The Struggles of a Filipino Medical Virtual Assistant

Being a medical virtual assistant (MVA) is a demanding and challenging job, especially for Filipinos who work for clients living across the planet with a big time difference. And when you add in the factor of getting older and no longer being able to work graveyard shifts, the struggles become even more real.

The Philippines has become a hub for virtual assistants, with many foreign clients outsourcing their administrative and healthcare tasks to Filipinos. This is mainly due to the country’s abundant pool of highly skilled and educated individuals who are fluent in English. However, this setup also comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for those working in the medical field.

One of the biggest struggles for Filipino MVAs is the time difference between their clients’ countries and the Philippines. Most foreign clients are from the United States, which has a 12-16 hour time difference depending on which coast they are located. This means that Filipino MVAs often have to work during the night or early morning to accommodate their clients’ schedules. And for older MVAs who can no longer handle these graveyard shifts, finding clients with more aligned time zones becomes a challenge.

This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that there is a higher demand for virtual assistants in the US compared to Australia, where the time difference is only 2-4 hours. This means that there are more opportunities for Filipino MVAs to find clients in the US, but at the same time, it also means they have to work even harder to find clients who can accommodate their schedules.

The struggle between taking care of one’s health and making enough income to support one’s family is a constant battle for Filipino MVAs. Many rely on their income as MVAs to provide for their families and support themselves financially. However, working irregular hours can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health.

There are some practices that are open to flexible work schedules, but they are very hard to come by. Many employers still expect their MVAs to work during the night or early morning, even if it means sacrificing their health and well-being. This puts Filipino MVAs in a difficult position – do they prioritize their health or their income?

One solution to this struggle is for employers to offer more flexible work arrangements for their MVAs. This could include allowing them to work during regular office hours in the Philippines or providing them with a rotating shift schedule. This would not only benefit the MVAs’ health but also improve their productivity and quality of work.

Another important aspect that should not be overlooked is the need for healthcare and insurance for independent freelancers like MVAs. Unlike regular employees, independent freelancers do not have access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. This puts them at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to taking care of their health.

Securing healthcare and insurance can be costly for independent freelancers, and it often becomes a burden on their already limited income. This highlights the importance of prioritizing one’s health above anything else. As a medical professional, it is essential to take care of oneself first before taking care of others.

In addition to advocating for flexible work arrangements and healthcare for MVAs, it is also crucial to educate clients about the importance of respecting their MVAs’ time and schedules. Many clients tend to overlook the fact that MVAs have families and personal lives outside of work. It is important for clients to understand that just because MVAs are working from home does not mean they are available 24/7.

Lastly, it is essential for Filipino MVAs to prioritize their health and well-being. While providing for one’s family is important, it should not be at the cost of one’s physical and mental health. It is crucial to establish boundaries and communicate with clients about work schedules that are sustainable for both parties.

In conclusion, the struggles of a Filipino medical virtual assistant working for clients living across the planet with a big time difference are real and challenging. The constant battle between taking care of one’s health and income is a difficult one, but it is essential to prioritize health above anything else. Employers should also recognize the importance of offering flexible work arrangements and healthcare for their MVAs. Let us remember that our health is our most valuable asset, and it should not be compromised for the sake of work.

The Difference Between Hiring Processes of Filipino Agencies vs. Direct Foreign Clients

As someone who has been through both the hiring processes of Filipino agencies and direct foreign clients, I can personally attest to the stark differences between the two. While both have their own strengths and weaknesses, it is important to examine the impact that these processes have on the quality of hires and the opportunities given to potential employees.

In most Filipino agencies, the hiring process can be a long and arduous journey. From submitting your resume to finally getting an offer, there are multiple levels of interviews and assessments that an applicant must go through. This can range from initial phone screenings, panel interviews, technical exams, and even psychological exams. This thorough process is meant to ensure that only the best candidates are selected for the job.

However, what I have noticed is that even after going through such a rigorous process, the new hire may end up disappointed because they are put on hold until the agency finds a client for them. This waiting period can take weeks or even months, leaving the new hire uncertain about their future employment. This can be frustrating and demotivating for someone who has already invested time and effort into the application process.

On the other hand, direct clients have a more streamlined hiring process. They usually spend 5-10 minutes asking questions relevant to the vacant position and going through important details from the applicant’s resume. From that moment on, the applicant already knows if they are hired or not. This quick decision-making can be a relief for some applicants as they do not have to wait for a long time to know their employment status.

But does it make sense to ask so many irrelevant questions just to gauge a person’s conversational skills? Does grammar need to be perfect in order to secure a job (unless you are applying as a writer or English teacher)? Does this type of hiring process actually achieve its intended purpose?

In my opinion, asking irrelevant questions only serves to test an individual’s ability to memorize answers rather than their actual skills and qualifications. And the emphasis on perfect grammar may exclude highly qualified individuals who may not have English as their first language. This can lead to a missed opportunity for the company to hire top talent who may bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table.

Moreover, this type of hiring process may not necessarily guarantee that the company will get quality people with good work ethics who will stay with the company for a longer period of time. In fact, this process may even deter hardworking individuals who may struggle with verbal expression from even applying for the job. This leads to a missed opportunity for both the company and the applicant.

I believe that the hiring process should be more focused on assessing an individual’s character and potential rather than just their conversational skills and perfect grammar. After all, it is easier to teach someone technical skills than to change their inherent character traits.

While some Filipino agencies may have a tendency to prioritize English proficiency and conversational skills in their hiring process, it is important to note that this does not apply to all agencies. There are also agencies that value a well-rounded individual and consider other factors such as work experience, qualifications, and potential for growth.

In conclusion, the hiring process of Filipino agencies vs. direct clients have its own strengths and weaknesses. While Filipino agencies may have a more thorough process, it can also be time-consuming and may lead to missed opportunities for both the company and the applicant. On the other hand, direct clients may have a quicker decision-making process, but it may also overlook important factors such as an individual’s character and potential.

As someone who has personally experienced both processes, I believe that there should be a balance between assessing technical skills and character traits in the hiring process. It is important for hiring incharge to formulate or think of ways to gauge an individual’s character and potential rather than just their ability to converse in English. This will not only lead to a more diverse and inclusive workplace but also ensure that highly qualified and capable individuals are given the opportunity to pursue their dream jobs.

One or Many: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Freelancers with Single vs. Multiple Clients

As a freelancer, one of the biggest decisions you will face is whether to have one full-time client or multiple part-time clients. Each option has its own pros and cons, and as someone who has been a freelancer for 13 years, I have experienced both setups. In this blog, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of having one full-time client versus multiple part-time clients.

Firstly, let’s talk about having one full-time client. This setup can provide you with a sense of stability and security. You have guaranteed work hours and a steady income, making it easier to plan your finances and manage expenses. Additionally, working with one client allows you to focus all your energy and attention on their projects, which can lead to higher quality work.

However, the downside of having only one full-time client is that if the project ends suddenly, you will be left without a source of income. As a freelancer, you always have to be prepared for the possibility of your client ending the contract or the project being completed. This can leave you in a vulnerable position, especially if you have financial responsibilities such as bills to pay. It can also be challenging to find another full-time client immediately, as it takes time to build relationships and secure new projects.

On the other hand, working with multiple part-time clients can offer a safety net for these scenarios. Having several sources of income means that if one client ends their contract, you still have other clients to rely on. This can help alleviate financial stress and provide some security. Additionally, working with different clients can give you exposure to diverse projects and industries, allowing you to expand your skills and knowledge.

Having multiple part-time clients also offers flexibility in terms of work hours. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to manage your time and schedule according to your preferences. You can choose to work on different projects at different times of the day, depending on your productivity levels. This can be especially beneficial for those who have other responsibilities, such as taking care of children or elderly family members.

However, with this flexibility comes the challenge of achieving a work-life balance. Some days may be slow with minimal work, while other days can get extremely busy and overwhelming. This can result in overworking and eventually burnout. As someone who has experienced burnout, I can attest that it can be detrimental to your mental and physical health, and it may also affect the quality of your work. In some cases, it may even lead to having to let go of a client to prioritize your well-being.

Moreover, part-time work can also bring uncertainty in terms of daily workload. While working with one full-time client means having a set amount of work to do each day, part-time clients may have varying demands. Some weeks may be busier than others, which can make it challenging to plan and manage your time effectively.

In conclusion, the decision of whether to have one full-time client or multiple part-time clients as a freelancer depends on your situation and preferences. If you are young and single with no significant financial responsibilities, having one full-time client may be a viable option. But as you grow older and have more responsibilities, the safety net provided by multiple part-time clients may be a better choice. Flexibility and work-life balance are also essential factors to consider.

Now the question is: what setup would you prefer? As a reader, do you lean towards having one full-time client or multiple part-time clients? It all boils down to what works best for you and your circumstances. Remember that being a freelancer means having the freedom to make these decisions and adapt your work setup accordingly. So choose wisely and make the most out of your freelance journey.

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