Know Your Worth
Have you ever been told your worth is based on where you live?
Not on your skills.
Not on the quality of your work.
But simply on your zip code?
If yes, you’re not alone.
A few days ago, I came across a post on Facebook that really hit a nerve.
A fellow VA shared her experience: She applied for a personal assistant role with a UK-based client.
The posted rate was $8/hour (competitive for the role), and she knew she could deliver.
But the moment the client realized she was based in the Philippines, he “adjusted” the offer, pinababa niya.
Kala niya siguro, dahil nasa Pilipinas tayo, dapat mura. As if talent and hard work depend on location.
Of course, nainis siya. But she kept her composure and told him calmly but firmly:
“You are paying for my output and the value I bring to your company, not my zip code.”
“You are also paying for my commitment, working night shifts to match your timezone, using my own equipment, paying my own bills, without your company covering insurance, healthcare, or paid leaves.”
Reading her story brought back so many memories and strengthened my belief even more: Hardworking Filipino VAs deserve better.
Just like other nationalities, we deserve fair compensation for the skills, dedication, and sacrifices we bring to the table.
Reality Check: Not Every Low Offer Is Automatically “Bad”
Before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s something I want to share too..
a little story from my own journey.
Years ago, I accepted a $3/hour rate from a client I had previously worked with.
Hindi siya typical lowball client.
She had legitimate struggles, a small business barely staying afloat, no budget to hire full-time staff locally.
She reached out to me again after we parted ways (properly, with respect and no breach of contracts), humihingi siya ng tulong.
Out of trust, respect, and knowing her situation, I said yes.
Minsan kasi, relationship and heart matter more than rates.
And until today, I have no regrets about that decision.
But here’s the key difference: I chose that situation with full awareness and mutual respect. I wasn’t forced into it. Hindi ako minanipula or minamaliit.
Lessons we can't ignore..
In this noisy, competitive remote work world, here’s what we must always remember:
- You are not cheap labor.
- You are not disposable.
- You are a professional.
Clients pay for your output.
Clients pay for your time, your expertise, your tools, your sacrifices.
They’re not buying “location”, they’re investing in what you deliver.
If a client cannot respect that, it’s okay to walk away.
There are fair clients out there, clients who will see your value without asking you to shrink yourself to fit their budget.
And guess what? The right clients will be the ones who stick with you for the long haul.
This isn’t about bitterness nor entitlement.
It’s for awareness and self-respect.
If you’re just starting, yes, you may have to build experience, prove yourself, and stay humble.
But humility doesn’t mean selling yourself short.
It means standing tall in the value you offer, even while learning and growing.
Value yourself. Work hard. Stay kind. Walk away when needed.
Pero wag na wag mong kakalimutan maging grateful sa lahat ng opportunities to grow yourself.
About The Virtual Assistant Diary
The Virtual Assistant Diary is your trusted resource for insights, strategies, and practical guides to help you succeed in the VA industry. Your go-to diary for all things virtual assistance.
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