Soo How do I know if being a virtual assistant is right for me? I know this question keeps popping in your mind a lot lately, hence why you googled it to stumble upon this blog post.
Well, If you’ve been pondering the idea of stepping into the world of virtual assistance, you’re in the right place. I’m Israa, and after two years of experience in the field, I’m here to shed some light on why being a Virtual Assistant (VA) could be the perfect fit for you.
This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Is being a Virtual Assistant Right For You?
If you value flexibility, variety, client choice, strong relationships, work-life balance, and easy-to-learn tasks, then yes, being a VA could be the perfect fit for you!
Let’s take a look at all of these aspect in details, so you can come out of this blog post with the final answer to your question.
My Journey to Becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA)
Before we start let me give you a backstory and some context.
Before I became a VA, I was teaching languages online and studying marketing in university. While teaching was enjoyable at first, I soon found myself yearning for something more dynamic and engaging.
That’s when I stumbled upon Acadium, a platform connecting aspiring digital marketers with mentors. Little did I know, this would lead me to the world of virtual assistance.
Acadium is a platform that connects aspiring digital marketers like me, you or anyone who wants to learn about blogging, video editing, SEO, email marketing…etc.
Essentially, they link you with business owners who will serve you as mentors. You get a 3 month apprenticeship, with 10 hours a week, and you choose your hours.
I said why not let me try it out and see what will happen. Now back then I didn’t even know what a Virtual Assistant (VA) even means or what it is. Being multi passionate that tries literally everything, I wanted to give it a shot.
So I think I did like 2 apprenticeships at the same time and one of them hired me to work with her as her VA. That’s literally how I got my first client as a VA, I didn’t even know that’s being a VA.
Fast forward to now, 2 years later I still love what I’m doing!
The Perks of Being a Virtual Assistant
Now that you know my story, let’s talk about the perks and my favorite things about being a VA, and so you can decide for yourself if you want to pursue this career path or not:
1. Flexibility: Set Your Own Hours and place
1.1 Work Anywhere, Anytime
Being a virtual assistant means breaking free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind. Remote work gives you the power to set your own hours and decide where you work from. Whether you prefer your home office, a cozy café, or even a sitting on the beach and working, the choice is all yours. This flexibility allows you to tailor your work schedule to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Yes, believe me when I say you can work from the beach. This is me working from the beach while hearing the beach waves and enjoying my time. And then taking a dive after finishing my work! What a lovely lifestyle!
1.2 Freedom to Choose
No more clocking in and out or asking for time off (Although some clients will treat you as an employee and might ask you to do so, but you’re not! Learn how to set your boundaries right from the start).
As a Virtual Assistant (VA), you have the freedom to schedule your work around your life, not the other way around. Whether you’re a morning person who loves to tackle tasks before dawn or a night owl who thrives after dark, you can design a schedule that works perfectly for you and your needs.
Being a VA is also super good for moms who would like to stay at home, have a few hours of work while being close to their babies.
1.3 Convenience of Working from Home
Say goodbye to those long commute hours and hello to the comfort of your own home. Working remotely means skipping the traffic jams and avoiding crowded public transportation. Plus, you can say hello to your cozy pajamas and furry companions while you work. It will be an ultimate blend of comfort and productivity.
However, this can turn into a cons so easily. Many people struggle with keeping themselves undistracted and in the work mood while being at home. If you consider yourself one of these people, then I highly suggest you make a work environment corner at your home, it can be an office where you’re only there to work or just a different place at the living room table that is dedicated for work.
You can even consider going out to co-working spaces if that fits your lifestyle.
2. As a Virtual Assistant, You Never Get Bored
2.1 Endless Variety
Okay hear me out on this. It is very common for people who are multi-passionate and they like doing multiple things at the same time. You easily get bored doing a certain job or a task and keep jumping from one thing to the other.
So If you’re someone who loves variety and gets bored easily, being a VA might just be your dream job. Even if you specialize, there’s always something new to do.
Whether you’re managing social media accounts, organizing schedules, or conducting research, there’s never a moment of boredness.
2.2 Perfect for Multi-Passionates
Are you someone who loves wearing multiple hats and juggling different projects? Being a VA allows you to explore your diverse interests and skills. Even if you specialize in a particular area, there’s always room to learn and grow in other areas. It’s the perfect playground for multi-passionates who crave excitement and variety in their work.
3. The Ability to Choose Your Clients
3.1 The Power of Selecting Your Ideal Clients
As a VA, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing your clients. You have the power to accept projects that align with your values, interests, and professional goals. This autonomy allows you to create a work environment that inspires and motivates you.
I think this point is self explanatory, so I don’t have to expand on it more. As a Virtual assistant, you have the power to pick and choose the clients you work with, you get to create the work environment that best suits you. Say yes to the ones that align with your values and goals, and decline the ones that don’t.
3.2 Foster Strong Relationships with Your Clients
When you have the freedom to choose your clients, it naturally leads to stronger and more fulfilling work relationships. Working with clients who appreciate your skills and contributions creates a positive and rewarding experience for both you and the business owners.
Building trust and rapport with your clients is key to long-term success and satisfaction as a VA.
4. Work-Life Balance: Prioritize What Matters Most
4.1 Balance Your Priorities
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being and happiness. Being a Virtual Assistant (VA), you have the flexibility to prioritize important aspects of your life, for example family, hobbies, travel, and downtime.
You no longer have to sacrifice your personal life for your career goals. Instead, you can enjoy the best of both worlds without feeling burnt out or overwhelmed.
5. Easy-to-Learn Tasks
5.1 Straightforward Tasks
The tasks assigned to VAs are generally straightforward and easy to pick up. Whether it’s managing emails, scheduling appointments, or updating spreadsheets.
Or even if you’re thinking of becoming a specialized VA like me, for example YouTube VA, Podcast editor, Repurposing content, copywriter, tech VA…etc. You’ll find plenty of resources and support to help you succeed.
Don’t worry if you’re new to the VA world – there’s always room to learn and grow along the way.
5.2 Accessibility of Training Materials
As a Virtual Assistant, you will find an abundance of training materials and resources at your fingertips. Whether it’s tutorials, online courses, or webinars, there are endless opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
With the accessibility of tons of resources at the palm of your hands, you can dive into new tasks with confidence, knowing that support is readily available whenever you need it.
Ready to Take the Leap of Becoming a Virtual Assistant?
Congratulations! You’ve now got the inside scoop on how to know if being a Virtual Assistant is right for you. With the freedom of flexibility, the excitement of variety, and the empowerment to choose your own path, being a VA could be the perfect fit for you.
Whether you want to be a specialized pro or just starting out as a general VA, there’s never been a better time to dive into this dynamic and rewarding field.
So, are you ready to take the leap and embark on your journey as a virtual assistant? Tell me in the comments!
Need Help with Starting Your Virtual Assistant Career?
Do you want to kickstart your journey as a virtual assistant but need some help along the way? Well I’m here to help you with all the experience that I have at an affordable price.
You can reach out to learn more about how I can help support you on your VA journey!
Related Questions
What Are The Cons of Being a Virtual Assistant?
While being a Virtual Assistant offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consider some potential cons as well. One common challenge is the lack of stability that can come with freelance work.
As a VA, your income may fluctuate depending on the number of clients you have and the projects you will be working on.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is that managing your own business and finding clients can require significant time and effort, especially in the beginning stages. It’s super crucial to be prepared for these challenges and to not get discouraged very quickly.
How to find Your Ideal Client as a Virtual Assistant?
Finding your ideal client as a Virtual Assistant is key to building a successful and fulfilling career, with a strong relationship with your clients.
Here are some key points you should consider:
- Define Your Niche
- Create an Ideal Client Profile
- Research Your Target Market
- Network Strategically
- Offer Value First
- Optimize Your Online Presence
- Be Proactive in Your Outreach
- Provide Excellent Service