In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in flashy promises of “making bank” as a Virtual Assistant—$30k months, $150 hourly rates, and overnight success stories.
But let’s get real: those numbers aren’t the norm. They’re the exception, and chasing them without the right foundation can leave you burnt out, frustrated, and questioning your path.
At the VA Institute, we’ve been supporting startup and established VAs for a very long time—since 2017, to be exact, backed by our more than 30 years of combined hands-on, real world experience running and mentoring virtual businesses.
We’ve seen every trend, every overblown claim, and every shortcut.
And let’s be brutally honest: success in this industry isn’t about hype. It’s about building something meaningful, sustainable, and grounded in reality.
Here’s the truth: most VAs in Australia will comfortably charge between $45 and $80 an hour—not $150. And while it’s absolutely possible to grow a business that generates six figures or more – yes, we do see it! – it doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen without a solid foundation, and sustained strategic support.
Building a Virtual Assistant business isn’t just about chasing income; it’s about creating freedom, flexibility, and a life that aligns with your values.
For many, starting a VA business is a rebellion—a stand against toxic workplaces, rigid schedules, or the limitations society has placed on them. It’s about taking control, finding purpose, and working on their own terms.
But this journey isn’t for the faint-hearted. Many of the women we’ve worked with have come to us absolutely broken, worn down by years of being overlooked or undervalued. What transforms them isn’t just the work—it’s the process of reclaiming their confidence, their direction, and their belief in what’s possible.
That’s what we focus on at the VA Institute: building real businesses with real impact.
We’ve guided mothers who want to be there for their kids while building something for themselves.
We’ve supported women to start a business who’ve been told they’re “too old” or “too inexperienced” to find employment.
We’ve helped individuals with disabilities find fulfilling work that fits their lives.
… and every single one of these stories is grounded in authenticity, not empty promises.
The ripple effect of this kind of success is incredible. When you build a business that aligns with your goals and values, it doesn’t just change your life—it impacts your family, your community, and everyone around you. Your kids see what’s possible. Your friends are inspired by your courage. And your clients benefit from your commitment to excellence.
Yes, you can absolutely create a profitable, rewarding Virtual Assistant business. But it’s not about quick wins or impossible rates. It’s about building something you’re proud of—something that’s rooted in expertise, integrity, and the confidence to know your worth.
So, the next time you hear a shiny promise about making millions as a VA, ask yourself: is this the dream I want, or am I ready to build a reality I can stand behind?
At the VA Institute, we’re here to help you do the latter—and do it well.
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