Laughs Behind the Laptop: The Lighter Side of Being a Virtual Assistant + Tips for Newbies! 😄

Hey everyone!

I thought I’d start a fun and hopefully helpful discussion around something we don’t talk about enough in the VA world—the comedy of being a virtual assistant and how humor actually helps us enjoy our work and stay sane! :sweat_smile:

Let’s face it—being a VA can be unpredictable. One moment you’re managing a client’s calendar, and the next, you’re troubleshooting their grandma’s printer because “she also needs help, sweetie.” We’ve all had those “did that just happen?” moments.

:laughing: Funny Moments on the Job

  • One time a client asked me to schedule an “important Zoom with Drake.” I spent 10 minutes wondering why we were meeting a rapper… before realizing they meant their colleague Derek. :joy:
  • A fellow VA shared that her client accidentally shared their grocery list with her project notes. She spent 15 minutes trying to figure out what “almond milk strategy” meant.
  • Or when you’re in a meeting and their toddler walks in, asks if you’re their mom, and your client just keeps talking like nothing happened. Pure chaos, but also pure gold!

Laughter really helps break the stress of back-to-back tasks. It creates bonds, makes the day fly by, and gives us those little stories that remind us we’re working with real people—not just avatars on Zoom.

:sparkling_heart: Why We Enjoy Being VAs

Besides the freedom and flexibility, many of us truly enjoy the variety and creativity of the role. Every client is different, and every day brings a new challenge. There’s a sense of accomplishment in helping others stay organized and succeed. And for those of us who love solving problems or creating systems—it’s like being a behind-the-scenes hero.

Plus, let’s be honest: pajamas. :relieved_face:


:glowing_star: Tips for New VAs Just Starting Out

If you’re just getting started, welcome to the club! Here are some tips seasoned with both experience and a dash of humor:

  1. Overcommunicate at first – Until you’ve built trust, clarity is key. Think of it like being a mind reader in training.
  2. Learn to laugh things off – Mistakes happen. Spell-check fails. Zoom freezes on your weirdest face. Embrace it!
  3. Set boundaries early – If you respond to emails at 2 AM once, they’ll expect it always. Save your sanity.
  4. Keep learning – From project management tools to social media tricks, the more skills you gather, the more valuable you become.
  5. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” – But follow it up with, “I’ll find out.” Confidence comes with honesty.
  6. Make VA friends – Online forums like this one are goldmines for support, advice, and venting when you’ve just spent 3 hours helping someone sign into Google.

So, fellow VAs—what are some of the funniest moments you’ve had on the job? How do you keep things fun and fresh in your virtual workspace?

Drop your stories, memes, or tips below. Let’s keep this space a mix of professional and playful. :tada:

Keep calm and mute yourself when you sneeze,
@emon