Are you looking for ways to work from home in 2023? Maybe you’re a mom looking to work from home so you can spend more time with your kids. Or maybe you’re an overworked and underpaid teacher that is ready to leave the classroom and finally do something where the pay reflects the time you’re putting in. Whatever the case maybe, I am excited you landed in my world.
Four years ago, I was just like you! I was a teacher, a mom of one with one on the way, and I too wanted to find a way to work from home. I tried tutoring, teaching students online, and I also fell into the trap of doing the whole MLM thing. But nothing I tried allowed me to step away from the classroom. In order to do so, I needed to replace my teaching income and nothing I was doing was going to make that happen. It wasn’t until I found freelancing that I was able to officially hang up my teacher hat.
Becoming a virtual assistant (freelancer) in 2019 allowed me to finally live a life I thought was only possible in my dreams. I was able to work from home around my boy’s schedule and I never had to ask for a sick day (or make sub plans) ever again.
Today, I want to teach you all about what a virtual assistant is and how to become one so you too can finally ditch your 9-5 and work from home in 2023!
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant is a self-employed independent contractor that helps business owners with administrative, creative or technical tasks. Think personal assistant, but all virtual. You can work part-time or full time. You get to set your own hours and charge your own rates. This means you can work early mornings, late nights, weekends, or during the naptime hustle. The key is YOU get to decide because you are your own boss.
A virtual assistant, oftentimes referred to as a freelancer, can work from anywhere with anyone looking for support within their business. That means you can live in Texas and work with clients in Michigan, New York, or even Australia if you so choose.
What Do You Need to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant?
The best part of becoming a virtual assistant is the low startup costs. You just need a computer and high speed internet. I also recommend setting up a dedicated space in your home where you will be able to work. This could be an office, dining room table or spare bedroom. It is likely that you will have some video meetings every now and then with clients so having a quiet space is great. However, I will fully confess that I am known to work from my bed, outdoor porch, and living room couch when I am not on calls. Again, this is your business and you can do whatever you want. The main takeaway here is that you don’t need much to get started.
Who Hires Virtual Assistants?
Businesses all over the globe are hiring virtual assistants at rapid rates. Why? They cost a fraction of the price of hiring an employee and they get exactly what they need. For example, a business might need a website created. Instead of hiring an employee for this, they simply hire a website design freelancer to complete the project in a few weeks time and then they move on.
Coaches, course creators, real estate agents, restaurants, bloggers, influencers and more are hiring VA’s. Local businesses all around you are likely hiring freelancers and if they aren’t yet, you can educate them on why they should be.
More and more people are gravitating to the online space and the demand for freelancers continues to rise.
How Do You Become a Virtual Assistant?
There is tons of free content out there on how to become a virtual assistant. Just Google it or go check-out YouTube and you will find all sorts of free stuff. The DIY approach will definitely allow you to get started as a VA but let’s be honest, anything DIY can take forever.
If you are looking to get your virtual assistant business up and running quickly, I highly recommend checking out my 30 Day VA Bootcamp. This program provides the foundational training and skills needed to get your freelancing business on the ground in the next 30 days or less.
How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Make?
The amount you can make as a virtual assistant varies greatly. As a beginner, you can charge around $25-$30/hour and with more experience, you can charge $40-$45/hour.
Once you start to specialize in one specific service such as website design, podcast management, or social media management, you can charge even more. For specialized services you can charge more around the $75-$125/hour rate, if not more.
If you are ready to work from home in 2023, be sure to check out my free training on how to become a virtual assistant today!
