As a TPT virtual assistant (if you want to know what the h*ck that is, click here to read more), I left my life behind as a full time speech-language pathologist and never looked back!
I most recently worked in home health, and along with questionable managers, I was burning out from patient care, calling APS an inordinate amount of times, dealing with doctors/orders/insurance, scheduling, and being the only SLP to drive around in a 60 mile radius in Portland. I loved (most of) my patients and (most of) my co-workers, but I knew I needed a change (I mostly knew this because I was dreading work and frequently crying into my green tea).
I accidentally came upon being a virtual assistant when a friend asked me to help her with her TPT store. And thus-ly began my journey. Since early 2019, my client load has shifted from one person –> more than one –> way a lot –> whoa that’s too many –> now much more manageable. And now I work part time as a VA and part time on my own TPT store.
So why become a VA?
I’m so glad you asked! Because if you’re interested, please stick around, because a lot of this blog is about teaching you some tips and tricks.
Flexibility
Never do I have to ask someone behind a desk for vacation days 10 months from now and still get denied. I go to doctor’s appointments without asking permission for time off. I like routine, but wake up when you want. Eat lunch outside, take your dog on a walk, take a phone call from your BFF with no guilt! Just pause your time tracker. 
Environmental control
I believe in the power of hygge. I don’t know if it’s being an introvert that makes me crave coziness or what. But one of my favorite things about working from home is having control over my chair, my desk, smells, organization, cleanliness, temperature, what I wear, a dog under my feet, and decor. Or, just heading to a coffee shop and eating pastries while I work is nice, too.
Be your own boss
Do what you want to do instead of arbitrary tasks the management has deemed necessary! Can you believe that’s even possible? It is! Make your own hours. Take the clients that you want. This, of course, comes with adulting responsibilities such as tracking expenses and filing quarterly taxes, among many other IBRT (Important Business Related Things), but it’s all worth it.
(Potentially) leave your job behind
Ain’t no guarantee, but I did it! I dreamed of this during my entire working career and I’m so very grateful it happened. I do miss working with actual human beings that are in the same room (work from home does get lonely) but I wouldn’t trade it. And more power to you if you don’t *want* to leave your job behind! Maybe you’re looking for a side hustle or just reducing your hours.
Be creative
Of course as SLPs and educators we have to get creative! But I think there was a large part of my brain I wasn’t using for years that I really missed. I love designing products, making things fit visually, and using the align button.
No big overhead
Becoming a VA is relatively cheapazoids, depending on what niche you work with. I became a VA with only a laptop. And overall, the expenses it takes to start a VA business is relatively small compared to others.
These are my favorite things about being a VA and working from home! It can be a challenge sometimes but I’ll save that for another post, and overall I love it. Let me know if you have any questions!
