My Journey from Customer Service Rep to VA

Hi there! I'm Shairalyn H. Malacaste, a 26-year-old living in the bustling city of Quiot Pardo, Cebu City, Philippines. I am thrilled to share my story on how I transition from Customer Service Rep to VA. For over two years, I've been a full-time customer service representative, navigating the daily grind of phone calls and irate customers. But one day, my life took an unexpected turn, all thanks to a Tik-Tok video that would ultimately change my career path and life forever.

It was a typical evening after a long day at the call center when I stumbled upon a video that piqued my interest. The video showcased the life of a virtual assistant (VA). The freedom to work from home, the flexibility of hours, and the opportunity to explore different tasks instantly captured my attention. I found myself daydreaming about a different career path that would allow me to tap into my skills while providing the work-life balance I craved.

I couldn't get that video out of my mind. Night after night, I researched, read articles, and watched more videos about the world of virtual assistants. The more I delved into it, the more I felt drawn to this new career possibility. But there was a catch: I had zero experience as a VA, and the transition from a well-established CSR role to a VA was a daunting leap.

Emotions ran high as I contemplated this life-altering decision. Fear crept in. What if I couldn't make it as a VA? What if I failed miserably? Doubt clouded my judgment, but my desire for change overpowered my fears.

One sunny morning, I decided to take the leap of faith. I handed in my resignation letter at the call center, with butterflies in my stomach and a mixture of excitement and trepidation in my heart. The sense of liberation I felt was indescribable. It was like breaking free from a cage and stepping into the unknown.

My journey as a virtual assistant began with baby steps. I enrolled in online courses to learn the ropes, from time management to mastering various software tools. Every small victory boosted my confidence and validated my decision.

The emotional rollercoaster continued. There were days when I felt overwhelmed by the demands of my new career, but the beauty of being a VA is that I could adjust my schedule to recharge and regain my balance. It wasn't always easy, but the freedom to choose how I managed my work-life balance was worth every challenge.

Looking back, I can't help but marvel at how far I've come. As I sit here in my cozy home office, sipping coffee and typing away on my laptop, I'm grateful for that fateful TikTok video that led me down this path. It was a risk, but it was also a chance to embrace change and shape my own destiny.

My Journey from Customer Service Rep to VA wasn’t just a career move; it was a life-changing experience that allowed me to discover my true potential, face my fears head-on, and ultimately find the work-life balance I craved. My journey is a testament to the power of following your heart, even when it leads you down an uncharted path.