The Pros and Cons of Being a Virtual Assistant
When I came into the Virtual Assistant industry, I walked into it completely blind. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. And while I saw lots of people on Instagram living their best lives and working online and starting their own businesses, I wasn't that naive. I knew there had to be things about building a business and this kind of lifestyle that weren’t going to be great.
If you’re just thinking about getting into this space, I want to give you the real deal. Because there’s no doubt about it: Becoming a VA brings some fantastic perks to your everyday life. But at the same time, there are some challenges you should be aware of. It's crucial to understand both the pros and cons before diving in.
So let’s dive in and get into the nitty-gritty of what it’s like to start and run a VA business so you can prepare for what’s ahead.
The Pros of Starting a Virtual Assistant Business
Picture this: A career where you’re not chained to a desk from 9-5, where you can actually take that midday Pilates class, or run errands without asking for permission. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
But it's not just about the flexibility.
There are so many perks to starting a VA business that you might not even realize yet. So, let's break it down and see what makes becoming a Virtual Assistant such a lifestyle game-changer.
1. Flexibility and Freedom
Like I said, one of the biggest advantages of starting a Virtual Assistant business is the flexibility it offers. You can dictate your schedule, choose when to work, and decide how to spend your breaks—truly live a life of your own design.
Whether it's doing laundry, playing with your kids, or going to the gym in the middle of the day, the possibilities are endless. This flexibility allows you to integrate work with life seamlessly, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling daily routine.
2. Access to Diverse Opportunities
One of the coolest things about being a Virtual Assistant is the sheer variety of work you can do. Seriously, the possibilities are endless.
You could be helping someone plan their next big event, managing their calendar, handling their marketing, or building an email sequence. As a VA, your job is to assist with whatever your client needs, which means you get to try out all sorts of different tasks. This not only keeps things interesting but also allows you to find out what you really love doing. Plus, you get to tap into opportunities you might never have considered before.
3. Low Startup Costs
Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite things: how starting a Virtual Assistant business doesn’t cost a thing (well, almost). But seriously, this might be the only business where you don’t need to shell out tons of money to get started.
You already have the skills you need. You don’t need to go back to school, take expensive courses, or buy a bunch of products. All you need is a laptop and yourself. That’s literally it.
And because it’s so inexpensive to start, you can also scale your business without those huge overhead costs. You don’t need a fancy website or the pro version of a project management software. Just start with what you have and build from there.
4. High Demand for Virtual Assistants
Let's bust a myth right now: the Virtual Assistant industry is not oversaturated. In fact, the opposite is true—fantastic VAs are in high demand.
There’s this huge misconception that there are too many VAs and not enough clients, but trust me, that’s just not true. The online business world is exploding, and more and more people need reliable, skilled support. It’s actually hard for clients to find amazing VAs who genuinely care. I know this because I hire VAs for myself and my clients, and let me tell you, the demand is real. When you show up as your authentic, caring self, clients will recognize that and they’ll never want to let you go.
5. Personal Fulfillment
Alright, let's get real. You’re someone who cares about helping others, right? That’s why you’re here. And what’s often missing from the typical 9-5 grind? Feeling like you’re actually making a difference for someone and helping them succeed. (Or at least, helping them succeed in a way that’s fulfilling for you.)
Being a VA brings a level of personal fulfillment that’s hard to find in other jobs. As a VA, you get to see the direct impact of your work on your clients' lives and businesses. You’re not just a cog in the machine—you’re a crucial part of their success.
Trust me, the appreciation and gratitude you’ll receive from your clients will be like nothing you've ever experienced. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that your skills and effort are genuinely making a difference.
6. Using Existing Skills
One of the best things about starting a Virtual Assistant business is that you can hit the ground running with the skills you already have. You don’t need to spend money on expensive courses to learn how to do new things.
Whether you’ve been a director of sales, a stay-at-home mom, or worked in retail, you have valuable skills that can be applied today. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done before; you’ve got what it takes to start now. Seriously, you could land your first client today using what you already know. No delays, no extra training—just action.
7. Fast to Start
Another fantastic thing about starting a Virtual Assistant business? It’s fast. You don’t have to wait around to get things going. Because you already have the skills, there’s no long lead time between deciding to become a VA and actually doing it.
You could literally take action right now and land your first client today. It’s all about using what you already know and jumping right in. No need to overthink it—just start.
(And when you do, let me know because I love hearing those success stories!)
8. Uncapped Income Potential
Okay, let's talk money.
One of the most exciting things about being a VA is the uncapped income potential. Once you learn how to build and grow your VA business, the sky's the limit. There’s no salary cap like in a traditional job. You can take on more clients, increase your rates, and expand your services. You can literally make as much as you want.
Plus, learning entrepreneurship is a skill that you can apply to any business in the future. You’re not just building a VA business—you’re creating a foundation for multiple streams of income and endless opportunities.
The Cons of Starting a Virtual Assistant Business
Alright, we've covered the amazing perks of starting a Virtual Assistant business, but now it's time to get real about the challenges.
No journey is without its bumps, and being a VA is no exception. It's important to be aware of these potential downsides so you can prepare for them and navigate through them head-on.
1. Inconsistent Income
Let’s start with a biggie: inconsistent income.
When you’re starting out as a VA, the paycheck isn’t guaranteed like it is with a 9-5 job. One month, you might have a ton of clients, and the next month, it might be crickets. This can be super stressful, especially if you're used to that regular paycheck.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t a permanent issue. With the right strategies, like building long-term client relationships and creating a steady stream of work, you can create a more stable income.
Every successful entrepreneur has faced this challenge and found a way to overcome it. You can, too!
2. Client Management Challenges
Managing clients can be tricky—setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and sometimes dealing with clients who just aren’t the right “fit.”
It can be hard to say “no” to clients, especially when you’re eager to build your business. And let’s be real, sometimes you’ll end up working with people who drive you up the wall. But learning to handle these situations is part of the growth process. The key is to set clear boundaries from the start and stay true to them.
Remember, you’re the boss, and you get to choose who you work with.
3. Self-Discipline Required
Starting your own VA business is going to take a whole new level of self-discipline. It’s not just about being excited and motivated for the first 2 weeks. You’ve got to stick with it, even when things get tough.
There will be days when you’d rather binge Netflix than work on your business. Trust me, I get it. But you need to create time blocks for your business and treat them like non-negotiable meetings with your boss. Yes, that means saying no to last-minute plans and sticking to your schedule. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is consistency.
4. Isolation
Let's talk about isolation. Working from home can get lonely, especially when you’re used to having colleagues around. When you’re a VA, you don’t have those daily office interactions or a work buddy to chat with. It’s just you and your laptop. And while that can be great for productivity, it can also make you feel pretty isolated.
But here’s the deal—you don’t have to go through it alone. Build a network of other VAs, freelancers, and other remote workers, join online communities, and find your “people.”
Connecting with others who are on the same journey can make a world of difference and keep you from feeling like you’re on an island.
5. Constant Learning
I’ll be honest: as a VA, you’re always going to be learning new things. New platforms, new tools, new strategies—there’s always something to keep up with.
This can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re someone who likes to feel like you’ve got it all figured out. But here’s the thing: this constant learning is what keeps the job exciting and keeps you growing.
Instead of seeing it as a chore, think of it as a way to keep your skills sharp and your mind engaged. Plus, staying on top of the latest trends makes you even more valuable to your clients.
Embrace continuous learning and how it enhances your skills and your business, and keep pushing forward.
6. Building a Client Base
Finding clients, marketing yourself, and building a network can feel like an uphill battle. This is where a lot of VAs struggle, especially in the beginning.
It takes time, effort, and a lot of resilience. You're going to hear a lot of "no's" before you get to the "yes's." But don’t get discouraged. But everyone starts somewhere.
Focus on creating a solid strategy to reach out to potential clients and consistently put yourself out there. It's tough, but totally doable with persistence and the right approach.
Remember, every "no" is just one step closer to a "yes." And every interaction makes you better for the next one.
Embrace the Journey
Starting a Virtual Assistant business has its ups and downs, but I PROMISE you, the rewards are incredible.
Look at it this way: The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and if you're willing to work hard, you'll blow past those "con" roadblocks in no time at all. They're all completely manageable with the right strategies and mindset. Promise. We overcome alllll of these and more DAILY inside of the VA Accelerator. You might barely remember them along your own journey!
Every challenge is just a stepping stone to your success. Stay focused, keep pushing through, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. You’ve got the drive and the determination to make this work.
Ready to take the leap and start your Virtual Assistant business? Sign up for the VA Vortex to receive free weekly video trainings that will guide you through every step of building and growing your VA business. Let's make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality together!
Photo by: Gülşah Aydoğan
