How Laila Left Her 9-to-5 for a Flexible Career as a Virtual Assistant
Athika Rahma
SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA
Have you ever felt exhausted by your daily routine? Waking up early, getting stuck in traffic, coming home late, and feeling drained before your day even starts? That’s exactly what Laila Rahma, a 29-year-old woman from Bandung, experienced before she decided to leave her office job and become a Virtual Assistant (VA).
In this article...
A Life-Changing Decision
Laila used to work at a leading skincare company in Indonesia, where her last position was as a Creative Supervisor. Her salary was enough to cover her daily needs and save for the future. Plus, she had wonderful colleagues.
However, after six years of working at three different companies, Laila felt it was time to leave the 9-to-5 grind.
“It wasn’t a specific moment that made me think, ‘I need to quit now.’ It was more the daily exhaustion from spending hours on the road. By the time I got to the office, I was already drained, and when I got home, I just wanted to rest, even though there was so much else to do,” Laila shared with SGB VA.
Making the decision to quit wasn’t easy. She often wondered, “If I don’t work in an office, what will I do? How will I earn money? What if I end up missing the office environment?”
But with her husband’s full support, Laila finally found the courage to resign.
“The decision was more about finding peace. I didn’t want to live my life in a constant rush. I wanted time for myself and my family,” she explained.
Discovering Opportunities as a Virtual Assistant (VA)
After quitting her job, Laila realized she still needed an income but didn’t want to return to the office life. She started exploring ways to work from home and stumbled upon a VA course that promised skills for remote work.
Initially, she was skeptical. “I thought, ‘What if this SGB VA thing is a scam?’” But after doing her research—looking into the course founder, reading testimonials from alumni, and learning about their backgrounds—she decided to give it a shot.
The course lasted six weeks. During that time, Laila not only learned new skills but also built a network with like-minded individuals.
“Besides learning, I made new friends. After completing the course, even though I still lacked confidence, I managed to get two clients just two weeks later,” she shared enthusiastically.
Making the Dream of Remote Work a Reality
Today, Laila is living her dream of working from anywhere. As a successful VA, she offers services like social media management, content creation, and voice-over work.
Interestingly, many of these skills were things she already did at her office job, so transitioning to a remote career wasn’t as challenging as she had imagined. The difference now is that she can use these skills in a more flexible and fulfilling way.
“I used to work a strict 9-to-5 schedule in an office,” Laila explained. “Now, I can work from anywhere—even while tidying up the house or cooking for my husband. I’m no longer tied to a desk or a long commute. I can plan my day and have time for what truly matters. This is my dream come true,” she said proudly.
In addition to the freedom of working from home, Laila has achieved something many struggle with: work-life balance.
She used to rush between the office and home, barely having time to relax or spend with her family. Now, she has the flexibility to manage both in a more satisfying way.
Her husband even challenged her to match her previous office salary with remote work earnings.
At first, Laila was doubtful, but she accepted the challenge. Now, not only has she met the target—she has exceeded it. “I actually earn more than before, and more importantly, I have control over my time. I can prioritize my health, family, and personal interests—things I could never do while working in an office,” she explained.
Laila has successfully built a remote business and now manages five clients—a remarkable achievement for someone who once doubted her ability to work independently!
For Those Who Are Still Hesitant
Laila has an important message for anyone hesitant about pursuing remote work, especially if you’re worried about scams or struggling to find clients.
“Don’t be afraid to try! Always strive to improve yourself so you can increase your value and attract the right clients,” she advised.
She also recommends having clients lined up before resigning. Laila herself only decided to quit her job after securing three clients, which gave her the confidence and security to take the leap.
“The key is preparation. I don’t recommend rushing into it because that will only make you more anxious. So, trust the process,” Laila added.
Want to Start a Career Like Laila’s?
If you feel stuck in the 9-to-5 routine and wonder if it’s time for a change, you can learn from Laila’s journey. Don’t be afraid to try, and most importantly, make sure you prepare yourself well!
For those interested in becoming a VA like Laila, you can start by gaining insights from Tania Gromenko, an SGB VA mentor, through a free webinar. In this webinar, you’ll learn what it means to be a VA, the skills you need, and how to succeed as a VA in just six weeks.
Register now by clicking the link below!
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