Later this month I’ll be celebrating ten years as a virtual assistant, after walking away from a 15-year retail job.
I thought I’d reflect on some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way – as one does when doing anything for an extended amount of time.
One of my first jobs as a VA was from Upwork. It’s a freelancing site for one-off jobs but I’d heard good things about it from others, they claimed they’d gotten some long-term clients from it.
I got a piece of work – it was ghostwriting a blog article about Iceland. It was about 1500 words, before AI and I’d spent a good deal of effort and time in writing the piece – it required a lot of research and I love writing, so totally up my alley.
The client was thrilled with it, but when it came time to collect payment, they ghosted me. I was looking at about $300 for the piece, and lost it, because we’d taken the work off-site, which is a big no-no. I didn’t know this until after the fact. I’d be lying if I told you it doesn’t still sting a bit after all this time.
I also learned a lot about rates over the years. When I first started, I thought anything over my retail pay rate of $13/hour was a good deal, so charging $15/hour felt lush! Then I realized I was being taken advantage of for my rate (and my loyalty, let’s be honest). It felt so good to walk away from the last person I was working with who didn’t want to increase my rate.
I’ve also learned a lot about trusting my gut – and I’m quicker these days to listen to it. I’ve learned that when there’s confusion and chaos in the beginning stages, to run – not walk – away, because it usually doesn’t end there, and resentment usually sets in.
But it’s not all bad, don’t get me wrong. These are important lessons but there’s a lot to be said when you find that person you click with. You just know working with them is going to be enjoyable, as opposed to having someone trying to talk you into doing work you don’t know well or don’t enjoy. When two people click like that, it can be so much fun because you like each other, and you enjoy the work you’re doing together. Those are my absolute favourite people.
My work-life balance has improved so much since walking away from retail. I chose to take Fridays off, and then I promptly learned to walk away from anyone who guffawed at taking Fridays off. Having a shorter workweek means I pay closer attention to what I’m doing and I manage my time better than anyone working 5 or more days a week. It also makes choosing work I enjoy that much more important – because if you hate the work, you naturally put it off.
Having Fridays off allows me to reset my soul – particularly in the summer. My husband and I are camping addicts, and taking Fridays off means we get a head start on enjoying the great outdoors together, which refreshes me for the following week. Taking Fridays off both is and isn’t about work – it all goes hand-in-hand.
These are all important lessons to me and I cherish all my clients, past and present, the good and the bad because I wouldn’t be here without them – and I wouldn’t have learned all of these very valuable lessons, or about myself.
If you’re reading this, thank you for being a part of my journey, no matter how big or small – you’re important to me and I’m thankful for you.
Here’s to another ten years !
As the days brighten and warmth starts to return, April soon begins to feel like a ‘refresh’ – or a ‘welcome back’.
Spring is a good time to revisit goals, plan out the next few months and really focus on energy expenditure.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scattered or that you can’t seem to catch your breath, this might be a good time for you to pause, and not feel guilty about it.
For many people, working with a virtual assisant can make that process feel more manageable, because instead of adding to yoru plate, we help create the space to focus on what matters most, to you and your business.
Thinking of a bit of spring cleaning for your biz? I can help with that.
Spring cleaning is more fun when you have a friend help. Let’s chat! Book a call here.
Ever since I was young, I’ve felt a calling to admin.
I remember setting up books on my bookshelves as a little girl, complete with a signing-out process and everything. My only ‘patrons’ were my parents at the time, but I felt pride at how organized I was.
I took a typing class in grade nine, and practically drooled whenever I saw the computer lab – fresh IBM computers – which you couldn’t use unless you were taking a computer course. I immediately signed up!
When I reached grade 11, it seemed to me that admin was the way to go – I found it easy, I was interested in it more than other options. So when the possibility of taking a co-op course in admin came up, I signed up and was able to score a school admin placement.
Although the stuffy secretaries there didn’t want me in their space and had me help out with the kindergarten class, whenever I had free time, I was on a computer exploring the various programs and playing games.
Many of my part-time jobs afterward included administrative work, and I picked up new skills everywhere I went. Eventually, I became an office manager for a non-denominational children’s ministry, where I juggled scheduling, communication, and logistics — all of which became the backbone of what I do today.
Not long after, I started at Walmart as a cashier. I was determined to move up, and within a short time, I found myself in the office learning systems, procedures, and leadership.
Fifteen years later, those experiences came full circle when I launched my own business as a virtual assistant — nearly ten years ago now…
I’ve always been interested in admin, and I love how far the professional and the tools have come in all this time.
The internet, Google, countless applications, and now AI, it’s amazing to see how the professional has transformed since my early ‘librarian’ days… and I’m excited to see where the road takes me in the future.
Love the idea of using AI, but don’t have time to delve deep? I work with AI daily – let’s chat! Book a call here.
Wellness isn’t abstract—it’s about real, everyday choices like what you eat, how you care for your body, and managing symptoms that affect your quality of life. Using AI in your wellness routine can be a game-changer, but only when it understands your specific needs and preferences in areas like diet, supplements, product options, and fitness.
AI can suggest meal ideas tailored to your dietary restrictions, goals, and tastes. Whether you’re focusing on weight management, boosting energy, or managing allergies, personalized AI prompts help you get meal plans that suit your lifestyle without pushing unrealistic diets.
From skincare products to supplements, AI can help you research options that fit both your wellness goals and budget. Personalized recommendations take into account ingredient sensitivities, effectiveness, as well as price—so you’re not wasting money or trying things that aren’t right for you. Also – asking it to source nearby locations for your purchases is a game changer.
When it comes to symptoms, vague health advice doesn’t cut it. AI can help gather relevant, up-to-date info on symptoms you’re experiencing, but you need to guide it with detailed input and be cautious of its limits. Always validate important findings with healthcare professionals.
AI can suggest haircare routines, products, and tips based on your hair type, concerns, and goals—whether you want to manage dryness, promote growth, or protect against heat damage. The ability to tailor advice helps avoid generic, ineffective suggestions.
Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and AI can help build plans that adapt to your energy levels, physical abilities, and schedule. From gentle stretching routines to moderate workouts, personalized AI support encourages sustainable, enjoyable movement instead of pressure to perform extreme fitness goals.
Be specific about what you want help with—give AI detailed info on preferences, sensitivities, and goals.
Ask for realistic, budget-friendly options especially with products and supplements.
Use AI as a research assistant to save time but double-check important health info with professionals.
Encourage AI to confirm understanding or provide examples for clarity.
Think of AI as a customizable wellness tool you shape by providing ongoing feedback.
Using AI in wellness is all about getting practical, personalized support in real areas of your life—helping you make informed choices, stay consistent, and feel confident in your journey.
Love the idea of using AI, but don’t have time to delve deep? I work with AI daily – let’s chat! Book a call here.