Nuwera Said Yes to a Local Client & Got the Career Most VAs Are Still Waiting For, Here’s The Story

Working from home has a lot of perks, and one of the biggest is flexibility—being able to choose when and where you work. That’s why the Virtual Assistant (VA) role is becoming more and more popular, especially with the buzz around high-paying overseas clients.

But for Nuwera Intan, a graduate of SGB VA Course batch 17, her journey proved that local clients can be just as promising. The opportunities are real, the income is decent, and yes—the flexibility is still there. Curious? Here’s how Nuwera built her VA career without ever needing to go international.

A Small Step That Changed Everything

Becoming a VA wasn’t part of Nuwera’s original plan. After resigning from her job in 2020, she felt lost about what to do next.

At the same time, her husband—who often attended free webinars by the SGB VA Course—decided to sign her up. He thought working from home would be a perfect fit, especially since it would give her more time with the family.

“I never imagined myself working from home or being a Virtual Assistant after I left my job,” Nuwera said.

But once she got into the course, her perspective started to shift. It wasn’t just about learning tech skills—it also opened her eyes to how the remote world worked, including how to land clients from both overseas and within Indonesia.

Read More: Opportunistic or Specialized? How Abigail Found Success as a VA

Local Clients: Often Overlooked, But Full of Potential

Most people think you have to go international to succeed as a VA. But Nuwera’s early experience proved otherwise.

After completing the course, she started applying what she’d learned, step by step. “I followed all the tips and methods they taught to find clients. But after about two months, I still hadn’t landed any international gigs,” she shared.

Still, she didn’t give up. Instead of waiting around, she shifted her focus and started looking for remote opportunities within Indonesia.

That’s when things started to move. A local startup in the accounting space responded to her application. “We clicked, and I signed a freelance contract for one year. Now, I’m officially part of the company as a full-time employee,” Nuwera said.

And that wasn’t all. Today, she works with two different companies—one as a full-time employee, and another as a freelancer. “My director started a new company and trusted me to help out there too,” she added.

Earning a Living Without the Commute

One of the biggest questions people ask about being a VA is: Can you actually make a good living?

Many assume you need foreign clients to earn well. But Nuwera’s experience says otherwise.

“At my first job, I earn IDR 4 million a month. At my second, I make another IDR 2 million. On top of that, I get health insurance (BPJS Kesehatan), employment benefits (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan), and even paid annual leave,” she said.

And the best part? She gets to do it all from home, or anywhere she wants. Her schedule is flexible, and she’s free to organize her day around what matters most. For her, that freedom is priceless.

Read more: Anna’s VA Journey: From Corporate Life to Managing 14 Clients and Earning a 3-Digit USD Income

Practical Skills That Turned Into Real Results

Before joining the course, Nuwera didn’t consider herself tech-savvy. But going through the SGB VA training gave her all the tools she needed to succeed as a VA.

She learned how to use essential digital tools, how to communicate effectively with clients, and how to navigate the remote work world with confidence.

“Since the company I work for is in the tech industry, the skills I gained through the course really gave me a leg up,” she shared.

Nuwera’s Tips: Big Careers Start with Small Chances

Thinking about becoming a VA? Nuwera has some words of wisdom for anyone just starting out:

First, be open to learning. “Don’t be afraid to try. Everything might seem unfamiliar at first, but you’ll get the hang of it little by little.”

Second, don’t be too picky when you’re just starting out. “If you get a small opportunity, take it. Those small steps can lead to something much bigger.”

And most importantly—don’t just focus on international clients. Local clients can offer great opportunities too. Communication is easier, the work culture feels more familiar, and there’s still so much room to grow.

Read more: Turning Crisis to Opportunity: How Health Challenges Led Wirda to a Thriving VA Career

Ready to Build a Stable Remote Career Like Nuwera?

If you’re dreaming of working from home, earning your own income, and spending more time with your family, maybe it’s time to explore a career as a Virtual Assistant with SGB VA Course.

You’ll learn the digital skills that matter, how to find both local and international clients, and how to grow your career from wherever you are.

Curious to know more? Start with one of our free webinars. Just click the link below to reserve your spot!