A Virtual Assistant is a self-employed professional or an independent contractor who offers remote administrative support to clients. VAs typically operate from a home office, and are able to work closely with their clients through shared calendars and other collaborative tools. The rise of Filipino virtual assistants has changed our lives for the better, but is it really a promising career path? Is it worth giving up your corporate career for? If you’re an aspiring VA, this should give you a gist of what it is like to be one. General VA vs Specialized VA A General VA plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in keeping daily operations running smoothly. Their responsibilities typically include email and calendar management, data entry, generating reports, and handling customer inquiries. In essence, they excel at clerical and secretarial tasks. On the other hand, a Specialized VA brings specific expertise and skills to the table. Their specializations can vary widely, encompassing areas such as website development, graphic design, bookkeeping, real estate, and more.  Clients often seek help because they are overwhelmed by their workload and need someone capable of managing daily operations. If you’re new to the VA field, you may start by focusing on general administrative tasks—all of which are standard across industries. As a VA, seamless communication is a vital part of your role to ensure that everyone in your team is on the same page. And since you are not being supervised in person, you should know when to initiate communication to report the progress of your on-going tasks, or reach out when you encounter issues that could potentially affect your deadlines. While it’s perfectly normal not to be familiar with every software tool available, the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies is essential. Keep in mind that many VAs work with foreign clients, and their primary form of communication is through Instant Messaging tools (e.g. Slack, WhatsApp, Skype). As such, any aspiring VA should have a solid understanding of digital tools (your main work device such as desktop or laptop), and a decent command of the English language. Why Upskilling is Crucial I’m speaking on behalf of many Filipinos when I say we are tired of our daily commutes and the ridiculously low minimum wage our country offers, which is why we are constantly on the lookout for better job opportunities. While the demand for this profession has grown exponentially, some freelancers believe that the VA market is already saturated. The truth is, it is always about your marketability.  Are you skilled enough? Are you open to feedback? Do you have what it takes to address a client’s pain points? Can you provide the support a team needs for smooth day-to-day operations? There is no room for complacency in a highly competitive job market, especially because there’s always someone out there with a more advanced skill set, and the digital market shows no signs of slowing down. Staying at the top of your game might feel overwhelming, but committing to lifelong learning increases your value and ensures you remain adaptable in an ever-evolving landscape. Whether you are in the VA field or in the corporate world, actively pursuing new skills can significantly enhance your career prospects; it opens doors to better job opportunities, and even an entirely new career path.  Niche down when you’re ready While acquiring multiple skill sets is undoubtedly beneficial, as a virtual assistant, it’s important to consider specializing in a particular niche. A niche is a specific expertise, purpose, or calling where an individual is best fitted; it’s like a specific corner of the market where you focus your energy. This targeted approach not only helps you clarify who you’re serving but also enables you to concentrate your efforts on areas where you can truly excel. Finding your niche means identifying that particular space where your skills and passions intersect. By starting with a broader market that intrigues you, you can then narrow it down to specific areas that resonate on a personal level—whether it’s a unique skill set you possess, a passion project you adore, or even a lifestyle choice that influences your work. This often ensures career growth as a VA. Embracing a niche will help you differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace, enabling you to attract clients who are looking for exactly what you offer. When you carve out your specialized path, you also cultivate a personal brand that allows you to stand out. The Reality of Freelance VA Work Believe it or not, I have encountered a bunch of people who thought being a VA is as simple as turning on a device and drafting an email. There is a growing misconception about VA work in the Philippines because local media often highlights misleading, oversimplified success stories that fail to address the challenges of freelancing (remember that KMJS feature?). I had aspiring VAs reach out to me asking for clients or referrals, but are not willing to put in the hard work because they heard somewhere that having a laptop and stable internet connection is all it takes. The reality, however, is far more complex. While being a VA offers great flexibility and independence, it’s important to understand that there is no guaranteed stability when you are a contractor or freelancer. Unlike traditional employment, where you may have a steady paycheck, certain benefits, and job security, VA work often comes with its own set of uncertainties. When you work as a VA, you are essentially running your own business. This means you’re responsible for finding clients, managing your workload, and handling everything from taxes to payments. While some VAs manage to secure long-term contracts with reliable clients, the nature of freelancing means that there are always external factors that can impact your income and job security. There will always be a need for constant hustle; it’s a continuous cycle of pitching, negotiating, delivering, and more pitching. While it offers freedom and variety, it also means that you’re never entirely free from