My name is Julie. I am a Virtual Assistant and work location-independently from the most beautiful workplaces in the world. When I went on a four-month internship to the south of France during my studies, I had no idea that this period would be the beginning of a completely new lifestyle. A life where I decide where I work, who I work with and what my days look like. But before I got to that point, I had to overcome quite a few doubts – about work, security and especially about myself.
From internship in southern France to a location-independent life
Southern France soon felt like coming home. People lived more relaxed lives, the sun was shining almost every day, and life seemed simpler. I sat on the terrace in a T-shirt in the middle of the winter, made international friends and felt truly free for the first time in a long time. Those four months of internship eventually turned into two years, during which I worked for an international company. With mountain views, an hour and a half lunch break and colleagues who thought it was perfectly normal to have lunch with a glass of wine, life felt light and relaxed. Even workdays felt like vacation. Yet I knew all along: this was only temporary. At some point I “had” to return to the Netherlands. Because that’s where you’re supposed to eventually find a serious job. Stability. Certainty. So after two years I packed my bags.
Why returning to the office felt like a step back
Once back in the Netherlands, I quickly found a job as a project manager. On paper it sounded good: I finally had the permanence I craved. But the daily reality felt anything but free. The alarm went off early, I spent hours on the public transport, and by 8:30 a.m. I was sitting neatly in the office. At lunch I quickly crammed my sandwiches down my throat and at 5 p.m. I looked relieved at the clock, only to get back on the bus and train. Every day again that gray sky, rain and above all: the feeling that this was not the life that suited me. After three weeks (!) I already knew I didn’t want to stay here. I felt empty, lifeless and lacked the energy I had felt so naturally in France. I decided to quit my job.
The first step toward a remote career
Fortunately, I was able to work immediately as a freelancer for an old employer. For the long term, this didn’t earn me enough, but it did give me space to think: what do I really want? Back to France? Or something else? I quickly came to the conclusion: I wanted to work independent of location. I didn’t want to be tied to one place, but able to choose where I live and work. Since I didn’t know where I wanted to live anyway, I wanted to be able to take my work anywhere and still build something.
So I started looking for remote salaried jobs – but that turned out to be not so easy. Going into business as a freelancer? That’s nothing for me … right? Still, the desire remained. I read blogs about digital nomads, watched videos of entrepreneurs who took their work with them around the world, and heard stories of people who had completely turned their lives around. Inspiring? Yes. But somewhere I also thought: great for them, but nothing for me. Until I came across the term ‘Virtual Assistant’.
How I became a Virtual Assistant and built my own business online
Working as a Virtual Assistant – also known as a VA – was a completely new world for me. But the more I read about it, the clearer it became: this is a perfect fit for me. After all, as a VA, you can completely decide what services you offer – whether that’s administration, planning, social media or marketing.
For me, that choice was quickly made: I wanted to focus entirely on online marketing, especially social media, blogging and SEO. Another thing that really appealed to me was the opportunity to work with passionate and inspiring entrepreneurs. I wanted to know everything about it: I followed free webinars, read blogs, listened to podcasts and became more and more enthusiastic. I decided to work with a business coach and build my own VA business step by step.
What exactly does a Virtual Assistant do?
I now work full-time as a Virtual Assistant under my business name Virtual Voyage. I help entrepreneurs – often with a passion for travel – with their online visibility. My clients are often digital nomads or true travel enthusiasts themselves. They would like to grow online, but simply don’t have the time or knowledge to do everything themselves. I make sure they experience more peace and overview while their online visibility grows. Work as an AV includes:
- Creating a social media strategy and developing it.
- Writing of website texts, blogs and sales pages and their SEO optimization, among other things.
- Thinking with my client as a sparring partner, with the goal of growing their business strategically.
Working from inspiring places around the world
What I love most about my work? The combination of freedom and connection. I work from places that inspire me – sometimes from a rooftop in Marrakech or a coffee shop in Porto, and sometimes just on my own balcony in the Netherlands. But I also work with entrepreneurs who are driven, creative and often just as adventurous as I am. Moreover, I am really part of their business. I think along strategically, spar about new ideas and see how their dreams become reality step by step. And all this while I continue to grow myself – as an entrepreneur and as a human being.
Wondering what other professions are suitable for remote work? Then read the blog.
Freedom, connection and growing as an entrepreneur
For me, freedom does not even necessarily mean being in a different country every month. Sometimes freedom is also just deciding to walk in the sun on Tuesday afternoons in the Netherlands. But I know I can travel whenever I want. Soon I will leave for Madeira and this summer I will participate in an organized workation. Working among other online entrepreneurs, exchanging ideas, motivating each other – that’s what makes entrepreneurship so much fun for me.
Choose for yourself and discover the freedom of working remotely
If you also feel that your work does not fit (anymore), know: there are alternatives. It does not all have to be perfect at once – believe me, there is no such thing – but it does start with daring to listen to your feelings. I never thought I would become an entrepreneur. Yet I am now exactly where I want to be. And I wish you that too. Do you want to enjoy my adventures? Then be sure to take a look at my Instagram: @virtualvoyage_en.
