📢 Listen to the full episode here:
When I first started as a virtual assistant, I never imagined it would completely shift my career path. I thought I was just starting a side hustle, something to bring in extra cash while figuring out my next move. But what actually happened?
👉 I went from making $54K in my 9-5 to taking home $105K as an agency owner.
👉 I learned skills that made me MORE valuable in corporate (not less!).
👉 I realized VA work isn’t just a “break” from a career—it can be a power move.
If you’ve ever questioned whether VA work is a real career path or worried about how it looks on a resume, this episode is for you.
When I was working my 9-5 in tech, I was making $54K a year (before bonuses, which were hit or miss). I was spending long hours at the office, traveling for work, and honestly, just trading my time for money.
Meanwhile, my VA side hustle was almost matching my corporate salary. That’s when I knew—if I could just go full-time with it, I’d make even more.
So I did. And in my first full year as a VA? I brought in $85K take-home pay. Not revenue—actual salary for myself.
Once I leveled up to running an agency, I hit $105K base salary. No negotiating with a boss. No waiting for an annual review. Just me deciding it was time to charge more and making it happen.
One of the biggest lies we’re told is that entrepreneurship isn’t real work experience. Bestie, that’s a setup. If you’ve run a VA business, you’ve been:
âś… Managing operations & workflows
âś… Setting up systems & automations
âś… Handling client success & retention
âś… Leading projects & teams
All of that? High-level corporate skills. And I proved it when I transitioned back to a 9-5 and landed a six-figure role because of my agency experience.
If you’re a VA worried about returning to corporate, don’t sell yourself short. Frame your experience in a way that highlights what you actually did—and trust me, it’ll open doors.
For parents especially, VA work can be a game-changer. Instead of a gap on your resume, you’re gaining real experience that can:
✔️ Let you work from home while raising your kids
✔️ Keep you in the workforce without the rigid 9-5 structure
✔️ Set you up to negotiate a better salary if you go back to corporate
So if you’re thinking about stepping into VA work, know this—you’re not just starting a “little side hustle.” You’re setting yourself up for long-term success, whether you stay in business for yourself or pivot back to corporate later.
If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to chat more about where you’re at.
💬 DM me on Instagram [@yourhandle] if you’re thinking about starting a VA business or making the shift back to a 9-5.
And if you’re ready to step into VA life with confidence? Listen to the full episode above!
🚀 Want to learn more? Check out these resources:
🔗 Episode 1: My VA Story – Listen Here
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to Franly Advice so you never miss an episode!
#VirtualAssistant #WorkFromHome #CareerShift #VAtoOBM #EntrepreneurMindset

The show you didn't ask for, but you love the fact that it exists! Tune in every Wednesday as Fran provides advice like your best girlfriend sitting on the couch next to you at home cheering you own online business!