Is the Virtual Assistant Job Trend Worth the Career Leap?

The pandemic brought about many life-changing shifts, one of which was the accelerated demand for a new type of job as a Virtual Assistant (VA). Nano Globals found that the virtual assistant workforce hiring proliferated by 41% in 2020. This trend is expected to continue as the market is projected to reach $8.6 billion by 2028, according to Business Research Insights. 

 With the flexibility, ability to work from anywhere, and the steady income it offers - it’s easy to see why it’s an increasingly popular choice. But is it truly the best option for your career in the long run? Or are we missing the full picture?  With the gig economy booming, let’s dig deeper into the lesser-known aspects of VA jobs. 

1. Disconnection and Lack of Community  

   The heart of any great job is feeling like you are part of a team. Remote work offers undeniable freedom, but it often comes with a downside—feeling disconnected. Unlike the traditional office setting, where team activities, daily interactions, brainstorming sessions and on-site training programs help build community and work culture, virtual assistants miss out on these bonding experiences and support, which is hard to be replicated from behind a screen. These personal touchpoints are crucial for professional connections, motivation and developing interpersonal skills essential for self-improvement and advancement. 

2. Struggle for Stability and Job Security 

   Essentially, VA jobs are another form of freelance work. This also means they don’t quite deliver on job security and stability. If you envision becoming a leader, you need consistent mentorship, training & development, and clear growth opportunities—all of which are scarce in the VA world. In addition to the lack of a structured pathway to promotions, most virtual assistants also miss out on key company benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. 

   It’s also important to remember that VAs face fluctuations in income, and the risk of contract termination makes it difficult to achieve long-term career goals. 

3. Limited HR and Legal Protection 

   Another point to consider is the limited HR and legal support compared to traditional jobs. Without an HR department backing them, VAs often struggle with issues like payroll problems, disputes over contract terms, or even safety concerns. For instance, if there are problems with timely payment or disagreements about contract details, VAs typically have fewer legal protections to resolve these issues. As independent contractors, they can be more vulnerable to unfair treatment or exploitation due to this lack of formal support. Rushford Business School reports that 51% of freelancers have experienced wage theft at least once. 

4. Limited Specialization Due to Evolving Responsibilities  

   To climb up the professional ladder, you need to excel in particular skills that set you apart. This requires years of focused experience in a specific area. But for many Virtual Assistants, the job involves juggling everything from managing emails and scheduling meetings to handling customer support and IT issues. This variety may seem like a chance to build multiple skills, but it often results in being a “jack of all trades but a master of none” situation. Without a defined path for specialization, VAs can get stuck in a role with limited opportunities for advancement. 

 
While remote jobs like Virtual Assistant positions offer enticing benefits, it's crucial to think through the potential drawbacks and weigh them against your career goals. When searching for a job, consider these important qualities: 

• Employers with longevity, scale, and experience 

  • Alorica has been around for 25 years, delivering industry-leading customer service to hundreds of the most reputable brands in the world with a workforce of 100,000 employees across 17 countries. 

• Award-winning company culture 

  • Always check if the company has received any recognitions highlighting its employee-centric culture, such as Alorica’s Great Place to Work certification. You should also ask about company’s programs and benefits specifically designed to support and engage their workforce. This can help you learn a lot about a company’s commitment to its people and their well-being.  

• Opportunities for individual development and growth 

  • Choosing a company that supports and invests in the future of its workforce should be your top priority. We ensure the progress of Aloricans in several ways, including our training programs like Alorica Academy and by promoting 80% of our positions internally. 

As a global customer experience (CX) provider, Alorica, provides a standout work environment and benefits that includes robust training programs, a strong focus on internal promotions and diverse employee engagement and wellness activities—qualities that a Virtual Assistant job simply can't match.