To Fellow Devs and Aspiring VAs: A Hard Truth From Someone Who Started at ₱10K

I started out earning ₱10,000 (2012) a month as a software developer in the Philippines. It wasn’t glamorous—I had to build my skills from the ground up, grind through long hours, and earn my way up with discipline and consistency. Fast forward to today, I now work as a project manager for a U.S. company, earning over ₱350K (2022) monthly. It took years—and a lot of work ethic—to get here.

That’s why it honestly bothers me seeing how the VA space has become so saturated with people who are only after the money, but not willing to put in the professionalism and effort that remote work demands. Many undervalue themselves just to land a gig, not realizing that they’re also devaluing the entire market—including those who are doing their best to raise the standard.

Remote work is a blessing, but it’s not a shortcut. If you want to thrive here, treat it like a real job. Show up. Be accountable. Keep learning. And please—know your worth. Underselling yourself doesn’t just hurt you—it hurts everyone.