Hi friends! It has been a while since I last wrote here. Life and work kept me busy, and honestly, I didn’t feel like writing for some time. But lately, I’ve felt the nudge to come back, share an update about my journey as a Virtual Assistant, and reflect on some important changes in the past few months.
A lot has shifted in my freelancing career, and in me as a person, too. Some changes felt scary, others felt exciting, and every single one taught me something new. If you’re also a freelancer or Virtual Assistant, maybe my story will encourage you to keep going or to try something different in your own journey.
Why I Moved from Hourly Rates to Package Pricing as a Virtual Assistant
For the longest time, I charged clients by the hour. It worked well when I was just starting out as a Virtual Assistant. Hourly rates felt safe. Clients understood them easily, and the structure made sense: I worked for one hour, and I got paid for one hour. Simple, right?
But as I grew in my freelancing career, something no longer felt right. As I gained more skills and experience, I’m able to finish tasks faster than before. Instead of rewarding me for learning and becoming efficient, hourly rates made me feel like I earned less because I didn’t “take as much time.”
That realization changed the way I looked at my work. Hourly rates didn’t reflect the value I brought to the table anymore. Clients weren’t just paying for my time. They were paying for my skills, my experience, and the years I invested in learning and practicing so I could deliver quality results.
So after thinking about it for a long time (and I really mean years, almost four 😅), I finally decided to take the leap and switch to package pricing.
My First Experience with Fixed Package Pricing
But before I officially moved to packaged pricing, I tried it out with a client who reached out a little over a month ago. They needed a website redesign, so instead of charging by the hour, I set one clear price for the whole project.
And you know what? The feeling completely changed.
Once I got paid in advance, I felt a deep sense of freedom. I didn’t worry about how many hours the project might take or stress about “going over time.” I could simply focus on doing my best work and bringing the project to life.
My motivation shifted right away. Knowing that my work held value upfront gave me a huge confidence boost. It confirmed that I was moving in the right direction in my freelancing career… And for the first time, I wasn’t tied to the clock. I tied myself to the quality of my work, and that made me so much happier.
The Fears of Switching from Hourly to Package Pricing
Of course, this shift didn’t come without fear. I kept asking myself questions like:
- Will my clients understand?
- What if they think I’m charging too much?
- What if I lose clients because of this change?
Some of those fears came true, unfortunately. I lost a few clients who preferred the old hourly model. At first, that really stung. But with time, I realized that growth often requires letting go of what no longer works. Not everyone will accept your changes, and that’s okay.
The good news is, I still have amazing clients who understood, supported me, and chose to stay. They respected my decision and trusted me enough to continue working together. I feel so grateful for them, and I won’t take their trust for granted.
The Importance of Setting Client Expectations
The biggest challenge with this shift involved setting clear expectations. My clients had grown used to the old hourly system, so I needed to communicate better.
They asked me questions like:
- What’s included in the package?
- What if I need help outside the package?
- Will this cost more than hourly?
These questions are all valid, and as a Virtual Assistant, I want to make sure my clients feel secure and understand exactly how I work.
So I started explaining my packages more clearly and reminding them whenever there’s an opportunity. I let them know what’s included, what falls outside the scope, and how I handle extra tasks. This change really made me understand how transparency makes a huge difference.
Most clients appreciate this clarity because packages give them predictable costs and save them the stress of tracking hours. And on my side, I get to focus on delivering great results without checking the clock all the time.
My Love-Hate Relationship with Social Media as a Freelancer
Another big change in the past few months has been my decision to show up on social media again.
I can’t remember how many times I’ve mentioned in this blog how much I sometimes hate being on social media. At one point, I even deleted my old Instagram and Facebook accounts or deactivated some of them. At that time, I simply needed a break because social media felt too noisy for me, and stepping away gave me the chance to reflect and breathe.
Now that I’m back, I want to be more intentional. If I truly want to grow my freelancing business, I can’t keep hiding and show up for myself. That means being online, whether I like it or not. Social media may not be my favorite place, but it’s impossible to ignore how much it shapes our lives today. If I want to be seen and discovered by potential clients, I have to embrace the fact that it’s one of the most powerful tools for connection.
So, this time, I’m approaching it differently. I’m not back online to seek approval, likes, or fame anymore. I’m showing up with purpose. My goal is to use social media to share my services, connect with amazing people, and market myself in a way that feels authentic.
It feels different now ever since I’ve redefined my relationship with it. I found ways to not let social media control me, and I’ve now started using it as a tool for my business, my growth, and my community.
Key Lessons from My Freelancing Journey
In a short time since making changes to my business and my personal life, I’ve already learned a few valuable lessons:
- Growth feels uncomfortable, but it’s worth it. Switching to package pricing wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Sometimes the scariest step becomes the one that pushes us forward.
- Communication matters more than anything. Setting expectations prevents confusion and builds trust. Being clear shows respect as much as professionalism.
- Rest and reflection matter too. My break from social media gave me clarity. Sometimes stepping back helps us move forward in a stronger way.
- Intention changes everything. Whether in pricing, services, or social media, knowing why you’re doing something helps you stay grounded and consistent.
Moving Forward in My Virtual Assistant Career
As I write this, I feel grateful. I feel grateful for the changes, even the scary ones. I feel grateful for my clients who continue to support me. And I feel grateful that I’m learning to show up for myself online, this time with purpose.
This season feels like a fresh chapter in my freelancing journey. I’m learning to honor my skills, value my time, and embrace the tools around me, including social media.
If you’re a Virtual Assistant or freelancer reading this, maybe you’re thinking about making your own changes. Maybe that means shifting your pricing, redefining your services, or simply showing up online in a new way. My advice is simple: don’t be afraid to take that step. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes, you just need to start, and clarity will follow.
So here’s to growth, courage, and showing up even when it feels uncomfortable. I’m excited for what comes next, and I hope you are too.