Home Star Tutor and VA

That’s what I call myself. Maybe you are wondering what a VA is. VA means Virtual Assistant.

It didn’t happen so easy and fast for me. It was not even given to me. I looked for it. After resigning from my job as a Senior Academic Consultant (nice title, right?) three years ago, I got bored staying at home and waiting for my husband and kids at the end of the day. Since I’m crazy about reading and researching, which helped as I ventured into this unknown path, I began to ask my friend Google.

I started to look for work at home jobs. I encountered a great deal of scams, networking, pyramiding and legit jobs. My eagerness was so great that I wanted to learn how to work from home because I wanted my kids to see me when they get home and I know for a fact that I am stressed out from commutes, wearing uniforms and preparing lunch boxes. I started to look at Odesk.com but the competition was so tight, in a sense, competition for getting the job at the lowest pay possible. I struggled with it because I know my worth and I don’t want to bargain my time. As I researched, I encountered Bo Sanchez’s blog and it leads me to Mr. Jomar Hilario. He is a Filipino/Philippine-based internet marketer, workshop speaker who’s known to be the Tim Ferriss of the Philippines for his early work with internet marketing technologies and virtual assistants. I attended his seminar “Learn How You Can Work From Home Now” last November 2011.

I continued my search for the ultimate VA job but I didn’t get it. I was still drawn to the world of teaching. This is where I encountered Rarejob. It is an online English school which provides English lessons via Skype to Japanese students. All the tutors are home-based and can earn a substantial amount of money. I applied and passed the phone interview and the short but stressful training. Voila! I started teaching January of 2012.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Photo Credit

Just as I was engrossed with teaching and still wanted a VA job, I remember asking  my dear friend and parent-home school teacher, Ms. M about her company and her job as a VA. Fortunately, she was looking for someone who can edit/proofread transcribed podcast materials for her client. I asked her if I can apply and without hesitation she said yes! She immediately sent me some materials to try on and tada! I was on my journey to become a VA. I realized that I still have a lot of things to learn. I just know basic Microsoft Office applications, and other basic apps but it didn’t stopped her to get me. Thank you Ms. M!

I’m still on my search for some VA gig but I don’t worry because I know that we, Filipinos excel in a lot of ways because we’re unique and hardworking. So, for anyone who’s still striving to get their VA gig, never give up. You may end up with good and nice clients to work with.

I will be very glad to know your stories too. Share it and let others be inspired!

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