2025 Reflections: Growth Through the Hardest Year in My Virtual Assistant Business

2025 has been the hardest year in my business since I started in 2013. From losing long-term clients to coping with reduced workloads, it’s been a year that has truly tested my resilience. Yet, being a forever optimist (unlike my husband, the proverbial glass half empty), even in the toughest times, there have been valuable lessons, personal growth and unexpected opportunities for positive change.

The Challenges of 2025 in My VA Business

This year brought challenges I hadn’t faced before. The whole seems to be in a state of financial limbo. Everything seems to be going up and unlike during COVID, businesses don’t have any financial safety nets. So, many small businesses have closed and I myself have experienced:

• The loss of several long-term clients. Some I’d worked with for years and considered friends, including another VA. They’ve had to make the difficult decision to take their admin back in-house due to financial constraints.
• Even established clients are reducing their workload or pausing projects.
• Growing feelings of isolation while working from home and the stress encountered when a client gives notice.

These moments were difficult both professionally and personally, reminding me that running a virtual assistant business comes with unpredictability and emotional highs and lows.

How I Turned Challenges Into Opportunities

Taking a Part-Time Job for Stability and Well-being

To help manage the financial and emotional stress, I took on a part-time job in April. Which has resulted on me going back to working a 5-day week. While it might seem counterintuitive, it’s turned out to be hugely beneficial. Not only has it provided some financial stability (I have x amount arriving on x day each month) but it has also helped me:

• Reduce the stress caused when clients give notice.
• Gets me out of the house a couple of days a week. I get a lovely morning walk and it helps combat the feeling of isolation when working from home.
• Gives me a sense of routine and mental clarity. I can’t work out of the office in my PJs after all.
• I’ve also learned and am still learning a new skill – insurance administrator.

Bringing on an Associate

Another strategic move in 2025 was taking on an associate. At first glance, this might seem strange while losing clients but it’s been transformative. Having support has allowed me to:

• Deliver higher-quality service to existing clients.
• Free up time to focus on business growth and strategy.
• Reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks.

Lessons Learned from a Tough Year

Even the hardest years teach valuable lessons. In 2025, I learned to:

• Adapt and pivot quickly when client’s needs change.
• Value my well-being as much as my business.
• Celebrate small wins, even when bigger challenges loom.

These lessons are guiding my approach to 2026, helping me plan strategically, nurture relationships and embrace opportunities for growth.

Looking Ahead to 2026

2026 is already shaping up to be a year of growth and renewal. With new support, renewed energy and lessons learned, I feel better prepared for whatever comes next.

Even the hardest years can bring clarity and resilience and I’m grateful for the experience, the challenges and the unexpected silver linings along the way.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners

• Hard years can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Support (like an associate) can improve service and reduce stress.
• Part-time work or side projects can boost well-being and stability. Even if they’re only short-term solutions.
• Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
• As always in business – expect the unexpected and don’t put all your eggs in one or two client baskets.