From Recruiter to VA: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Career Shift

Written by Alaina Dimdam, Client and VA Success Manager at Olivia Professional Solutions

Shifting careers is never simple, especially when you’re coming from a fast-paced, high-pressure corporate world. For years, I worked in a recruitment firm where I was immersed in sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and matching the right people with the right opportunities. It was rewarding, challenging, and nonstop. But eventually, I found myself wondering,” Is there something that aligns more with the life I want to build?”

That question opened a door I never imagined—becoming a Virtual Assistant.

Why I Decided to Shift Careers

Recruitment shaped me in many ways—it honed my interpersonal skills as I regularly spoke with the head of recruitment, directors, country managers, COOs, and even CEOs across all industries that you would think of. It also taught me the resiliency, grit, and mental toughness the role demands. In spite of all these, it also came with long hours and limited flexibility; short of saying, I was burned out. I wanted more control over my time, a better work-life balance, a remote setup, and opportunities to grow beyond a traditional office environment. Becoming a VA offered all of that—and more. It has given me more time with my family (and my fur babies!) and freed me from the stress of daily commuting.

My Role Today: Supporting Both Clients and VAs

One of the biggest surprises and joys in this career shift is how far my professional growth has progressed. From being a recruiter, I now support clients to ensure their operations run smoothly, while also guiding and assisting our VAs so they can perform at their best. Who would have thought that being burned out would lead me to something so freeing? 

I now feel the liberty and empowerment that a corporate job never gave me. I’ve become the person who ensures clients receive exceptional service, supports VAs when challenges arise, creates solutions, and makes sure both sides feel heard, supported, and valued. It’s a role filled with responsibility—but also so much fulfillment. Seeing both clients and VAs thrive, and knowing I play a part in that success, is incredibly rewarding.

The Learning Curve — and Why It’s Worth It

I constantly remind myself that staying in one place won’t take me to places. Success isn’t just about the skills you already have, it’s about being open to learning new ones. Switching careers required me to learn new tools, processes, and even about a new industry (Home Care is not something many Filipinos traditionally focus on). It felt like starting from scratch, but every step has been worth it. Along this journey, I’ve gained greater flexibility, a healthier work-life balance, continuous learning, and unexpected growth opportunities. This wasn’t just a career shift; it was a life upgrade.

If you’re wondering whether a career shift is possible, it absolutely is! New opportunities are waiting for you, sometimes in places you’d never expect. Don’t be afraid to take the next step. Sometimes the best version of your career is on the other side of a bold decision.

💼 Ready to Take Control of Your Career?

✨ Apply today at www.oliviapros.ph and start your journey toward freedom, fulfillment, and professional success!