What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant can be so exciting! Working from home. Choosing clients that you truly have a passion for working with. Flexible schedule. But, there are things I wish I had known before truly evaluating if this career was for me (short answer....it definitely is!!). In my time working as a VA, I've picked up on a few things that I don't think are very straightforward for people exploring the career. So, if you're thinking about trying out this career path, here are the three critical things I wish I knew when starting out.

It Takes a Lot of Time

One common misconception about being a virtual assistant is that it's all about leisurely working from the comfort of your home. In reality, being a virtual assistant demands time and dedication. You'll find yourself handling multiple tasks, communicating with clients often, managing schedules, and much more. This is not the career for you if you are lazy, not self-motivated, or a procrastinator (AT ALL). The key to success as a VA lies in your ability to manage your time effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain a high level of productivity.

It also takes time to establish your business. Don't believe that overnight you will turn into a VA rockstar who has clients begging to work with them. You have to put in the work ahead of time and it will pay off. It just might be a few months down the road. Keep working at it, it will come!

It Is Not a Passive Job... You Have to Work at It

Another crucial aspect to understand about becoming a virtual assistant is that it's far from a passive job. While the idea of working from home might sound relaxing, the reality is that it requires a significant amount of effort. As a virtual assistant, you are responsible for delivering exceptional service to your clients consistently. This means actively seeking out new opportunities, refining your skills, and constantly striving to exceed expectations. Success as a virtual assistant is not guaranteed; you have to put in the work to build your reputation, client base, and ultimately, your career. NO part of this job is passive. Don't believe people who tell you it is. If you're looking for something that's going to make you money while you vacation, look for something else. Not saying that you can't streamline your business to run automatically, but the core of your business is still providing a service to someone. That won't happen without working.

You Have to Create Strict Boundaries For Yourself

Working from home as a virtual assistant comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most prominent being setting boundaries between work and personal life. It's easy to fall into the trap of working around the clock, neglecting breaks, and sacrificing personal time. To succeed in this career, you must establish clear boundaries. Define your working hours, create a dedicated workspace, and stick to a routine that allows for work-life balance. Setting boundaries not only helps you stay organized and focused but also prevents burnout, making sure that you can deliver your best work consistently. Keep in mind that odds are you started this career to get away from the typical 9-5. Don't trap yourself into the same habits that you so desperately wanted to get away from.

Truly, embarking on a virtual assistant career can be so rewarding, but it's important to understand the realities that come with it. By understanding the time commitment, the demand of the job, and the importance of setting boundaries, you'll be better prepared to navigate this exciting industry successfully. Remember, being a VA is not just a job, it's a career that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to continuous growth.

cheering you on

laura