Severo Balason – Virtual Assistant, Sales Coordinator

Hi, I’m Severo Balason, a still-growing virtual assistant and proud fur-dad of three, living in the southern part of the Philippines. I was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, but in 2012, I had to put my studies on hold. I was a working student back then, juggling school and part-time jobs, but due to financial struggles and the need to support my siblings, I transitioned into working full-time. My priorities shifted, and from that point on, I found myself managing two jobs at once, all in an office-based setup.

I started my career as a call centre agent, hopping from one call centre to another while also taking up side hustles like tutoring. Back then, I never really thought about working from home. It wasn’t something I imagined for myself. However, everything changed during the pandemic when I discovered freelancing. That was when I first dipped my toes into the world of remote work.

My first experience working from home was as a call centre representative for a telecommunications company. Honestly, it wasn’t easy. I was used to the energy of an office environment, having colleagues nearby to lean on when things got tough. Working alone in my room, without that instant support, was a challenge. But despite the rough start, that experience taught me a lot about being self-reliant and managing my time and tasks independently.

After that, I knew the office setting wasn’t where I wanted to be anymore. I moved on to freelancing, taking on various gigs and projects remotely. Eventually, I had the opportunity to join an agency as a virtual assistant. This transition helped me grow professionally. I learned the importance of self-discipline, time management, and proactive communication. Working remotely sharpened my problem-solving skills, as I had to handle issues on my own, and it also taught me how to strike a balance between work and personal life.

Starting to work from home was far from easy, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes incredibly rewarding. The freedom, flexibility, and ability to create your own workspace make it all worth it.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding my skills as a virtual assistant while exploring more opportunities in the freelancing world. I’m excited about what the future holds for my remote career journey!

For a copy of Severo’s resume, please click here.