Sonia’s Journey to Virtual Assistant Success
Meet Sonia Rossi, a mother who, after a period of unemployment, embarked on a thriving career as a virtual assistant, finding a fulfilling balance between her family life and professional ambitions. Her story is an inspiration to all women, especially mothers, who wish to return to work after a career break or explore new professional avenues while maintaining the flexibility needed to manage their families and achieve their personal and career goals.
What prompted you to become a virtual assistant, regardless of being a mother? What were your personal aspirations and goals?
After a long career in the textile sector, I found myself in layoffs at 56 years old. I needed a flexible job that would allow me to reconcile my professional life with my family life. The possibility of working from home and managing my time independently was fundamental in my choice.
What were the most significant challenges you encountered during your career as a virtual assistant, and how did you face them?
The biggest challenge was putting myself out there and promoting myself online. I wasn’t familiar with social media and I had to learn everything from scratch. Thanks to the comparison with other colleagues and participation in training courses, I was able to overcome the initial difficulties and build a solid online presence.
How has being a mother influenced your professional skills? What specific skills have you developed thanks to the experience of motherhood that have been useful to you in your work as a virtual assistant (time management, crisis management, empathy, etc.)?
The experience of motherhood has contributed significantly to my professional success. Being a mother teaches you to manage time, resolve crises, and develop strong empathy – all essential qualities for a virtual assistant.
How did you reconcile the work of a virtual assistant with the presence of an adult daughter? Were there any particular dynamics or specific challenges related to this phase of life?
Having a now-adult daughter has allowed me to manage my time with greater flexibility. But I still remember the challenges I faced when she was little. For this reason, I advise mothers who want to pursue this career to create a solid support network.
What advice would you give to moms who are considering a career as a virtual assistant? What aspects should they carefully evaluate and what strategies could they adopt to be successful?
Help grow this profession, starting with an appropriate training path and building a support network with other professionals in the sector. It is essential to have patience and not be discouraged by initial difficulties. But above all, it’s important to believe in yourself and your abilities.
What are the main advantages that the work of a virtual assistant offers mothers, in terms of flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for professional growth?
The advantages are many: flexibility, autonomy, the possibility of professional growth, and the freedom to organize your time according to family needs. It is an ideal opportunity for mothers who want to return to the world of work after maternity leave or who are looking for an alternative to paid employment.
How important is it to have a support network (family, friends, professionals) for moms who work as virtual assistants? How did you build your network and how has it helped you?
Having a support network, whether family, friends, or professionals, is critical. I’ve always had family support, which is important because you’re embarking on a path that isn’t easy, and anxieties and worries come with it. It’s also important to have external support, the kind of dialogue I was talking about, communities – that is, connecting with other colleagues, comparing notes, seeing and discovering that you have the same problems that we all face, and therefore supporting each other. This is also because, when working from home, you feel a bit isolated; discouragement sets in easily because maybe a client doesn’t come, you can’t do that thing, you can’t figure out how that system or app works, so many things; you feel a bit isolated.
What are the biggest personal satisfactions you have obtained from working as a virtual assistant, both professionally and personally?
The greatest satisfaction? Having made it! I managed to build a successful career and achieve my professional goals. For the future, I’m thinking of expanding my network of collaborations and offering an even more comprehensive service to my clients.
How do you see your career as a virtual assistant evolving in the future? Do you have specific projects or goals you want to achieve?
I would like to expand my network of collaborations, offering 360-degree services.
What is the most important message you would like to convey to mothers who are considering (re) entering the workforce?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Believe in your potential and don’t give up in the face of obstacles. Motherhood is not a limitation, but an added value that can open up new paths and opportunities.
