Motherhood and Work: Monia’s Journey as a Virtual Assistant and VA Network Manager
Meet Monia Carletti, a mother who not only successfully embarked on a career as a virtual assistant, finding a balance between family needs and professional aspirations, but also founded a team of professional virtual assistants, offering job and growth opportunities to other women and mothers. Her story is an inspiration to all women who wish to return to work while maintaining the flexibility needed to manage their family and achieve their ambitions.
What motivated you to become a virtual assistant, regardless of being a mother? What were your personal aspirations and goals?
My decision to become a virtual assistant stemmed from a desire for professional growth and the desire to create something of my own. After 13 years as an executive assistant in a company, I felt the need for a change, an evolution that would allow me to apply my skills in a more flexible and autonomous context. Working as a virtual assistant gave me the opportunity to manage my time, choose the projects that interested me, and reconcile work with my family life.
What were the most significant challenges you encountered during your career as a virtual assistant, and how did you overcome them?
The main challenges were time management, organizing different tasks, and promoting my business. Initially, it was difficult to adjust to working from home, alone. For a short period, I worked in a coworking space to feel less isolated and to have some social interaction. Then I realized that I could work from home, from my husband’s office, or from anywhere else, thanks to my laptop. I learned to manage my time better, set priorities, and organize my commitments based on my family’s needs. To make myself known and find clients, I used social media, networking, and word of mouth. I participated in events and collaborated with other virtual assistants to exchange work opportunities.
How has being a mother influenced your professional skills? What specific skills have you developed thanks to motherhood that have been useful in your work as a virtual assistant (time management, crisis management, empathy, etc.)?
Being a mother has helped me develop several skills that are useful in my work as a virtual assistant, including problem-solving, time management, adaptability, and empathy. I have learned to manage crises, find creative solutions to problems, and organize my time efficiently. Motherhood has taught me to be more patient, more flexible, and more understanding, qualities that are essential when working with clients.
How did you balance your work as a virtual assistant with raising an adult daughter? Were there any particular dynamics or specific challenges related to this phase of life?
Balancing work with raising an adult daughter was easier than when she was little. The needs are different, but the flexibility of remote work allowed me to be there for her when she needed me. The main challenges were related to managing space and time. I had to create a dedicated workspace at home and organize my time to spend quality time with my daughter without neglecting work.
What advice would you give to mothers who are considering a career as a virtual assistant? What aspects should they carefully evaluate, and what strategies could they adopt to be successful?
To mothers who want to become virtual assistants, I recommend that they train adequately, develop a flexible mindset, and create a solid support network. It is important to carefully assess the time that can be dedicated to work, based on the family’s needs. To be successful, it is essential to be organized, determined, and constantly updated on new technologies and market trends. Continuous training is essential to offer quality services and to stand out from the competition.
What are the main advantages that working as a virtual assistant offers mothers in terms of flexibility, autonomy, and professional growth opportunities?
Working as a virtual assistant offers mothers numerous advantages, including the flexibility to manage their own time and work from anywhere, the autonomy to choose their clients and projects, and opportunities for professional growth through continuous training and the acquisition of new skills. It is an excellent solution for mothers who want to return to work while maintaining a balance between professional and family life.
How important is it to have a support network (family, friends, professional) for mothers who work as virtual assistants? How did you build your network, and how has it helped you?
Having a support network is critical for mothers who work as virtual assistants. Family, friends, and colleagues can provide concrete help in managing children and household chores, as well as moral and professional support. Personally, I realized how important collaboration and mutual support were, so much so that I decided to found a team of professional virtual assistants. This initiative allowed me to create an even stronger support network where we can share experiences, resources, and job opportunities. I built my network by participating in events, online groups, and collaborating with other virtual assistants. My network has helped me overcome difficulties, find solutions to problems, and feel less alone in my professional journey.
What are the greatest personal satisfactions you have gained from working as a virtual assistant, both professionally and personally?
The greatest personal satisfactions I have gained from working as a virtual assistant are the ability to reconcile work with my family life, the professional growth I have achieved, and the feeling of freedom and independence I experience in managing my business. I am proud to have succeeded in creating something of my own and to be able to dedicate myself to my family without giving up my professional aspirations.
How do you see your career as a virtual assistant evolving in the future? Do you have specific projects or goals that you want to achieve?
In the future, I would like to continue growing as a virtual assistant, specializing in new sectors and expanding my range of services. I would also like to dedicate myself to training other mothers who want to embark on this career, sharing my experience and knowledge to help them achieve their goals.
Finally, what is the most important message you would like to convey to mothers who are considering a career as a virtual assistant?
To mothers who are considering a career as a virtual assistant, I would like to say: believe in yourselves, do not give up in the face of difficulties, and take advantage of the opportunities that this job offers to reconcile professional life with motherhood. Be flexible, determined, and constantly updated, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. A career as a virtual assistant can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that will allow you to grow professionally and personally without giving up your role as mothers.
