On a typical weekday morning, Alabama-based mother of three Kristina Leroux does what many of us do: gets her kids (ages 12, 10 and 8) up, makes their lunches and then drops them off at school. But instead of making her way to an office for a 9-to-5 shift, she heads home to start her workday as a virtual assistant (VA), a job in which workers support businesses through the Internet. 

Kristina has a flexible schedule many would envy. Her typical day involves meticulous tasks like answering emails, handling customer service, creating email and blog content, and providing support for client training webinars. But she also fits in time for herself and her kids. At 2 p.m., for example, she heads out to pick up her kids, has a snack with them and helps them out with homework, projects and other tasks. “I can go to my kids’ school programs or play a tennis match without having to ask permission or take leave time,” she says.

She first gained experience as a VA in 2009, when she offered to help her sister train her nonprofit communications staff online and in person. It was only after a divorce, however, that Kristina considered being a VA full-time. “I knew I needed to support my family, but I feared working outside the home would be super-tough on the kids,” she recalls. Thinking she'd have to stop assisting her sister, she was surprised when her sister encouraged her to start her own VA business. She took the advice. “I began doing a little bit of everything and narrowed it down.”

Kristina’s efforts have resulted in a successful work-from-home business, which is promoted on her website kristinaleroux.com and across various social media platforms. Her clients, including local businesses and nonprofits, learn about her largely via word of mouth. Today her business has expanded to the point that she's had to stop taking on new clients and actually had to let a few go. And her hard work pays off—her rate for email management and customer service starts at $40 per hour. 

While she admits to sometimes taking a quick nap before she starts work and wearing pajamas while she handles tasks, Kristina asserts that working from home isn’t all fun and games. “A huge misconception is that you can do whatever you want," she says. "You still have deadlines. You still have to be available.” That means staying in her office and trying to schedule every part of her day. Kristina also misses the camaraderie of a traditional workplace and struggles with separating work and home life. “My kids at first had trouble understanding that Mommy is still working even though I'm home,” she explains. “Flexibility is a double-edged sword—you have to be really diligent with your schedule.”

For those interested in becoming a virtual assistant, Leroux offers some advice.

On important skills and qualities: Organizational skills, computer savvy and a desire to learn new things and keep up with the latest trends in technology are key.

On choosing your services: Find a niche with the services you offer or the industry you support. Narrow down your services and who you market them to.

On telling people about your job: Know that you'll have friends and family who have no idea what a virtual assistant is and won't take you seriously. But you know who you are and what you do, as do your clients.