There are other adjectives I can think of but I won’t use them here.
I saw a post advertising for a Female Virtual Assistant/Content Writer that says, and I quote:
You’ll be writing about 3-4 250-350 articles per hour based on the keywords I will specify.
I am going to expect you work full time (only for me and not anyone else) (my emphasis)
You have to have experience in article writing.
Amongst other things. The ‘virtual assistant’ had to be living in the Phillipines too. I left a comment but not sure if it will get published.
I don’t know about the tax laws in that country but where I live if providing services for only one person I would be seen as their employee because the bulk (or all) of my income came from them. That would be a problem for both the client (employer) and myself.
Virtual Assistants are self-employed business owners who provide services to a number of clients but it seems that many ‘clients’ still don’t get that and think they have to have the VA entirely to themself.
The majority of VAs are experienced at juggling many things and often had to report to several people in the corporate world. They are used to organising themselves and prioritising jobs. Before I started my own business I was reporting to 8 Project Officers and was their only PA – fun by busy job and all 8 Project Officers thought they were the chief! But I managed and thrived on the busy-ness. Most VAs I know are the same and love the variety.
Lesley says
The value of the ‘virtual assistant’ is immeasurable these days, the fact is that people will try their very best to pay as little as possible for a huge amount of work. Outsourcing is one thing..but it seems to often border on slave labor.
Jessica says
Good thoughts!
sarah says
Virtual assistant positions are pretty tough to find but can be very god for the stay at home mom or college student trying to earn more money and some skills, i myself have tried out for with with no luck so far any sights that offer these freelance positions would be very useful to me and my site TRAVELHQR, thanks.
Kathie Thomas says
With all due respect Sarah, you appear to be looking for a ‘job’ and not working as a business owner which is what Virtual Assistants are. Clients are what you want – not a job. And if you join any of the Virtual Assistant networks out there you will learn a lot about running a VA business and supporting clients. There are links on this site and a lot of information about running a VA business.
You also need to think about how you present yourself in the written word via email, blog comments or anything else. Presentation is important as there are always clients and other VAs who could outsource to you viewing what you write.
Crystal Kimble says
Great article Kathie. And I agree. Working in several different industries, without leaving your home is one of the best parts of being a virtual assistant in my opinion.
Ross says
From what you say, it looks like this person is looking for a copywriter, not a virtual assistant! Virtual assistants inheritely work for more than one person.
Working for one person wouldn’t be conducive to the role of virtual assistant!