Mary Cañada – Administrative Assistant, ESL
I graduated in 2005 and landed a job in the ESL Industry and VA industry. From then on I started to love what I do, which is teaching and at the same time doing admin jobs at the comfort of my house. I learned how to value life and manage my time properly. In 2013, my daughter came into this world and gave meaning to my life. She inspired me to love my work even more.
Since the pandemic started, generating an income has become challenging. I needed a full-time job to raise my daughter. I have a previous work experience as a VA for 4 years managing travel schedules and answering emails. I also took care of scheduling appointments and posting on social media. What I enjoyed the most is having my freedom as I can work within the comforts of my own home. I also get to have longer sleep hours and still take care of my family. I don’t need to commute and the most important thing is, I have my space on my own. I have set up an office space in my bedroom wherein I can concentrate and relax while working.
Being a VA is quite challenging. Sometimes the tasks assigned to you do not match your skills, but I love challenges because they give me new learning and they exercise my brain to think more. Working as a VA allows me to meet other people and learn something new every day.
When I’m not working, I spend time on my hobbies. I enjoy doing yoga with my daughter and eating outside every time we have free time. But since the pandemic started, we never had the chance to go out. But my daughter is very brilliant that she thought of going on a picnic here at home. So amazing. My partner and I always look forward to every weekend because she likes going on a picnic in our garage. We cook simple snacks and she prepares the table with a cute table cloth. We talk and laugh together. She would also pretend that she is an adult, haha! So we just play along and from then on, weekends became very special to us. Not only do we have family time, but I also have my me time. I make sure I recharge by going to the spa and have myself a nice and relaxing massage.
For a copy of Mary’s resume please click here.