5 Benefits of Starting a Virtual Assistant Side Hustle

It’s no secret that the remote work boom changed the professional world forever. In the wake of COVID-19, many people lost work, changed jobs, quit companies, and started that side business they had been thinking about for years. 

Now, in 2025, the appeal of remote work and the desire for multiple streams of income has only continued to grow—as has the allure of the freedom it offers. 

Whether you’re working full-time and looking to make additional cash or slowly transition out of your 9-5, starting a Virtual Assistant side hustle can be incredibly rewarding and lucrative. 

What is a Virtual Assistant?

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is a Virtual Assistant? 

A Virtual Assistant provides administrative or creative support to an individual or business. As the name suggests, this is a remote role that allows you to work with people from all over the world. 

The types of services a Virtual Assistant offers are completely up to them, which, in my opinion, is one of the greatest perks. 

For example, if you love operations, you may offer services that include calendar management, customer service, project management, or other administrative tasks. For those with more of a creative spirit (me, hi!), you might offer graphic design, copywriting, and other marketing-related support services. 

Whatever service route you choose, know that it is completely up to you! Since you’re starting a Virtual Assistant side hustle, it’s important to offer services that you truly enjoy and are manageable with your full-time job. 

So now that you know exactly what this role entails, let’s dive into the five benefits of having a Virtual Assistant side hustle. 

Benefit #1: The Flexibility and Work-Life Balance 

The beauty of having a Virtual Assistant side hustle is that you have the opportunity to be super selective about who your clients are and what your schedule is. Depending on how demanding your full-time job is, you may only choose to work with one or two clients in the beginning. And that’s totally okay! 

By focusing on fewer clients, especially in the beginning, you can ensure you’re not overwhelming yourself while you navigate a new business with your existing work and life responsibilities. 

One of the best perks of being a VA on the side is that you’re able to bring in an additional stream of income without leaving your house, allowing you to save money and time. Which brings us right to benefit #2. 

Benefit #2: Low Startup Costs 

Compared to other side jobs, starting as a Virtual Assistant requires minimal investment. In the beginning, all you need is your computer, an internet connection, and a social media account or website to start marketing your services. 

It’s easy to see what other more established VAs are doing, but remember that you’re just getting your business off the ground. You don’t need the most expensive CRM or website template. Start with what you have and scale when you begin to bring in additional income. 

PS — I have an entire blog post dedicated to every website and product I use to run my business. 

Benefit #3: High Demand and Job Security 

Over the last few years, there has been a growing demand for remote assistance across industries such as e-commerce, coaching, and marketing, and an increased need for small business owners and entrepreneurs in need of virtual support. 

For most, hiring a Virtual Assistant tends to be less costly than hiring a full-time employee, especially when they factor in healthcare and retirement benefits. More times than not, a business or individual will benefit from your services, they just may not know it yet.

In the beginning, don’t be afraid to send cold emails to local businesses in your area to get the word out about your services.

Remember: Because you’re a 1099 contractor, make sure you set aside 25-30% of any money you make as a VA! You’ll thank yourself when tax season rolls around. 

Benefit #4: Earning Potential and Scalability 

One of the best benefits of building a Virtual Assistant side hustle is that there is unlimited earning potential. 

I’m serious. 

Since you’re more a cost-effective hire than a full-time employee, you have the opportunity to charge a healthy hourly or retainer rate. Plus, there is always an opportunity for your clients to add on additional services, extend their contracts, or refer you to other business owners. 

If you’re struggling to set your price as a VA, don’t worry. I have a blog dedicated to pricing. 

Benefit #5: Networking and Career Growth Opportunities  

One of the biggest advantages of working as a virtual assistant on the side is the opportunity to expand your professional network. By collaborating with various business owners and clients, you can build relationships that may lead to new career opportunities or retainer clients. 

Whether you’re looking to transition into a full-time virtual assistant role or explore other business ventures, the connections you make can open doors to future growth. Networking in this field not only enhances your experience but also increases your visibility in different industries, giving you a competitive edge as a Virtual Assistant. 

Starting a Virtual Assistant side hustle is a great opportunity for those looking to add additional monthly income, explore the field, or start the transition out of their full-time job. If you want more information on how to make this side business successful, I’ve got tons of resources for you.

• Take my free Masterclass to learn all about what a VA does!
• Enroll in Educator’s Exit, my self-paced course that gives you everything you need to start your VA biz.
• See my checklist for becoming a successful VA.
• Follow me on Instagram to get real-time tips and tricks.