A Decade of Growth, Lessons and Wisdom
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 !
