Virtual Assistant is one of the most common jobs in this current age.
Despite its flexible nature and work-from-home setup, the role of a virtual assistant is far from simple. It’s a complex and demanding job that requires a specific skill set, often overlooked by those who see it as an ideal job due to its adaptability and freedom to work from any location.
In an episode of ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,’ the longest-running news magazine show in the Philippines, sisters Dianne and Barbie discussed their experiences of perseverance, determination, and commitment to succeed in the VA industry.
According to their story, they gained assets by working hard as virtual assistants. But before they started to prosper, just like any other profession, they had to overcome many obstacles and hurdles.
Since their story was based on personal experiences, social media users had differing opinions, with some expressing skepticism.
Critics claimed that the way their experiences were portrayed are misleading and would imply that working as a VA is a simple way to succeed financially, ignoring the effort and tenacity needed.
One user said: “Yung episode nayun will have a negative impact sa VA industry, inimply ba naman na ang dali lang, may laptop at internet lang okay na. [That episode could indeed have a negative impact on the virtual assistant (VA) industry, as it may imply that the profession is straightforward and requires little more than a laptop and an internet connection to succeed]”
This brings to light a more general problem with how virtual assistant positions are perceived. Although the field is flexible and full of prospects, it also requires a wide range of skills and the capacity to adjust to different activities.
“Without understanding the grinding and hard work that needs to be done, I’m afraid they’ll accept lowball offers that reflect the rates of Filipino VAs. We shouldn’t accept lowball offers; if we do, all VAs in the industry will spiral down to a small amount again. Lowball offers are already prevalent in the BPO industry; do we really need that here too? KMJS’s episode brought jeopardy sa VA industry,” the user added.
As more people enter the industry, it’s critical to raise awareness of the reality that virtual assistants confront and to emphasize the labor-intensive nature of the seemingly effortless success that is portrayed in stories like that of Dianne and Barbie.
After all, a study by the International Virtual Assistants Association claims that companies needing flexible support without the costs of full-time staff are finding virtual assistants to be more and more beneficial. However, the work might have high demands because virtual assistants sometimes manage several clients and strict deadlines.
The idea of a relaxing career where one stays home and makes money effortlessly is a stark contrast to the reality of a virtual assistant’s job. It’s important to challenge these misconceptions and provide a more accurate understanding of the profession.
Many VAs come from a variety of professional backgrounds, and they frequently go through training to become proficient with tools that increase their productivity. One must undergo intense training and patience, as it is not an easy acceptance.
It’s crucial to foster respect for the labor of virtual assistants by dispelling the stigma associated with their work. This involves educating the audience about the skills required for the position and highlighting the effort that goes into delivering top-notch services.
We can contribute to eradicating negative stereotypes and developing a more encouraging atmosphere for those working in this industry by encouraging a more accurate understanding of what it means to be a virtual assistant.
It’s time to accept that a VA’s varied skill set, hard work, and dedication lie behind the convenience of their position. These qualities should be respected and acknowledged.
A gentle reminder: No job is easy.
Other POP! stories you might like:
BINI fans’ frustration escalates over ‘greedy’ pricing for concert livestream
Olivia Rodrigo’s concert announcement reignites ticketing issue with BINI
[Commentary] It’s time to support our local films and embrace the creativity of Filipinos
Blacklist International closes ‘Dota 2’ chapter after two years with ‘Rivalry’
Understanding the cultural history and significance of ‘Pastil’ in the Philippines
