Photo by Michael Kelly Linsee Thomas works in the first floor common room where she operates a single-person enterprise, Thomas Virtual Services, out of a workstation in the building. She is one of more than 3,700 people in Washington County who run non-employer businesses in Washington County, some of which, like hers, serve a geographically widespread client base on a digital platform. MARIETTA — Sara Bir admits she has an unusual set of skills. Liberal arts studies and culinary expertise, a passion for education and a gift for writing don’t fit the description for many jobs available in small towns. She realized more than a decade ago that she could choose to work in a major metropolitan area or return to her hometown, Marietta, and create her own job. She chose the quality of life and low cost of living in Marietta. Bir is one of many residents who have chosen to take control of their destinies by creating a business enterprise of one person. Bir writes, offers culinary workshops on techniques ranging from bread baking to yogurt making, and does professional test-kitchen recipe runs. She’s published two books, “Tasting Ohio Favorite Recipes from the Buckeye State” and “The Fruit Forager’s Companion: Desserts, Main Dishes, and More from Your Neighborhood and Beyond,” along with a small handbook on paw-paw recipes, and provides editing and copywriting services. Her clients are both local and out of the area. Bir, 43, moved back home from the West Coast several years ago. “As a person who grew up in Marietta, I always thought I would move to a major city and never come back,” she said. “But as a freelancer I can work anywhere, and Marietta has a low cost of living, and it’s a place where I feel valued, a place where I can thrive doing what I’m doing.” She began freelancing as a writer and cook educator about 15 years ago, she said, and reached a point at which she realized she could make more money on her own compared to working for a wage. Now, about half her income is realized from events, such as workshops, where she has to be present, and the other half comes from remote, online work. “The first couple of years was hard. I didn’t make much money but I was able to get through it with the emotional support of my family and my many friends, and I knew how to navigate the landscape of Marietta,” she said. “Now, I’m very happy doing this, and I just wish there were more different kinds of work for people in this area, not just factory work, although that’s important. But I realize not everyone can do what I’m doing, and I love living in Marietta and seeing it thrive.” Linsee Thomas, who just turned 30, holds a bachelor of nursing degree, but she found the shift work and random hours interfered with her family life. She and her husband have four children, ranging in age from […]
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