Virtual Assistants provide a variety of services including web development, graphic design, social media marketing, copywriting, accounting, project management, and many more areas of expertise.

Over the years, we have seen first-hand how Virtual Assistants have changed the way companies do business. With their help, business owners now have the freedom to run their operations, finally implement those changes they’ve been dreaming of for some time, and have the time to do other essential things outside of their business. Virtual Assistants have also further expanded the digital landscape as the need for further platforms to cater for the VA World has grown. Project management, time tracking and collaboration software are used daily to connect VA’s to their clients, and their client’s clients.

But is being a Virtual Assistant just a job? 

Now that the world is facing an invisible enemy in the form of a global pandemic, thousands of people are now diving into the world of virtual assistance and making a career out of it. If you are a virtual assistant and still think of it as a mere job, it’s time to change your mindset and quite possibly your goals.

But first, what’s the difference between a job and a career?

A job is work that you perform to earn money and support your basic needs. This can be full-time or part-time. You might earn at an hourly rate, or it might be a monthly wage or even per project. You may be required to learn certain skills to fit the job description… but it’s just something you do to ‘get by’. Considering your work as a job – where you find yourself counting the minutes on a daily basis and just hope to get the day finished asap, really isn’t the best way to live!

A career is a long-term professional journey that you undertake to fulfill your dreams and ambitions. Individuals who are pursuing a career have a clear goal in terms of what they want to achieve and the benefits they can gain along the way – this could be personal pride, self-worth, work satisfaction, or financial stability. They aim to improve their work performance daily. VA’s that look upon their work as a career, experience great satisfaction in performing the tasks, projects and services they provide each day. They are excited about starting the day and feel a sense of fulfilment at the end of it.

Virtual Assistants Are Professionals

Back in the day, only a few people knew about outsourcing and remote work. In fact, some people just do VA jobs as a side hustle on top of their day job. Today, outsourcing is no longer limited to administrative operations and more business sectors are now hiring virtual staff with specialised skills in different industries such as medicine, finance, and real estate. We see registered nurses, certified accountants, licensed real estate brokers, and other professionals working as a VA because not only are they able to work within the confines of their homes, they also get to apply their knowledge and expertise.

Establish Yourself as an Expert

Being a professional means you have a speciliased set of skills that you can use to your advantage. If you want to have a lucrative career in the world of freelancing, you should choose a job that is within your field of expertise or one which you are super passionate about. For example, if you are an accountant, look for companies that require your skills in bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and investment research. The same principle applies to other fields such as medicine, writing, marketing, information technology, and more.

Don’t choose a career that you think is ‘trendy’ right now or which you think you should do just so that you are paid more. Trends come and go, technology surpasses business roles, and higher paying positions that leave you drained and unhappy don’t inspire you to embrace your career.

If you choose a work role that banks on your knowledge, skills and passion, then you’d be able to improve and establish yourself as an expert.

Never Stop Learning

The world of outsourcing is ever-evolving. It is important to always keep up with the latest innovation and news if you want your career to prosper. Invest in training and short courses to sharpen your skills and learn new strategies. The only way that you can advance your career is when you keep growing and never stop learning.

Improve Your Finances

Once you’ve established your authority in the field, you no longer have to look for jobs as business owners will start bidding for you. This means that you’d be able to demand higher rates, which can help improve your finances. Companies will be willing to give in to your demand if you have a good track record and excellent set of skills. So work on yourself and the money will follow.

The bottom line is; you have the power to change your career path. If you want to stop living from paycheck to paycheck, you need to start treating virtual assistance as a career; something that can help yourself grow as a professional and grant you financial freedom in the long run.