03/12/2025
Just over a year ago, I started my freelance virtual assistant business at the age of 51. Some people thought I was mad leaving a comfortable job. Others thought it was brave (but still slightly mad).
What have I learned?
A lot people don't know what a virtual assistant actually does. Sometimes I'm not so sure myself.
I started out offering WordPress support, then evolved into operations management for an Irish education company. That's when I realised my VA services could offer more than just technical skills.
Turned out that 50+ years of life experience - web agencies, bookshops, bars, travel, all of it - builds up in your gut and gives you an instinct for what actually needs doing. That translates into keeping day-to-ay admin and operations looked after, so business owners have space to breathe and run their business.
Then, just as I was approaching 50, AI tools started being useful. I use ChatGPT, Claude and Copilot constantly now. They handle the technical heavy lifting while I handle the judgment calls. Though we're both still learning when to trust each other.
So, I'll take my gut-dependent, AI-assisted, 52-year-old self into 2026, wondering what the year has in store.
If you're looking for someone reliable who can help with websites, operations, admin, and give you some headspace:
Virtual assistant & operations support for your WordPress site, E-commerce, courses, and daily admin. Based in Dundee, Scotland, works with small businesses.
