Becoming a virtual assistant is a hot topic across social media and other platforms. With the increased popularity of at-home work, many Americans are seeking new and individualized ways to make a living and achieve their financial goals. Before deciding whether a career as a VA is right for you, take a look at the top 5 things I wish I’d known before I became one:

1.    Protect yourself and your time.
Before becoming a virtual assistant, make sure that you have a plan to ensure that you and your time are protected. At the beginning of my VA career, I assumed that every client I worked with would be trustworthy and respectful of my time. The unfortunate reality of working as a freelancer is that you cannot always rely on other people to ensure that you get what you deserve - you have to rely on yourself! Unlike traditional employment settings, most freelance jobs will not automatically include legal or other protections. This highlights the importance of having your own systems of protection in place such as contracts, legal protections, and business insurance. A good motto is to, “always assume the best and prepare for the worst!”