You’re deciding whether or not to leave the classroom for good to become a full-time Virtual Assistant. Whether you’re still getting your side business ready to launch or have already begun landing clients, there’s still a choice to be made.
Trust me, I get it.
Three years ago, I was right where you are: Exhausted from the stress of teaching, underpaid for the value I was bringing, and overworked without any true appreciation.
Before I officially quit, I spent the summer job searching, resume building, and interviewing. But nothing seemed to fit.
So I went back to the classroom because, well, I had bills to pay.
But I told myself that this year was going to be my last.
I wasn’t sure how I would make it happen, but one thing about us teachers: We’re always going to find a way.
Like you, I started my Virtual Assistance business on the side. For me, it paid off. And I know it will for you, too. Two months in, I doubled my monthly teacher salary. Two months after that, I resigned. And I never looked back.
Now, I’ve dedicated my career to helping burnt-out teachers own their brilliance as a VA. There’s nothing I’m more passionate about than giving teachers the tools they need to make this leap.
So how do you transition from teaching to becoming a full-time Virtual Assistant? Here’s everything I did to set myself up for success.
I Prioritized Building My Social Media
Even though my Instagram feed looks different today then it did back in November 2022, I had the same mission to add as much value as I could while reaching as many people as possible. In the beginning of my VA journey, I focused my content on the benefits of hiring a VA, what I could offer, and how my time as a teacher made me valuable in this new role.
As I grew, so did my content. I posted consistently and listened intently to what my audience was saying. From there, I was able to build content that I knew would resonate with them, which became the launching pad for my Educators Exit course.
I know social media can feel daunting and overwhelming. But you’re a teacher–you can do anything. You’re adding value and insight to prospective clients, just like you add value to your students.
Here are a few accounts from EE graduates who are thriving in the VA space.
- Virtually Her
- Your VA Mel
- SimplyZ VA
I Created a Website I Loved
I always loved decorating my classroom to feel warm and inviting. It was an expression of who I was, but also represented how I wanted my students to feel.
I created my website with the same intention. I wanted potential clients to find my website and know exactly the kind of VA I would be. I set it up to showcase my personality while also being a professional landing page for everything I could offer my clients.
Before I launched my Instagram, I finalized my website so that, in the beginning, I could direct potential clients to explore my site and see the full breadth of my services.
My Go-To Website Resources:
- Showit (website host)
- Sugar Studios (website designer)
- The Coveted Copy Studio (copywriter)
I Got All of My Client Documents Ready
As teachers, we know a thing or two about a system for paperwork. Organizing my client files was no different. Before I officially left the classroom, I made sure I had all of my ducks in a row. Invoices, onboarding documents, and contracts were the first three I prioritized.
But I’ll be honest: This part was a lot harder than I expected. So much so that I wanted to make sure future VAs could tackle this with ease. In one of my Educators Exit modules, I don’t just go over all of this with you; I give you the templates I created, so it’s one less thing you have to do!
A Resource I Love: Honeybook! This is my ultimate client management software.
I Filed for Sole Proprietorship
One of the first big decisions I had to make was whether to file as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or another business entity. For me, starting as a sole proprietor made the most sense. The process was quick, easy, and inexpensive, and it allowed me to get started without feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or legal jargon.
As a sole proprietor, I could operate my business under my own name, and I didn’t need to worry about complicated taxes or filing fees upfront. Plus, it gave me flexibility as I figured out my business model and client base.
Some of the benefits of a sole proprietorship that helped me were:
- Low startup costs: I didn’t need a big investment to get started.
- Simple taxes: I filed everything through my personal tax return, making it less stressful than setting up an LLC or corporation.
- Complete control: I was the only decision-maker, which meant I could pivot quickly when needed and keep things flexible.
I Marketed Myself to Potential Clients
As a teacher, you’re used to creating engaging content for your students, but marketing yourself as a VA requires a shift in mindset.
You are no longer teaching a classroom full of students—you’re promoting your services to business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals who need support. And just like in the classroom, your audience needs to understand the value you bring.
Here are three strategies to marketing yourself to clients:
- Create content that aligns with their needs and frustrations
- Reach out to them directly to offer a discount on services or to introduce yourself
- Join networking groups
Leaving the classroom to become a full-time virtual assistant is not an easy decision, but it’s one of the most rewarding moves I’ve ever made. It takes planning, preparation, and a willingness to adapt, but it is possible. And it will be so worth it.
If you’re ready to leap, I’m here to help. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve already landed your first few clients, keep going. You’ve got this.
Ready to make it happen?
DM me or check out my Educators Exit course for more in-depth guidance on how to build a thriving VA business. You’ve got this!
