10 Life Lessons in 10 Years of Virtual Assistance

I am celebrating 10 years of Virtual Assistance and I just can’t hide my happiness. Let me take you to a quick walk down the memory lane. Straight from finishing my University years, I worked as a Staff Accountant in a multi-national company. Just in time for my regularization, my father passed away that being the only child, I took over his job at the Municipal Licensing Office, only to be transferred at the Municipal Treasurer’s Office. I was happy with my co-workers yet I felt bored. I went back to Manila and job hopped from one company to another. I was lucky to be hired in multi-national companies where I get to interact with foreign nationals. The longest time I was working at a physical office was 3 years. Then I tried my luck in the virtual world.

My first job was a Virtual Bookkeeper for an Australian company. I grew up with them from handling 2 other Virtual Assistants to as many as 30 from Philippines, India, the USA and Australia. I was the Chief Offshore Director that it hit me, what’s next now that I’m at the top?

Lesson #1 – CREATE OWN PATH. I quit my full time work-at-home job. People surrounding me were saying it was not a good decision. All the more that I felt challenged to prove them wrong. Remember, just like me, it is your own life, and you should be the one to decide what path you’ll take.

Lesson #2 – WEAR YOUR CONFIDENCE. All the time. Believing in myself that I know what I’m doing and I’m capable of doing what I have in mind was the first step. Having confidence to move forward helps me to to act whenever I need to. And I know which you should keep in mind, whatever happens next, you will end up wiser than before.

Lesson #3 – WORK HARD. Talking from experience, good things don’t ever come easy. I worked hard – countless sleepless nights, sweat and yes, tears. Have faith and maybe believe in luck, but everything else, that is because of hard work.

Lesson #4 – BE HEALTH CONSCIOUS. I felt invincible then that I felt I always can push my body to its limits whenever I needed to. However, as I stepped in late 30s and became diabetic, that’s when I had to minimize party drinking and eating midnight fast food snacks. Now, I need to see my Doctor on a regular basis. It is true that health is wealth. Now I always say we only have one body in this lifetime that we need to take care of to continue our journey towards the success we dream of.

Lesson #5 – CARPE DIEM. Or during my early years in the VA world, my co-freelancers would say YOLO, seize the day! Truly, time flies. When I started my VA career, I thought I found the job I dreamed of and would stay there forever. It was in 2015 that I started freelancing and thankfully, it wasn’t too late. So, I urge you now, live your life to the fullest.

Lesson #6 – SELF-EDUCATE AND EXPERIENCE WHAT YOU LEARNED. In the virtual world, there’s always something new. This is the reason that I keep up through online tutorials to learn whatever is new to me. Yet learning doesn’t end in watching or listening to these, but I make it a point to actually do. I apply what I learn. In other words, experience it. I furthered my studies – took a Certification in Project Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management. Don’t ever get tired increasing your knowledge database. Find time to do so.

Lesson #7 – FAILURE IS A PART OF SUCCESS. I am only speaking this based on my experience. I started freelancing, put up my own online store, partnered with a foreign entrepreneur, and co-founded a virtual team. 2 out of 4 failed but I’m not ashamed of it. It was a learning experience, it was a trigger for me to work harder. So don’t be afraid to fail. Keep moving because eventually, success will be within your reach.

Lesson #8 – KNOW YOUR STAKEHOLDERS. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. By that I admit I cried several times. Not all those who show you respect or is kind to you mean it. People around you have their own motives. Let them earn your trust.

Lesson #9 – BE GRATEFUL AND APPRECIATIVE. I always say that the people you hire can make or break you. I’ve seen businesses lose and eventually close because they didn’t treat their people well. Not only do I share what I’ve learned, but I pamper them with as much as I can give – at times, even more. Another thing I always do is letting them know they are doing great or they have done something great changes the mood and it just radiates. The same goes to the clients, for if not for them, we won’t have jobs. Don’t ever forget them when you’re on your way up.

Lesson #10 – BE FAITHFUL TO THE LORD ALMIGHTY. All these years, especially when I was starting We Empower Team, well even until now, trials and challenges keep coming my way, yet every time, I always say Lord, let your will be done. Everything is possible if you believe. Just pray.

Before I end, I’m raising a glass of wine to celebrate a decade of awesomeness. My life is my own and I will do what’s best for me. Do it to yourself. Enjoy life while you can.