My name is Shaun Poland and I am the owner of Spoland Solutions. I get confused at times when I hear about the high level of unemployment in the United States. Over 3 years ago, I was lucky enough to create my own business in a manner where almost anyone with the right work ethic can follow. 3 years ago, I started contracting with a company called Arise Virtual Solutions.

Founded in 1994 as Willow CSN by Richard Cherry and Gail Nichols, Arise currently contracts with Individual Businesses totaling more than 26,000 Client Support Professionals (who are employees, contractors, or owners of the IBs), providing sales, technical support and customer service in the form of phone, chat and e-mail responses. Arise clients are Fortune 500 companies including some who are even Fortune 20 companies.

Now let’s start out with my story. In 2009, I decided to move away from the area where I spent most of my life. I was working a job where there was almost no chance I was moving anywhere higher and I felt that overall, I just needed a change. Finding work was difficult once I moved and I was forced to take a job in fast food just to pay the bills. That’s when I did some research and found Arise Virtual Solutions. I was doubtful at the time but so thankful that I took the plunge.

When I originally started, I was taking calls for a major telecommunications client in my very own home.

I did so well that I was even promoted to a supervisor position within months of originally contracting with Arise Virtual Solutions. Some people are frustrated because employees are cutting hours more and more to avoid having to pay additional insurance premiums. My issue was quite the opposite; I didn’t have enough time in the day to work all the hours that I had access to. Most weeks, I worked 70 hours simply because I could.

So that was then, let’s talk about now. As you can see, now my home office is setup just a few feet away from my bed. A 4 foot commute to work isn’t a bad thing at all.

Deciding to contract with Arise Virtual Solutions was just the beginning of this business idea that I had. My company originally started with myself but has now grown to myself, my amazing team leader, and over 50 agents working in their homes all over the US. Now that is only the Arise side of my business. With the freedom that I gained by working the hours that I choose, I have been able to put time and money into additional projects that will help me financially. I spend quite a few hours a week working with my mom and stepfather with their business, I’m currently working on an eBook for other small business owners, I’m working on two mobile apps, and I’m starting an online indie-rock radio station. None of this would be possible if I hadn’t started contracting with Arise.

Now another concern to a lot of people is burnout at their current job. The call center field is hugely known for burnout and high turnaround rates. Sitting in a somewhat dark room in your cubicle with dozens or hundreds of voices around you will get old at some point. With Arise, you’re able to choose the client that you wish to contract with and you’re even able to change that at any time if you start feeling burned out. This allows you to still keep your same job while adjusting it to something that better meets your needs or wants.

Lastly, let’s talk about moving. What happens if you need or choose to move? You’ll most likely need to find a new job. I originally started Spoland Solutions in Lynnwood, Washington. I then moved to Redmond, Washington. I spent some time there and then moved back to Maine. Spent a little time there and moved somewhere else in Maine to take care of my grandmother after she had open heart surgery. I then decided to move down to North Carolina, right outside of Charlotte. During this time, I had virtually no interruption in work.

So that’s that! If you’ve ever wanted to become a business owner, I definitely suggest that you check out Arise Virtual Solutions. And if you’re not interested in becoming a business owner but would still like to work from home, check out my company, Spoland Solutions at spolandsolutions.com and you’ll be able to contract through Arise without needing to incorporate.