ability for somebody who has a company or to doing something, to hire virtually; therefore, that’s just like an independent contractor except at a lot less money, as opposed to hiring employees.

Extremely successful. He’s appeared in everything from Entrepreneur, to Inc., to Forbes, a few others. You might want to help me with that, Chris. I’ve lost track of all the things you’ve been put in. Anyway, welcome to Life Unsettled, Chris.

Chris: Thanks. It’s a pleasure to be here. I really appreciate the invite. You did pretty good. Entrepreneur, Inc., Business Insight, Huffington Post – that was a surprise. Other than that, you’ve got everything covered.

Thomas: Okay, good. One of the things that an awful lot of people are facing, and I gave a very brief look at it, and solving people’s problems, because people today more and more so are worried about jobs and other things. Right now we have Obama Care Healthcare in the United States, etc. to add on to everything else. The increases in jobs in the United States have not been real jobs. They just generally have been jobs that are under 30 hours a week, so that the companies don’t have to worry about giving health insurance, etc.

When you have part-time jobs, people are finding that two part-time jobs of 20+ hours doesn’t add up to a full-time job, because companies don’t pay you as much. People are looking for alternatives. Could you describe a little bit better for us how a virtual person, virtual assistant works? I’ll start off by saying I actually have three virtual assistants that I’m working with now.

Chris: Yeah. I think the key element or the key discussion point here is not necessarily how VAs work, although I can go into that, but it’s more importantly on how people that are in that situation right now can utilize virtual assistants to go out, and either create their own what I call a side hustle, so something on the side away from their full or part-time job, where they can earn additional income. Or maybe it’s: “I’ve had enough of working for other people. I’m going to go out and do my own thing. I have 20 years in this industry, or this niche, or this space. I’ve got a lot to teach. I’m going to go out and become a blogger, or an author, or a speaker, or a coach, or a consultant.”

What can I do? How can I launch that side of my life as a new full-fledged entrepreneur, and not work for a j-o-b anymore by utilizing virtual stuff? I think that’s the important way to look at it, Thomas, because I think there’s a lot of people out there that have a hell of a lot to offer society in a number of different industries and spaces, but they’re being pulled back because of the exact things that you just mentioned. Wouldn’t you agree?

Thomas: Absolutely. Yes. Everybody is so concerned about the risks involved in starting their own company, but to have something on the side. That’s not to follow the mantra that’s running around all over the world, “Go follow your passion.” That’s where people become dancers, actors, actresses, singers, etc. and end up working in the Cheesecake Factory or the deli in New York on Times Square.

You have other things to offer. Whatever you’ve done and however you have built that, your experiences, etc. and sometimes even hobbies. The hobby doesn’t have to be that you like to go ballroom dancing or something. It might be something else that you’re doing, but that you can become well-qualified, become an expert, learn it a little bit more, and then supplement it.

Chris: Agreed. Absolutely.