Scrolling through TikTok or Facebook groups, you might see posts saying: “Earn ₱100,000/month from home! Just become a VA!”
While there’s truth in the earning potential, there’s also a lot of misinformation. The Virtual Assistant (VA) industry is not a shortcut to instant wealth. It’s a legitimate profession that requires skill, consistency, and patience.
Let’s unpack the realities behind being a VA—so you can enter this career with the right expectations and mindset.
The Truth About Income: You Can Earn Well—Eventually
Yes, many successful VAs earn anywhere from ₱40,000 to over ₱100,000 per month. But this usually happens after months (or even years) of:
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Building skills
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Gaining client trust
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Specializing in a niche
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Creating systems that support multiple clients or higher rates
📝 Real Talk:
Your first VA job might pay ₱200–₱400/hour—or even project-based fees. As you grow in experience and confidence, your rates can increase.
Here are some reasons why:
1. You Need Time to Learn the Tools and Systems
Clients often use tools like:
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Trello, Slack, Notion, Google Workspace
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Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign
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CRMs like GoHighLevel or HubSpot
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Social media tools like Canva, Buffer, or Later
🛠️ If you’re not yet familiar, you’ll need to invest time in learning.
2. You Must Build a Reputation First
Clients want to work with VAs who are reliable, skilled, and communicative. These qualities are developed over time.
🌟 You may need to start with smaller jobs, gain testimonials, and build your portfolio before landing high-paying, long-term clients.
3. You’ll Face Rejections and Downtime
Just like any freelancing career, you won’t land every client you apply to. There may be slow months, late payments, or clients who ghost you.
📉 Expect ups and downs, especially in the beginning.
4. Burnout Is Real if You Don’t Manage Workload
Some VAs take on too much in the hopes of earning big quickly. Without boundaries, this leads to stress and poor performance—causing loss of clients or health issues.
⚖️ Building sustainable income means pacing yourself and choosing quality over quantity.
So… Is It Still Worth It?
Yes, absolutely. Being a VA can be:
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A stable source of income
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A path to financial independence
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A rewarding and flexible career
But it works best when you:
✅ Set realistic goals
✅ Continuously upskill
✅ Focus on building relationships
✅ Understand that growth takes time
Tips for Starting Right (Not Fast):
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Set a Skills Plan:
List down the top 3 tools or services you want to master in the next 3 months. -
Join Communities:
Surround yourself with other VAs who are honest, helpful, and experienced. -
Track Your Progress:
Keep a portfolio, gather feedback, and review your earnings regularly to see how you’re growing. -
Stay Humble and Hungry:
Always be willing to learn something new. Even seasoned VAs still upskill.
A career as a virtual assistant is not a magic pill—it’s a long-term opportunity. Those who succeed are the ones who stay committed, curious, and consistent.
So if you’re thinking of becoming a VA to get rich overnight—this may not be for you. But if you’re ready to learn, grow, and build a career with heart and hustle, welcome aboard. You’re on the right track.
