What I Wish I Knew Before Starting as a Virtual Assistant

Hey there, friend.

If you're reading this, chances are you're either just starting out as a virtual assistant or thinking about taking the leap. Either way, welcome to the journey! I’m here to spill a little truth and a lot of encouragement, from one freelancer to another.

When I first started as a VA, I was excited, nervous, and honestly… a little lost. I had taken the courses, created my profiles, and even got a few nibbles from potential clients. But behind the scenes? I was second-guessing myself constantly.

And there’s one thing I really wish someone had told me early on.

Ready?

Don’t undersell yourself.

Seriously. Don’t do it.

I know how tempting it is when you're just getting started. You might be thinking, “I don’t have much experience yet,” or “I should charge less so I can get more clients.” I thought the same thing. I convinced myself that lower rates were a smart strategy.

But let me tell you what really happened…

The Underselling Trap

I landed my first few gigs at what I now call “survival rates.” It felt great at first until I was working long hours for little pay, juggling tasks that drained me, and burning out before I even hit my stride.

The clients I attracted at those low prices? Many of them didn’t respect boundaries. They expected fast turnarounds, unlimited revisions, and total availability. And I said “yes” to it all, because I thought that was part of earning my place.

Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Charging less didn’t make me look humble or hardworking. It made me look unsure. And clients can smell that from a mile away.

The Shift That Changed Everything

Here’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me:

My time, energy, and skills are valuable even if I’m still growing.

I had to remind myself that I wasn’t just completing tasks. I was helping business owners stay organized, free up their time, and grow their brands. That’s not a “cheap” service. That’s essential.

So I sat down, did the math, and created a new rate based on what I needed not just what I thought clients would pay. I considered:

• How many hours I wanted to work each week
• What my monthly income goals were
• What other VAs in my niche were charging

Then, I practiced saying my rate out loud. “My hourly rate is $15.” I said it in the mirror. In the shower. To my cat. (She didn’t argue.)

And when I started quoting that rate to real clients?

Something magical happened.

They didn’t run.

They didn’t laugh.

Some even said, “That’s fair.”

Know Your Worth, Friend

Here’s what I want you to take away from this:

You don’t need to wait until you feel “ready” to charge what you deserve.

You don’t need a huge portfolio or years of experience to value your work.

If you’re showing up with integrity, learning, improving, and genuinely supporting your clients you’re already doing more than enough.

Start as you mean to go on. Respect your time. Set your boundaries. Say your rate with confidence.

Because guess what?

You are worth it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just stepping into the VA world, I’m cheering you on. It’s a journey filled with growth, challenges, and amazing freedom. Just don’t let fear make you play small.

Charge what you’re worth.

Work with people who see your value.

And build the career you dream of.

Also, remember: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There’s a whole community of virtual assistants out here rooting for you. Ask questions. Share your wins. Celebrate progress, even the small stuff.

Keep learning, keep leveling up, and most importantly keep believing in your own potential. You’ve got what it takes to turn this into something beautiful.

Until next time.