Striking the Balance: Navigating Home and Work Life as a Virtual Assistant
- yourvegasva
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
“Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living!” Dolly Parton wasn’t wrong—at least when it came to the clear boundaries of traditional office life. You left your house, worked a set number of hours, and then returned home to dinner decisions and evening routines. Work was something you left behind at the office.
But for virtual assistants and remote professionals, those boundaries don’t exist in the same way. When your office is just down the hall and your phone is always within reach, it becomes far too easy to blur the line between professional and personal life.
This became especially clear to me during a recent interview. When asked about my home/work life balance, I gave my usual enthusiastic response:“It’s wonderful to hop out of bed, head downstairs to my home office, and start the day. I’m always nearby if you need anything—even after hours!”
Looking back, I realize now: That’s not balance. That’s burnout waiting to happen.
The convenience of technology—phones, tablets, laptops—makes it tempting to respond to “just one quick email” at 8:30 p.m., or fix a small issue during what should be downtime. And while flexibility is part of the appeal of remote work, availability does not mean accessibility 24/7.
Unless it’s clearly outlined in your contract that you’re available around the clock (and paid accordingly), it’s important to draw the line. Because here’s the hard truth: Overdelivering doesn’t always secure your place. Even if you bend over backwards, go the extra mile, or break your own boundaries, a client can still move on. Your dedication may be appreciated—but that doesn’t always translate to loyalty.
So, how do you maintain boundaries?
Designate a clear workspace. Even if it’s a corner of a room, make it your “office” and treat it as such.
Stick to a schedule. Choose work hours and honor them.
Step away for breaks. Eat lunch away from your desk. Take short walks. Breathe.
Log off at the end of the day. Shut down the computer, silence notifications, and walk away.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of “just one more thing.” But your time, energy, and mental health deserve protection.
Remote work offers incredible flexibility, but it only works if you set the boundaries. Your future self will thank you.
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