Halfway Through the Year: Finding Meaning in Work, Loss, and Purpose as a VA

🕰️ 1. Introduction – A Moment to Pause

I can’t believe it’s already June—halfway through the year. Time moves fast, and it’s often only when we pause that we realize how much has happened. This point in the year is a natural checkpoint, and for me, it’s brought a lot of reflection—both professionally as a recruiter at OLIVIA and personally as someone who recently went through loss at home.

This year reminded me of just how valuable it is to have time, space, and presence—something that remote work has made possible. Through both joy and grief, I’ve learned that meaning isn’t just found in big milestones, but in the slow, quiet days in between.

🏡 2. Life as a Fur Mom & Remote Worker

One of the things I’m most grateful for as a remote worker is the time I get to spend at home—with my family and with my two senior shih tzus. Every day, I wake up, eat, work, and rest with them right beside me. When work gets tough, all I have to do is look in their direction, and things somehow feel lighter. Their presence is comforting, and in return, my presence brings them peace too. They're no longer left alone, waiting for me to come home late from a long day.

But in February of this year, my world shifted—I lost one of them. It’s a moment I never thought would come so soon. The pain is still there, and sometimes it sneaks up on me in quiet moments. But there’s also deep gratitude—because I was there. I didn’t miss the little things. I got to be present during their final days, and I wouldn’t have had that if I were still working onsite.

Working from home allowed me to slow down and be fully available not just in good times, but in the most difficult ones too. That time, that presence—it’s something I’ll never take for granted.

💼 3. My Journey as a Recruiter at OLIVIA

Before OLIVIA, I worked as a recruiter in the BPO industry, and while that job had its own rewards, it also had limitations. I mostly connected with people from one city, and I’d leave home so early and return so late that I barely had time for myself, let alone my family or pets.

When I joined OLIVIA, everything changed.

Now, I get to speak with amazing people from all over the Philippines—each with their own story, their own reasons for wanting a better work-life balance. I get to help them kickstart or continue their journey as virtual assistants, often for clients in the U.S. home care industry. It’s not just a job—it’s a chance to grow, to learn, and to build something meaningful.

Every day brings a new story. Every day is a learning curve. And every time I help someone find the right opportunity, I’m reminded why this work matters.

💖 4. Why Purposeful Work Matters

What we do at OLIVIA isn’t just virtual assistance—it’s support that makes a real difference. Our clients in the U.S. rely on their VAs to help them manage the many moving parts of the home care business. That means when you work with us, you're helping someone provide better care to others—while also caring for your own life at home.

That dual purpose—helping others while staying rooted in your own life—is powerful. And in my own experience, it’s life-changing.

🚀 5. Invitation to Reflect and Act

So here we are, halfway through 2025. Maybe you're also taking stock of where you are, what you've been through, and where you want to go. Maybe you’re feeling the need for change—or simply a stronger sense of purpose in the work you do.

If you're looking for a career that allows you to be present, to grow, and to do meaningful work from the comfort of your home, I encourage you to consider joining OLIVIA. It gave me a life I didn’t think was possible—and I believe it can do the same for you.