Proofread Anywhere students come from all different backgrounds and experiences. Stay-at-home moms, college graduates, retirees… the list is endless.
And while I share a love of words with all of my students, Ashlie and I have a little something extra in common.
Ashlie and I both used to work in the fitness industry… and both of us changed our lives with proofreading! How cool is that?!
I loved hearing Ashlie’s story on how she went from being a fitness coach to now rocking a full-time proofreader gig. Check out her story below!
Q: Hey there, Ashlie! Tell us a little about your background. What did your life look like before you crossed paths with PA?
Before I found PA, I was searching high and low for something that seemed elusive. I wanted something that gave me the freedom to work from home (or wherever else I wanted), the flexibility to work my own hours and take days off during the week to get things done if I needed to, and most importantly, something I enjoyed doing.
At the time, I owned and ran my own fitness business teaching fitness classes and doing online fitness coaching. I applied for various online jobs, hoping they would lead to what I was looking for. But nothing I found felt right, and nothing got me to where I wanted to be. Then I found an article talking about PA and I just knew it was meant for me. I have always loved reading and I felt I had an eye for catching errors, so why not?
Q: Why not, indeed 😉 So when did you start proofreading, and what made you decide to learn how to do it?
I started proofreading transcripts when I started the Transcript Proofreading course. I decided to learn how to do it because it was something I had never done before but something I felt would be interesting and challenging.
Q: Speaking of… What was the most challenging part of getting started?
Making the choice to go for it. I had already tried several work-at-home opportunities that went nowhere and I really needed something to work. I was also terrified of failure. What if I did take this leap and I wasn’t good at it, or I couldn’t get it to go anywhere?
Q: Fear is a HUGE reason why so many people don’t even get started. Good for you for pushing through that mental block! What was the most valuable thing you learned during the course?
Of course, I learned how to proof transcripts, how to market myself, and find clients, but I really learned that I am capable. I am smarter than I gave myself credit for. I could be successful if I just went for it and didn’t give up.
Q: How long did it take you to find your first client? How many clients do you have now?
It took me a couple of weeks to find my first client, but it took me about a month to find my first steady client. I now have seven clients.
Q: What advice would you give anyone thinking about enrolling in the course to proofread transcripts? Is it worth the money?
My advice is to just go for it. If you enjoy reading, can catch errors fairly easily, and see this as something you could enjoy doing, just do it. It is more than worth the money when you realize that it is possible to make an income working from anywhere with the flexibility to set your own hours.
Q: What does your life look like now as a working full-time proofreader? Anything else you’d like to share about your journey?
I am able to work by a cozy fire on a snowy day or on my back patio with the sounds of nature in the background in the summer. I have the flexibility to run errands during the workday if I need to, and I am able to bring work with me if I choose. I’m so grateful I get to stay home with my baby and experience all of his “firsts” and make memories with him while working and making a living. Now I am less stressed and truly enjoy what I do now.
Our Take
How’s that for a taking action to make your dream come true? Ashlie went from not loving her job to becoming a full-time proofreader AND work-at-home mom. Good for you, Ashlie!
Your Turn
Are you in a job that isn’t getting you where you want to be? Feeling stuck and out of options? Try my free 7-day intro course and see if proofreading could be your ticket to a better life. What have you got to lose?
Is it hard getting used to reading 1,000’s of pages? I have a hard time staying awak when I read and I;m wondering if the same will be when I proofread.
Nicole
Well done Ashlie – you took a leap into the unknown and have succeeded. I am still a bit unsure having only entered into the General Proofreading Course. The transcript training sounds awesome so when I have a bit more experience (and courage) I intend to complete it.
Enjoy your time with baby – they grow up far too fast (my baby is 26!).
Thanks for the encouraging story. Maybe I've been afraid partly because it sounds too good to be true. I must overcome this and get going. The study I have done was so much fun. Thanks again.
It's really motivating to hear stories like Ashlee's. It helps me to understand how a lack of confidence can be holding back someone who is very capable and who possesses all the skills to be successful. One point made in the Proofreading Anywhere materials is that the appropriate mindset can be a game-changer. Thanks very much for distributing these success stories. I hope that this type of motivation will be helpful to me!
This is a lovely story and it inspires me while I finish up the challenges of the PA General Proofreading course. I needed this. Thank you.