I used to dream about quitting my 9-to-5, staying home, enjoying peaceful mornings, and spending more time on my mini farm. But figuring out how to make that leap into full-time online work felt overwhelming. With so much contradictory advice out there, I often thought I was “too late” to the game, and that I’d missed my chance to break into the Virtual Assistant industry.
This post is all about How Becoming a Virtual Assistant Helped Me Quit My 9-to-5.
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Everything changed in 2020 when my daughter was born. Determined to create a life where I could be present for her, I decided to jump into the VA world headfirst. I invested in a coach, built online connections, and landed a job with a Virtual Assistant agency completing administrative tasks for clients in the Interior Design Industry.
Looking back, I’m so grateful for the connections I made and the path I chose. It wasn’t perfect, and it may not be the path for everyone, but that’s what’s exciting about becoming a VA, you get to carve out your journey! If you’ve been holding back because of doubts or uncertainty, I encourage you to set those aside and take the leap. You won’t regret it.
2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year to become a Virtual Assistant. With more small business owners turning to independent contractors to save on costs, the demand for skilled Virtual Assistants is higher than ever. If you’ve felt stuck in your corporate job and wondered if it’s too late to pivot, I’ve been in your shoes.
Here’s how I made the change, and how you can too.
Table of Contents
This post shares How Becoming a Virtual Assistant Helped Me Quit My 9-to-5
Why Becoming a Virtual Assistant Was My Best Decision
Before becoming a Virtual Assistant, I tried a variety of online businesses, including a YouTube Channel, an Online Course, and an Etsy Shop. I tried so many things but none of it was giving me the amount of success I wanted (needed) quickly enough. Yes, all of these options could have worked long-term, many others have been successful with these types of online businesses but I needed to make money, fast!
Becoming a Virtual Assistant, allowed me to make ‘enough’ money to stay home with my daughter in the shortest amount of time. That’s why whenever someone asks me how they should go about making money online I will always recommend you quit your job to be a VA. It’s the easiest and fastest route to the freedom you seek. Plus, you get to become a valuable asset in a small business owner’s life, giving you a sense of purpose all while giving you the work-life balance you seek.
Read: 5 Top Tips on How to Become a Virtual Assistant
How a VA Agency Kickstarted My Virtual Assistant Career
When I started as a Virtual Assistant, I knew next to nothing about the industry. Through the guidance of an online coach and a few strategic connections, hard work, and determination, I landed a job with a VA agency, and it was the best thing that could have happened.
Working with an agency allowed me to focus on building my administrative assistant skills and serving clients without the stress of marketing, vetting clients, or managing legal details like contracts and insurance. It gave me the confidence and experience I needed to grow, all while working in a supportive environment.
Was it challenging? Absolutely.
But with lots of resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn. I was able to thrive and build on the skills I’d developed during my time working for the federal government and eventually became an executive assistant.
Pros and Cons of Working for a VA Agency
If you decide to go the VA agency route, keep in mind that your earnings might be slightly lower compared to finding clients on your own but it’s a great first step to build upon your skills list by adding things like data entry, administrative support, email management, and project management skills to your virtual assistant services.
Here are additional benefits of working with an agency:
Benefits of Working for an Agency
- No need to market yourself or maintain an online presence on multiple social media platforms.
- Insurance coverage is often provided.
- Clients are pre-vetted, saving you time and effort.
- The agency handles client contracts and legal matters.
- Disputes or difficult clients are managed by the agency.
- Payment collection is taken care of, so you never have to chase invoices.
Potential Drawbacks
- Your hourly rate may be slightly lower compared to finding clients independently.
- Less control over the types of clients, projects, and specific tasks you work on.
- You may have dedicated working hours depending on the client and not be able to set your own hours.
By joining an agency, you can focus on building your skills and delivering excellent service without the administrative burdens of running your own business.
Should You Start Your Own VA Business?
If joining a Virtual Assistant agency doesn’t sound like a good idea. Starting your own virtual assistant business is a definite option. Most Virtual Assistant Agency owners I know are Virtual Assistants who have gotten so busy, they needed to start outsourcing tasks to sub-contractors/ other Virtual Assistants.
Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own VA Business
Starting your own freelance virtual assistant business can be an exciting and rewarding journey, especially if you’re ready to take on the challenges that come with it. While it requires managing all aspects of the business, including occasional difficult client situations or payment follow-ups, it also offers the opportunity to keep 100% of your profits (after covering expenses and taxes) and enjoy greater flexibility in how you operate.
For many, the increased earnings potential and the ability to shape their business around their own vision outweigh the extra responsibilities. Running your own VA business allows you to grow at your own pace and even opens the door to creating a VA agency in the future if that’s a goal you’d like to pursue.
By going solo, you’ll have the freedom to:
- Keep more of your earnings: No profit-sharing with an agency owner resulting in higher rates retained
- Specialize in services you enjoy: Choose a niche that aligns with your skills and interests.
- Be your own boss: Have complete control over your schedule and decisions.
- Unlock growth opportunities: Expand your business in ways that suit your goals.
Read: Best Virtual Assistant Niches to Dominate in 2025
Virtual Assistant Success Stories
Belinda Sandor: As a newly single mom, Belinda Sandor grew her successful Virtual Assistant business, RocketGirl Solutions, from her dining room table into a six-figure business by her second year. Belinda now teaches others how to fast-track their Virtual Assistant businesses.
You can read more about Belinda’s story here: https://www.thevaconnection.com/about-belinda
You can sign up to Belinda’s next round of VA School:
Kirsten Larsen: Kirsten quit her 9-to-5 in just 10 months after learning everything she could about Pinterest. She quickly grew traffic to her website and had potential clients reaching out for her services. She now teaches others how to get started as a Pinterest Virtual Assistant.
You can read more about Kirsten’s story here: https://pinterestva.com/about
Ready to Become a Virtual Assistant?
Becoming a VA is about finding the path that fits your timeline, whether that’s joining an agency for stability or starting your own business for growth potential.
2025 is your year to Become a Virtual Assistant, small businesses are eager to hire an independent contractor to save on costs typically associated with having an in-person full-time employee.
With little upfront cost, a reliable internet connection, proper time management, and a willingness to learn, you can easily build a business to leave your full-time traditional job and jump into the world of virtual assistance.
If I could start with no experience and build the life I dreamed of, so can you.
Ready to get started with remote work as a Virtual Assistant?
Download my 30-day step-by-step guide to becoming a Virtual Assistant. I walk you through what you need at minimum to start working from your home office as a Virtual Assistant and landing your first client even if you have no previous experience!
It’s the type of comprehensive guide I wish I had had when I started out as a general VA. I outline all of the basic steps you need to take breaking them down into bite-sized pieces over 30 days so that you too can start your new business and reach your full potential in a virtual assistant role.
Your 9-to-5 Exit Strategy- Virtual Assistant E-Book
Your 9-to-5 Exit Strategy E-Book breaks down how to launch a thriving Virtual Assistant business in just 30 days.
This post was all about How Becoming a Virtual Assistant Helped Me Quit My 9-to-5
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