Becoming a Virtual Assistant: What It’s Really Like + How to Start
For the mama who’s raising littles and dreaming of something more
So many mamas have asked how I got started and what it actually looks like, so I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing what I wish someone had told me.
After eight years in business, I’m finally spilling the beans on what it’s like to be a Virtual Assistant, run your own business, and balance it all behind the scenes.
You don’t need a fancy resume, a Pinterest-perfect office, or endless free time to start a virtual assistant business.
You just need a quiet hour, a steady heart, and a willingness to learn.
As a homeschool mama, you’re already wearing a dozen hats and believe it or not, that’s part of what makes you perfect for this work. You know how to juggle, multitask, and meet people’s needs with patience and care.
This post is here to show you what being a VA really looks like and how to take your first steps with intention (not overwhelm).
I get asked all the time about business tips, life advice, and even how to style something.
Today, I’m sharing the conversations I’ve been having behind the scenes and all the things I’ve learned (with a baby on my hip) so you can start your VA business with as much ease as possible.
It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
In this post, I’m breaking it all down so you can decide if it’s truly for you.
What Even Is a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who supports businesses behind the scenes handling admin tasks, managing inboxes, organizing schedules, and sometimes running entire programs or launches.
You're the right-hand woman who makes sure things get done without being on the front lines.
And the best part? You can do it from your kitchen table, while your toddler naps or your teens work through math.
☕
What I Love About This Work
Flexibility: You choose your schedule and your clients.
Purpose: You’re helping real people grow businesses that change lives.
Freedom: You can work from anywhere—with your babies nearby, coffee in hand.
Growth: You’re constantly learning new tools, systems, and skills.
If you’ve ever craved a career that fits into your life instead of taking it over, this might be the thing for you.
☕
The Not-So-Perfect Side
Let’s be honest: it’s not always glamorous.
There are deadlines.
Client requests at odd hours.
Learning curves with tech.
And some days where it feels like your brain is juggling marbles while trying to remember dinner.
But if you value your time, your family, and your freedom—you’ll figure it out.
☕
What You Actually Need to Get Started
Here’s a little myth-busting: you don’t need a website, a degree, or thousands of followers.
You do need:
A reliable laptop + internet
A professional email (bonus if it’s not @gmail)
A way to send invoices (Stripe, PayPal, bank transfer)
A willingness to show up and figure it out as you go
Tools I recommend starting with:
Google Workspace or Dropbox for file sharing
Zoom for client calls
Canva for simple graphics
Trello, Asana, or Notion for task/project management
☕
What Can You Offer as a VA?
Start with what you’re already good at or what you enjoy:
Inbox + calendar management
Blog formatting + editing
Social media scheduling (not creation unless you love it)
Client onboarding
Customer support
Data entry or spreadsheet updates
You don’t have to do everything.
Start small with something like inbox + calendar management, like flagging urgent messages, replying to common questions, and setting up Zoom links for client calls.
You can add more as you go..
☕
What’s It Really Like Day-to-Day?
No day looks exactly the same, but here’s a snapshot:
🕗 Mornings: Bible time, breakfast and a little movement in my body, a quick client check-in.
📬 Mid-morning: Respond to emails, check Asana boards, submit weekly updates.
🎨 Early afternoon: A focused work block - maybe scheduling a client’s program email or creating an invoice tracking spreadsheet.
🚶♀️ Evenings: Dinner, walk with the family, maybe a little planning for the next day.
The goal? Build a rhythm—not a rigid schedule—that supports both your home and your clients.
☕
The Money Part
Most new VAs start between $25–$35/hour—some less, some more depending on niche and experience.
You can offer:
Hourly packages
Monthly retainers
Project-based rates (ex: $250 to format and schedule 4 blog posts)
As your confidence grows, your rates can grow, too. And yes, people really will pay you that because the work you’re doing saves them time, energy, and stress.
Common Fears (and Why You’re Not Alone)
“What if I mess something up?”
You’ll make mistakes, everyone does. But that’s how you learn. A solid contract and clear communication help you move through hiccups with confidence.
“I’m not techy enough.”
You don’t need to know everything. Most VAs learn systems on the job and honestly, YouTube and Google are magic.“What if I don’t get any clients?”
You don’t need dozens. You need one person with a problem you can solve. And you probably already know someone who needs your help.“Can I really do this while homeschooling or raising kids?”
Yes. In fact, that’s what makes you uniquely equipped. time management, patience, problem-solving, and adaptability are your superpowers.
So… Is This Right for You?
If you’re looking for a way to work from home without feeling like you’re on your phone 24/7…
If you’re organized, curious, and care about helping people…
If you’re ready to build something steady that can grow with your life…
Then becoming a VA might be just the thing.
This isn’t about chasing hustle.
It’s about building a business that fits your family and your life.
It’s about using your gifts to support others and feeling supported in return.
You don’t have to do it perfectly.
You just have to start.
And if you’re still reading? You’ve already got what it takes.