A few days ago, I came across a post that hit me right in the heart. Sabi niya:

Nag-resign ka sa corporate job mo para sa promise na “freedom” at malaking kita sa freelancing. Sabi kasi magkaka-client ka kaagad. Pero ngayon, wala kang backup plan. Paubos na ang ipon mo. Ang worst, hindi mo alam kung paano ka kakain next month.

And I paused. Because it’s true. It’s real. And it’s happening to more people than we care to admit.

Freelancing and virtual assistance are often sold online as magical escape routes. Flexible hours, six-figure income, freedom to travel, etc.

While those things are possible, they don’t happen overnight. And they certainly don’t happen without preparation.

The Unfiltered Truth (No Hashtags, No Hype)

Hindi po sapat ang mag-resign lang from your 9–5 job at umaasang may client na agad the next day.

Real talk: freelancing is not just a lifestyle, it’s a business. And like any business, it requires skills, strategy, and structure.

I felt this so much. This is the reason behind the relaunch of The Virtual Assistant Diary and the upcoming courses I’ve been quietly building for years. Because I couldn’t just sit back and watch aspiring VAs jump in with nothing but hope, and walk away discouraged and overwhelmed.

Let’s Stop Romanticizing Freelancing

May mga nagtatanong sa akin:

“May available ka bang online job?”

“Gusto ko rin kumita ng 6 figures working from home.”

Pero kapag tinanong mo na:

“Do you know how to use Notion?”

“Are you familiar with ConvertKit, ScoreApp, NAVAN?”

…ang sagot ay blank stare.

Let me be clear: this isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about responsibility.

You want to earn well? Serve well. Learn the tools, understand your role, and show up equipped.

Why I Do What I Do

I’ve been in this space for 15 years. No YouTube tutorials back then.

No free workshops.

No TikToks to explain things.

We had to figure things out the hard way. That’s why now that I can, I choose to give back. I write. I create resources. I speak. I build communities. Because I believe you deserve the right kind of help.

Not just handouts, but hands-on learning. Not just motivation, but mentorship. Not just tips, but transformation.

Let’s Build a Solid Foundation

Before anything else, before you write your first cover letter or apply to your first Upwork job.. start here:

1. Learn the basics of VA work.
2. Understand what clients truly need.
3. Build your toolkit and portfolio.
4. Decide what kind of VA you want to be.
5. Surround yourself with a community that helps you grow.

Check out The Virtual Assistant Diary and feel free to browse.. free blog posts, starter kits, and very soon, a complete course and mentorship program. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s needed.

The Bottom Line?

This isn’t about being “choosy” with opportunities. This is about preparing for the ones you say you want. I’m rooting for you. But I will always tell you the truth.

So please, don’t just ask for a job. Ask yourself if you’re ready to show up for it.

Because the best gift you can give yourself isn’t just a paycheck, it’s the pride of knowing you earned it, fully prepared and equipped.

You’ve got this! Let’s build something that lasts.

Cheering you on…