My First Steps: How I Started as a Virtual Assistant

Hey there! Let me take you on a little journey – my journey into the world of being a virtual assistant (VA). It was a path filled with learning curves, surprises, and lots of coffee. I’m excited to share this with you, especially if you’re juggling the busy life of a parent while dreaming of a flexible career.

What the Heck is a VA?

So, there I was, in what could easily be the opening scene of a very relatable sitcom. Imagine a typical evening in my living room, chaos of the day simmering down, kids finally in dreamland. I’m curled up on the couch, armed with a well-deserved cup of tea (or was it wine?), aimlessly scrolling through social media. You know, participating in that sacred ritual every parent indulges in once the little ones are asleep.

Then, amidst the sea of cat videos and recipe posts, something caught my eye—a post about virtual assistants. Virtual assistants? That sounded like something straight out of a fantasy movie, didn’t it? But no, it was a real job, one you could do from anywhere, even from the ‘tranquil’ confines of your home.

I must admit, I was skeptical. Work from home? Set your own hours? It all seemed too good to be true. Was this another one of those internet fads, destined to join the graveyard of broken promises like juice cleanses and instant six-pack workout plans?

But curiosity won over cynicism. The idea of contributing to the family income without having to navigate the logistical nightmare of daycare and commutes was too enticing. As a stay-at-home mom, the concept of having a career that didn’t demand sacrificing my availability for my kids was, dare I say, an absolute dream scenario.

I ended up taking the fullybooked va course (it seriously is amazing) and it helped me figure out how to start.

So, that’s where it began – me, a cozy couch, and a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, I had stumbled upon something that could redefine my work-life balance.

Early Hurdles

Ah, the start of my VA journey – a real whirlwind! Suddenly, my daily to-dos were more than just diapers and playdates. Now, it was about juggling client deadlines without letting my home turn into a three-ring circus.

Time management became my new best friend. I was learning to switch hats quickly, from mom mode to professional mode, sometimes in the same breath. Picture this: calming a toddler meltdown one minute, then zooming into a client call the next. Talk about an extreme sport!

Then there’s the communication game. I had to step up my email game from casual mom chats to clear, professional messages. No more relying on emojis to get my point across!

And finding a quiet spot to work at home? Let me tell you, it was like hunting for treasure in a busy playground. I needed a place for those important calls and focus time, but with kids running around, it felt almost impossible. But I managed to set up a little corner, my own tiny office oasis.

Starting out as a VA was like learning to ride a bike again, but this time with extra wheels and a lot of balancing acts. It was overwhelming, sure, but also pretty exciting. Plus, it came with its fair share of funny moments and life lessons!

What Kept Me Going

When it came to motivation, it was a mix of big dreams and little wins. The big picture? My family. I wanted to chip in with the bills while still being front and center for school plays and bedtime stories. It was all about striking that balance between bringing home the bacon (or in my case, the organic, gluten-free tofu) and being a hands-on mom.

Then there were the daily victories, those small but mighty moments that kept me going. Every “thank you” from a client felt like a high-five. Nailing a tight schedule? It was like scoring the winning goal in extra time. These little wins were like my daily doses of happy pills, keeping me energized and ready to tackle whatever came next.

So yeah, motivation came in all shapes and sizes. From the big, heartwarming family goals to the tiny triumphs that made each day feel like a mini victory lap. These motivations kept my engine running, even on days when all I wanted to do was hit snooze and hide under the covers.

Overcoming Obstacles

Let’s be real, every job has its “yikes” moments, and being a VA is definitely in that club. Trying to balance client work and family? It’s like being a circus performer, except instead of juggling balls, it’s deadlines and diaper changes.

Take school holidays or those never-timed-right sick days. Just when you think you’ve got everything under control, bam! Suddenly, you’re playing nurse, entertainer, and professional multitasker all at once. There I was, typing with one hand, holding a thermometer with the other, all while mentally planning the world’s most impromptu puppet show.

And tech issues? Oh boy. Picture this: you’re racing against a deadline, fingers flying over the keyboard, and then – the internet decides to take a nap. Perfect timing, right? It’s like the universe saying, “Let’s see how you handle this curveball.” Spoiler: There was panic, there was frantic rebooting, and maybe a few choice words.

But hey, overcoming these hurdles was all part of the adventure. Each tough day was a lesson in patience, problem-solving, and the art of keeping cool (or at least trying to) when everything seemed to be going haywire. In the world of a VA, you’ve got to expect the unexpected and sometimes just roll with the punches.

Financial Learning Curve

Ah, finances – the part of being a VA that felt like a puzzle wrapped in a riddle. Setting my rates??

That was an adventure all by itself. It wasn’t just a matter of picking a number that sounded good. I had to play detective – understanding the market, peeking at what others were charging, and then figuring out where I fit in that picture. It was like walking a tightrope, trying to balance what I thought I was worth with what clients were willing to pay.

Then came the part of actually managing money. Keeping track of invoices and expenses turned into a regular feature of my day. You’d think after managing a household budget, this would be a breeze, right? Well, not quite. It was more like learning a new dance. One wrong step, and you could be out of sync.

This whole finance thing was a learning curve steep enough to rival the biggest rollercoasters. But guess what? I strapped in, held on tight, and learned to enjoy the ride. And you know what? It got easier with time. Each invoice sent, each expense tracked, was like adding another tool to my financial toolbox.

Staying Inspired

So, how did I keep the ball rolling through all the ups and downs? It was all about celebrating those small wins and setting goals that didn’t have me reaching for the stars… yet. It’s like cheering for every little step when your toddler is learning to walk. Every tiny milestone, every bit of progress, deserved a pat on the back.

I learned to appreciate the journey, not just the destination. Sure, I wasn’t closing mega deals every day, but each well-handled call, every task completed, and every happy client added up. They were the building blocks of my growth, both as a VA and as a person.

And now, looking back, it’s been quite the journey. From a mom with a curious click on a social media post to a full-fledged virtual assistant. There were laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of learning.

The world of virtual assistance is a mixed bag of challenges and rewards. If my story resonates with you, and you’re thinking of diving into this world, just remember one thing: it’s about finding that perfect balance. The balance where your career goals and family life don’t just coexist but complement each other.

That’s my story, in a cozy, chaotic nutshell. It’s been an incredible ride, and I can’t wait to see where the road takes me next. Who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you to start a journey of your own!