This is a guest post from one of my VA Coaching clients. I wanted to write a post about how a virtual assistant job is absolutely perfect for introverts, BUT since I am a confirmed extrovert, I didn’t see how I could lend any authenticity to the post. So I asked Brittany Radtke from Radtke Virtual Services to write this post on my behalf. She just finished a four-week coaching series with me and is already getting started with her first clients! So proud of her!
Check out my VA Coaching page if you might be interested in becoming a virtual assistant. Helping new VA’s is one of the things I LOVE to do!
Why Being a Virtual Assistant is Perfect for Introverts
If we have learned anything since 2020, it is that working-from-home is not only an option for some professions, it is the ideal working model for many people. Introverts, in particular, tend to thrive when they are able to work at home. That’s why I feel that working from home is a one of the perfect jobs for introverts.
Being a VA (Virtual Assistant) is so perfect for introverts because it’s 100% work from home and you rarely have to interface with others, and then usually only via Email or Slack messages. That’s perfect when you feel stressed with trying to work in a noisy office or putting up with annoying co-workers.
Who is an introvert?
Introverts can often be misidentified. Oftentimes, people who are classified as introverted are considered shy and antisocial. This is not true in most cases. The main things that differentiate introverts and extroverts is how they gain their energy. Extroverts get energy by being around people and introverts prefer their alone time when they need a recharge.
Wait, that sounds like me!
Hi, I am Brittany, owner of Radtke Virtual Services, where I am a freelance Virtual Assistant who specializes in Pinterest. I understand the life of an introvert because I am one. It is so funny, because many people would consider me an extrovert. I am able to “turn it on” when I need or want to be around people. But a lot of times these gatherings make me feel a bit drained. I do much better with one-on-one conversations that are less chit-chatty and more focused on an actual conversation.
I use my strengths as an introvert to bring a sense of ease to my clients. I am able to listen to my clients, get a feel for what problems they are having, and find a solution (all while wearing my comfy pants)! Having the ability to work from my own home and be in my surroundings helps me stay focused. Working from home also allows me to spend more time with my son. I am able to work around his schedule while reducing stress for my clients.
Benefits of hiring an introvert
Introverts tend to be very creative, great at decision making, strong problem-solvers and can be very independent. These are great skills for working at home! Also, when introverts do interact with people, via Zoom or in-person, they tend to be great listeners and cultivate deep relationships. Imagine being a business owner and knowing that your employee or contractor has your back and you don’t need to worry about the tasks that you have delegated to them!
Drawbacks of working from home as an introvert
While remote work can be wonderful for introverts there are some things to take into consideration and prepare for if you take on this career path. Privacy for example, as a freelancer or business owner, you will need to market yourself. This can be very difficult for an introvert to overcome. Doing Instagram Reels or a Facebook Live can seem daunting. This leads into networking, it is very easy to stay in your safe place and just “get the job done” but it is important to have contact with others and build a sense of community, even if it is through a computer.
My tips are to start small and stay consistent. Right now, my goal is to upload 2 videos of myself on social media each week. My hope is that I continue to gain confidence and can increase this number. I also attend one in-person and one Zoom networking meeting each week and participate in any live streams that my schedule allows.
You get to control your environment as a Virtual Assistant
Working from home is how introverts can truly shine professionally. Especially as a freelancer or a Virtual Assistant, introverts can be more in control of their schedule. Do you like working straight through your allotted time or would you rather work here and there throughout the day. The beauty of working from home is that oftentimes, you get to decide when and where you work. Do you prefer working at your desk or on your couch? The choice is yours!
The sky’s the limit for introverts who want to succeed in a professional environment. Now that work-from-home jobs are more available, introverts can find a career that fits their lifestyle and truly lets them shine which will benefit them as well as the people they work with.
Here are some additional posts you might enjoy:
Wasting Time And Energy On Tasks You Should Outsource?
How to Start a Profitable VA Business
How I Became a Successful Virtual Assistant
Found this a really interesting article, thank you! As an introvert (but people think I am an extrovert!) it’s really good to read an article
From someone that understands the difference! Will be back to read more! Angie. X
Fabulous! Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve been looking into this for myself! As much as I love being out and around people, I really just want to be on my own and doing things at home. Thank you for the resources, you’re inspiring me to do more research and give it a try!
That’s so great to hear. I love to inspire people. Being a VA totally changed my life!
Im thinking about being a virtual assistant to make money on the side. This is great information!!
I hope you look into it. It has been such a game-changer for me. My student who wrote this post already has a couple of clients on board after barely a month.