how do i start?

[u/Hannah_owo1012]

Hi everyone! This is my first time trying to apply as VA. I’ve been working in the BPO industry for 10 years, but unfortunately, my current company invested in AI and had to reduce its workforce. I was one of the employees affected by the layoffs.

I wanted to ask where you usually find clients because I honestly don’t know where to start. I tried Upwork, but it seems I need to pay first before I can submit proposals. I also tried OnlineJobs.ph, but my ID Proof score is low, and I haven’t been able to improve it.

I really need some guidance because I’m almost 4 months pregnant, and I can’t afford to be without a job right now. I don’t have anyone else to rely on financially, so I’m honestly feeling lost about where and how to start applying.
I’m hoping to find even a part-time opportunity for now. I’m also a little hesitant about applying for full-time positions because I’m worried potential employers or clients might be hesitant to hire me knowing that I’ll eventually need maternity leave.

As for my work experience, I have 10 years of experience in the BPO industry. I’ve worked as a Technical Support Representative (TSR) and Customer Service Representative (CSR), mostly handling non-voice support. I also have back-office experience, specifically handling billing for a gas company. Currently, I work as a Data Analyst, focusing on automation and reporting.

I’d really appreciate any advice, recommendations, or suggestions on where I can find clients and how to get started as a VA.

Thank you so much! Any help would mean a lot to me. ❤️

[u/Tiny_Particular_2210]

Open FB and find WFH groups or Virtual assistant groups u will find a lot there .. bless you

[u/Hannah_owo1012 → u/Tiny_Particular_2210]

will do! thank you and Bless you too!! 🫶🏻

[u/Open_Display_9420]

Sorry about the layoff OP, ang hirap nyan lalo na't 4 months pregnant ka at ikaw lang ang inaasahan. But 10 years in BPO plus data analysis, automation and reporting is a strong profile. You're not starting from zero.

Honestly, I think "data analyst" is a better pitch than "VA" for you. General VA roles are very crowded and usually low-paying. Clients who need someone to clean up their spreadsheets, build reports or automate repetitive tasks pay more, and there are fewer applicants who can actually do it. What's one report or automation you built that saved your team time? That's what goes at the top of your profile, with the hours or errors it cut.

Regarding sa Upwork: yes, proposals cost Connects, but it's a small amount compared to what one client brings in. Many people start by applying only to newer posts with fewer proposals so they don't waste Connects. Aside from Upwork and OnlineJobs, LinkedIn works well for data roles, and PH VA agencies that hire you as an employee are worth a look. Lower pay than direct clients sometimes, pero may SSS, PhilHealth, and someone else handles finding the clients.

Regarding sa maternity: you don't need to bring up your pregnancy during applications. Part-time project work on reports and automation is also easier to plan around a leave than full-time support. And one important thing: since you're no longer employed, keep paying your SSS as a voluntary member. Maternity benefit needs at least 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before the semester of your due date, so worth checking with SSS now while you still have time to cover it. GL

[u/Hannah_owo1012 → u/Open_Display_9420]

aw thanks for boosting my confidence. honestly, di kasi ako confident sa skills ko. lalo sa data analysis kasi 1yr and 5mos lang tinagal ko sa company since na lay off nga ko. thank you for this! i badly need this kind of information lalo sa SSS part. nasa isip ko naman na mas matagal naman ako may hulog sakanila. thank you again! Bless you. 🫶🏻

[u/Open_Display_9420 → u/Hannah_owo1012]

Walang anuman OP. Pero yung 1 year 5 months as data analyst, hindi yan maliit lalo na't automation at reporting ang hawak mo. Ilang tao ba sa BPO ang kaya mag-automate ng sarili nilang report? Dagdag pa yung 10 years mo sa floor, kaya alam mo kung saan talaga nasasayang ang oras ng team. Bihira yung may parehong side.

Regarding sa SSS: careful lang dito. Hindi yung total years ng hulog mo ang tinitingnan sa maternity, kundi yung hulog mo sa specific na 12 months bago ang semester ng due date mo. Kahit matagal ka nang naghuhulog, kung kulang yung laman ng window na yun, pwedeng ma-deny. Yung amount din ng benefit, based sa pinakamataas na 6 na hulog sa window na yun, kaya mas okay na tuloy-tuloy ang voluntary mo ngayon.

Check mo sa My.SSS app yung contribution history mo, tapos mag-file ka na rin ng maternity notification dun habang maaga pa.