From Call Center Agent to Virtual Assistant
Some careers begin with a big leap. Others begin with a simple decision to choose a better rhythm for life. For Joanne Bautista, becoming a Virtual Assistant was both.
She was drawn to a role that offered flexibility without sacrificing quality. As she put it, it meant working from home while still showing up with professionalism and value.
“It allows me to work from the comfort of my home while maintaining a healthy work-life balance… even the ability to work in pajamas, without compromising professionalism or quality.”
At Summit VA Solutions, this mindset is familiar. Many of our VAs come in with strong corporate or BPO backgrounds, then grow into a style of work that requires more ownership, clearer communication, and sharper prioritization.
Joanne’s journey is a great example of how that shift looks in real life.
10 Years of BPO Experience, Then a New Kind of Independence
Joanne spent
10 years in a traditional BPO environment, and the transition to the VA world came with a learning curve, even with her experience.
“Being a VA is very different… you’re expected to be more independent, wear multiple hats, and manage tasks without the structured support and systems…”
That difference is exactly why Summit VA Solutions places so much importance on strong foundations: clear expectations, consistent communication, and practical systems that support independent work. The goal is not to recreate the office, but to equip VAs to succeed in a remote setting where initiative matters.
What Joanne Does as a Leasing Specialist
Joanne’s day-to-day work centers on creating a smooth rental experience for prospects and tenants.
Her typical workday includes:
- Taking incoming calls and responding to property inquiries
- Scheduling and coordinating showings
- Screening applications and guiding applicants through next steps
- Sending leases, explaining terms clearly, and supporting move-ins
“I schedule and coordinate property showings, making sure each prospect has a smooth and positive experience.”
This role requires accuracy, consistency, and people skills. In many ways, it is part customer service, part operations, and part relationship management.
Managing the Rush Without Losing Quality
One of the toughest moments Joanne described was dealing with a surge of calls and urgent tasks all at once.
“Multiple inquiries, follow-ups, application screenings, and scheduling requests all came in at the same time…”
Instead of pushing through on stress alone, she relied on structure.
“I tackled this by quickly reorganizing my workflow, prioritizing time-sensitive tasks… creating a clear task list… and communicating proactively…”
That approach reflects a core Summit VA Solutions standard: when volume increases, your process becomes your protection. Priorities get clearer, communication becomes more proactive, and tracking becomes non-negotiable.
Her Proudest Moment
Joanne’s proudest moment was tied to performance recognition.
“Receiving my yearly raise based on performance… it showed that my hard work, consistency, and dedication were truly recognized…”
At Summit VA Solutions, performance is not just about doing tasks. It is about reliability, follow-through, and building trust over time. Raises, positive feedback, and long-term client confidence are often the result of that steady consistency.
A Memorable Client Moment
One of Joanne’s standout experiences came during a regular check-in when the conversation became more personal and meaningful.
“The client shared how much they genuinely [appreciate] the Philippines… Filipinos are kind, hardworking, trustworthy, and very efficient…”
What made it memorable was the connection between culture and service.
“They mentioned that their positive experience working with me reinforced why they enjoy working with Filipino professionals.”
This is the real impact of excellent VA work. It is not only about completing tasks. It is about strengthening relationships through dependable support and strong communication.
How Being a VA Changed Joanne’s Life
This is where Joanne’s story becomes deeply relatable, especially for working parents.
She shared how difficult it was to be present for family milestones during her BPO years, especially around the holidays.
“It was very challenging to spend time with my family… I often had to leave my kids at night…”
Working from home with Summit VA Solutions gave her a different kind of stability.
“I’m now able to spend special occasions with my family while still delivering consistent, high-quality performance…”
And as a single mom, the shift brought something even more important: independence and confidence.
“Being a VA has allowed me to provide for my family independently… It has given me balance, stability, and a sense of fulfillment…”
Skills Joanne Built Along the Way
Joanne’s growth is clear in how she describes her development:
“I’ve gotten better at handling bigger tasks and even manager-level responsibilities…”
She also emphasized how juggling priorities became more natural over time.
“Managing multiple tasks, staying organized, and juggling priorities now feels more natural to me.”
That combination of confidence + systems is often what separates a new VA from a high-performing VA.
Joanne’s Advice for New Virtual Assistants
Her advice is grounded and encouraging, especially for beginners who feel overwhelmed.
“Know your priorities and stay focused on your goals… Be patient with yourself, keep learning, and trust the process.”
And her closing line is the kind that sticks:
“If we can do it, why can’t you?”
A Career Built on Consistency and Real Life Wins
Joanne Bautista’s story reflects what Summit VA Solutions stands for: real opportunities, meaningful work, and the ability to build a stable career without losing the moments that matter at home.
Her journey is proof that transitioning from BPO to VA is not just a job change. It is a shift in ownership, confidence, and long-term growth, supported by the right mindset and the right systems.
