Let’s be honest: working from home while raising children isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a juggle. I’m a veteran, a business owner, and a mum to two boys (now 12 and 15 but I launched my business when they were 2 and not even a twinkle), so I’ve been in the trenches. I chose the VA life because it promised flexibility, and while it certainly ticks that box, it only works if you are disciplined.
1. Set Physical Boundaries
You need a “work zone.” Ideally, that’s a separate office where you can shut the door. If you’re working from the kitchen table, you aren’t working; you’re just waiting for someone to ask you for a snack.
If a separate room isn’t an option, dedicate a specific area that is for business only. Keep your filing organised and your desk clear. A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered head. One of my boys once made me an “I am working” sign for my door—it’s a simple, visual cue that says, “Unless the house is on fire, do not knock.” When that door is shut, I’m a VA. When I walk out and leave the phone behind, I’m a Mum. Learn to draw that line.
2. Guard Your Time
“Working from home” does not mean “I’m at home and available to chat.” You must educate your friends, neighbours, and even your family on this. If you wouldn’t nip out to do a neighbour a favour while working in a corporate office, don’t do it now.
Priority Lists: Before you touch your keyboard, know your “must-dos.”
Avoid the Time-Sucks: Social media is a black hole. Set a timer and get out.
Know Your Rhythm: Work when you are sharpest – so if you know you work better before the family get up – great. If you prefer to be a night owl – that’s ok too.
3. Dress for the Job
I’m not suggesting you sit at your dining table in a power suit, but get out of your pyjamas. How you dress dictates your mindset. If you’re in “slouch mode,” your emails and calls will reflect that. Dress like a professional who is ready to take charge, and you’ll find you act like one, too.
4. Get Out of the House
The four walls can start closing in if you aren’t careful. Isolation is a silent business killer. Use the school run as a forced break, or take ten minutes to walk around the block for some fresh air. Better yet, get some local networking or co-working in the diary. Human contact with other grown-ups is essential for your sanity and your professional growth.
5. Tech is a Tool, Not a Master
Being a Virtual Assistant means we have the world at our fingertips, but that’s a double-edged sword. Just because you can check your emails at 6am in bed doesn’t mean you should.
Boundaries apply to your clients, too. Sending an email at 11pm doesn’t make you look hardworking; it makes you look like you have no boundaries. Set the tone from the start: you are a professional with set hours, not an on-call 24/7 concierge. There is nothing wrong in working evenings if it suits you but it may not suit your clients, so use technology to deliver your emails in traditional working hours.
6. Protect Your Health
In a corporate office, someone else worries about Health & Safety. At home, that’s on you. Slumping on the sofa with a laptop on your knees is a fast track to back pain and poor productivity. Invest in a decent chair and a desk at the right height. You are the most important asset in your business; stop treating your body like an afterthought.
The Bottom Line
We won’t get it right 100% of the time; that’s just life. But by being honest and direct with your boundaries and then ruthless with your priority list, you can build a business that serves your family without sacrificing your professional reputation.
Being a VA isn’t just about the work; it’s about the boundaries.
If your “flexible” business has turned into a 24/7 scramble, you need a change of tactics. In the VA Membership, I’ll show you exactly how to manage your time, protect your headspace, and run your business like the professional you are. No fluff, just the training you need to succeed. Come and join us today.
