5 reasons to tell you that freelancing is not for everyone

Have you ever wondered why other VAs have more clients, others have been with their clients for years already while others are struggling to find their own clients? Not to mention some VAs are earning as much as 6 digits a month while others are still on a $3/hour rate, there's nothing wrong with that, but if you could get more, then you should get more.

Here are some of the reasons why and hopefully this serves as an eye opener for all who's been struggling to find their place in the freelancing world.

WARNING: These are blatant, frank and shameless enumeration of the reasons why some VAs are more successful than others.

1. You lack professionalism

VAs last longer with their clients because of their PROFESSIONALISM. They are results oriented, hardworking and maintain a positive attitude. They work hard even when the client is not there to check on their productivity. Integrity sabi nga nila. Remember home based tayo, sobrang daming distractions - TV, sleeping during work hours, going outside or just plainly not doing the job. If you exhibit any of these, success if far from what you will achieve.

2. Go Above and Beyond

Your job description will give you a list of your tasks and duties. Going above and beyond is one of the best characteristics of a VA. Being initiative and looking for something you can improve on. Minsan kahit wala sa duties ginagawa. This will show your client your keenness to work. At madalas sila yung nabibigyan ng bonus at raise.

3. Work will not find you. You find work.

May nag post ng job hiring complete with job description, comment ka agad ng “interested” pero di ka naman nag submit ng application. Ano work lalapit sayo teh? Mali! If you think you are qualified for the job, write an impressive cover letter, update your resume and then submit an application. Hindi porke sinabi mo interested ka ikaw na kukunin. Marami kayong interested but that one person who will stand out will get the job. Meron pa nga jan magtatanong ng “pwede ba ko jan?” Juskolord!

4. Paulit ulit nagtatanong kung paano maging VA

Sa dami ng successful VAs ngayon na nag she-share ng stories nila how they became who they are now, hindi mo pa rin tinake yung advice. Puro ka lang browse, basa pero walang action. One of the distinguishing characteristics of a successful VA is being resourceful. Look for freelancing sites where you can find a job. Lay out your skills and experiences. Apply to jobs you think you are qualified, Practice interview question and answer hanggang gumaling ka. Hindi lalapit ang work sayo. Ikaw ang maghahanap sa work.

5. Keep on improving yourself

Learn new skills. Don’t settle for the skills you currently have. Always learn something new everyday. If you want to learn social media management/marketing. Invest in yourself. Enroll in online courses to learn it. There are also tons of free training available online. Freelancing world is a very competitive industry. The more specific your skills are the better opportunities and pay you get. The more skills you have the more clients you can get.

Love your work and it will love you back. Goodluck guys!