After spending over a decade managing teams of up to 2,500 employees across multiple retail locations in the Philippines, I never imagined I'd find myself on the other side of the desk. Yet here I am, working as a virtual assistant and loving every minute of it.
" The transition wasn't something I planned. As an Area Operations Manager, I had assistants of my own. I was the one delegating tasks, not completing them. I was the one setting schedules, not working around someone else's. The shift required not just a change in skills, but a complete mental reorientation."
What made me take the leap? Part of it was a desire for something new. After 12 years in retail, I had mastered that world. I knew every process, had handled every crisis, and could anticipate problems before they arose. But I wasn't learning anymore. I wasn't growing. And if there's one thing I've always valued, it's growth.
" The bigger factor, though, was family. My close-knit family had always lived near each other in the Philippines. Sunday dinners, impromptu gatherings, being there for every birthday and celebration—these were constants in my life. But gradually, that changed. First, my sister moved to the USA. Then my brother to Saudi. My mom finally moved abroad herself. Our once-inseparable family was now spread across the globe."
Virtual assistance offered something my retail career couldn't: location independence. The ability to work from anywhere meant I could visit my scattered family members for extended periods without sacrificing my career.
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But making the transition wasn't easy. Going from managing 2,500 people to having zero direct reports felt strange, even lonely at times. I had to relearn how to be a doer rather than just a delegator. Tasks I hadn't personally completed in years were now my daily responsibility.
The biggest challenge was psychological. In the Philippines, titles matter. "Area Operations Manager" carried weight. It opened doors. It commanded respect. "Virtual Assistant" didn't have the same ring to it. At least, not at first.
What I didn't expect was how much my management experience would become my secret weapon. Understanding what executives need—often before they know themselves—comes naturally to me because I've been in their position. I know how to anticipate needs, prioritize effectively, and communicate upward in a way that respects busy schedules.
Now, months into my VA journey, I don't miss my old title anymore. What I've gained—flexibility, new skills, meaningful connections with clients across the globe, and precious time with my far-flung family—has proven far more valuable than any impressive business card.
Sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones we never planned to take.
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