Living the virtual assistant life can be both rewarding and challenging.
On a typical day, a virtual assistant’s (VA) life can go like this: You wake up, you do your skincare routine, you have your breakfast, you open your emails, and you check if there are important messages for the day. Afterward, you check on your client and the task they have for you for the day. You complete that task. You take your breaks in between. Suddenly eight hours have passed, and the day is done.
On going through days like this, VAs can accumulate challenges. One of the biggest struggles is simply staying motivated when working from home. It can be easy to get distracted by family, friends, or household chores; thus, virtual assistants need to discipline themselves to stay on task.
You are constantly on the go, trying to get clients and work for them. You must deal with the time difference if you work with clients in different time zones. There are clients where you may also have to be available at all hours of the day or night in case they need you. This can be tough, especially if you have family or other commitments. And, because you are working from home, it can be easy to get lonely and feel isolated.
What are the other struggles in the virtual assistant life?
Connection Issues
Virtual assistants often have to contend with less than ideal connection conditions, poor internet coverage in rural areas, or dropped calls in urban areas. This can be frustrating when trying to stay connected with clients and colleagues. However, there are a few steps virtual assistants can take to mitigate connection issues. For example, using a calling app that uses wifi instead of data can help to reduce dropped calls. Additionally, keeping a spare battery or power bank on hand can help ensure that virtual assistants can always stay connected, even during a power outage. By being prepared for connection issues, virtual assistants can keep their business running smoothly, despite any hiccups in the virtual assistant life.
Routine Loop
Sometimes, a VA’s life can be a boring routine. You work the same hours daily, do the same tasks, and talk to the same people. This can be tedious and monotonous. However, there are ways to make virtual assistant life more enjoyable. First, try to mix up your daily routine. If you usually start your day by checking your email, try starting with a different task. This will help to break up the monotony of your day.
Second, make an effort to talk to new people. Virtual assistants are often very isolated, so reaching out and connecting with community members can be helpful. You may try to co-work with another VA.
Finally, take on new challenges. Virtual assistants are often able to take on additional tasks and responsibilities. Expanding your skill set can make virtual assistant life more exciting and enjoyable.
Different time zones
One of the challenges of being a virtual assistant is living in different time zones. This can be especially difficult when working with clients in other countries. For example, if you are based in Europe but have clients in the US, you may need to be available during their working hours, which could be late at night or early in the morning. This can be a big adjustment and take some time to get used to. But eventually, you’ll find that you can make it work and that it’s not as big of a deal as you thought it would be.
Despite being challenging, virtual assistant life has its payoff.
The following are some reasons you should enter the virtual assistant life.
1. Relative freedom
One of the great things about virtual assistant life is its freedom in terms of location. You are not tied to any particular office or cubicle as a virtual assistant. You can work from home, at a coffee shop, or anywhere else with an internet connection. This flexibility can be a huge boon, particularly for those who have families or other commitments that make traditional office work difficult.
In addition, virtual assistants are typically able to set their hours and decide how to manage their time best. This freedom can allow virtual assistants to get more done in less time and tailor their work schedule to their needs and preferences.
2. Fewer expenses
Living the virtual assistant life incurs fewer expenses. You don’t need to spend money on gas or public transportation to get to an office; you can work from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to buy expensive business clothes or lunch daily. Of course, there are some virtual assistant expenses, such as a home office setup and a good computer. Still, overall they are much lower than the costs of traditional employment. So if you’re looking to save some money, virtual assistant work is definitely the way to go.
3. Self-management
Part of the virtual assistant life is managing yourself while working. This includes setting boundaries with work and personal life, keeping a regular schedule, and taking breaks when needed. It can be tempting to work all hours of the day when you’re your own boss, but it’s essential to set limits to avoid burnout. Building good self-management habits will help you be more productive and happy in the long run.
4. Freedom to explore
Being a virtual assistant gives you the freedom to explore professionally. You can choose which clients you want to work with, and you’re not tied down to any particular industry. This flexibility allows you to follow your interests and build up a portfolio of skills that would be difficult to develop in a traditional workplace.
Of course, this freedom comes with its own challenges. But suppose you’re the type of person who thrives on independence and enjoys learning new things. In that case, virtual assistant life is definitely for you.
5. Competitive pay
When you become a virtual assistant, you can expect a competitive salary. This is because the virtual assistant life is in high demand. Many businesses are looking for virtual assistants to help with the day-to-day tasks they cannot handle independently. As a result, there is much competition for virtual assistant positions. However, suppose you have the skills and experience that businesses seek. In that case, you should have no problem finding a virtual assistant position that pays well. In fact, many virtual assistants make an excellent living working from home. So if you’re looking for a way to earn a competitive salary, becoming a virtual assistant is definitely worth considering.
Where can you start your virtual assistant life?
If you are up for the challenge and payoff that the VA industry gives, then this is your sign! Are you qualified as a Virtual Assistant or Virtual Medical Assistant?
