7 Myth-Busting Facts About Being a Virtual Assistant

The virtual assistant (VA) industry is growing rapidly, but with that growth comes numerous misconceptions. If you’ve heard someone say, ‘A VA just sends emails and schedules calls’, or ‘It’s an easy side hustle anyone can do’, then you have seen firsthand how misunderstood this career path is.

The truth is that being a VA is a legitimate business model and career choice that transcends stereotypes. If you are curious about becoming one yourself or considering hiring one, it’s time to clear the air. Let’s bust seven common myths about VAs.

1. It Is Not Just Clerical Work

Gone are the days when VAs were merely ‘online secretaries’. The role has evolved into something much broader. Today, VAs specialise in different areas depending on their skillsets and interests. Different specialities include social media management, bookkeeping, content creation, executive support, project management, and podcast editing. Many VAs bring experience from their previous jobs, such as a teacher offering educational support services or an accountant providing bookkeeping. In other words, virtual assistance is not ‘one-size-fits-all’. It’s as diverse as the business world itself.

2. You Do Not Have to Be Available 24/7

One common misconception is that virtual assistants need to be available all the time. The reality? Most VAs set clear working hours, response times, and communication channels with their clients. For example, a VA may agree to respond to emails within 24 hours or dedicate specific hours during the day to work on projects. This structure establishes healthy boundaries, ensuring that both the VA and the client understand what to expect. It’s not about being glued to your laptop all day; it is about working smarter.

3. You Do Not Need to Know Everything

Many hesitate to start as a VA because they feel they don’t know enough. The good news is that you don’t have to know it all. In fact, the most successful VAs often niche down instead of trying to serve everyone. For instance, a social media VA for coaches can charge more and attract the right clients compared to someone offering ‘everything to everyone’. Specialising makes you more valuable.

4. It Is Not Only for Small Businesses

Another common assumption is that only solopreneurs or small businesses hire VAs. Yet, big companies and corporate executives also use virtual assistants. A CEO might hire a VA to manage their inbox and schedule, while a fast-growing startup could bring one on board to handle customer service or community management. Ultimately, anyone who values time and efficiency can benefit from hiring a VA, regardless of their business size.

5. You Can Build a Real Business From It

For many people, working as a VA starts as a side hustle, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right systems, marketing, and mindset, it can become a sustainable business. Some VAs eventually scale by turning their solo work into an agency, hiring other VAs to help serve a larger client base. Others maintain it as a one-person business and still earn a full-time income. The key is to treat it like a business: setting rates, creating contracts, and developing processes that help you deliver consistently.

6. It Is Not Location-Limited

One of the best aspects of being a VA is the freedom it offers. You are not tied to a physical office or even a specific country. You can live in Nigeria and work with a client in Canada, or be in the Philippines and serve a business in the US. What matters is your ability to communicate effectively and deliver quality work. The internet has broken down barriers, making it possible to work with clients worldwide. This flexibility is what makes the VA industry so appealing to people wanting to work remotely.

7. You Do Not Need Years of Experience to Start

Many successful VAs didn’t start with formal experience in the field. They transitioned from other jobs by leveraging their transferable skills. If you are organised, good at communication, or tech-savvy, you already have a solid foundation.

While training and courses can help sharpen your skills, you don’t need to wait for ‘years of experience’. The best way to learn is to start small, serve your first few clients well, and grow from there. Every client and project will teach you something new.

Being a VA is more than just helping online; it’s a career path with endless opportunities, flexibility, and the potential to build something sustainable. If you have been on the fence, let this be your nudge. Don’t let the myths fool you. The VA industry is thriving because it works for both clients and professionals. It’s not just the future of work; it’s happening right now.

Ready to explore how a VA can support you? Sisi Manager can help!