Over the past decade, how and where people work has shifted drastically—and the surge of the gig economy is a big reason why. This model lets people take on short-term, contract-based, or freelance roles instead of sticking to traditional full-time jobs. Technology, especially the explosion of remote work tools, has only accelerated this change. The numbers tell the story: by 2024, the gig economy is expected to be worth $556 billion[1]. And it’s not just a few folks chasing side hustles anymore—52% of the workforce was involved in gig work by 2023[1]. Clearly, we’re seeing a major change in the way people earn a living.
One group standing out in this new landscape? Virtual assistants. They’ve become a go-to resource for businesses and solo entrepreneurs who need flexible, remote support. Virtual assistants (or VAs) cover a range of services—admin help, tech support, creative projects—making them a great fit for the on-demand style of today’s workforce. Their rise is shaking up old employment models and paving new career possibilities for people who want more independence and variety in their work.
Exploring the Current Gig Economy Landscape
There’s no denying the gig economy’s major role in today’s economy. In the U.S. alone, 36% of workers were part of the gig economy by 2024[4]. And this isn’t limited to just one type of job—everyone from freelance writers and designers to delivery drivers and virtual assistants are included. The appeal? Digital gig jobs allow the workforce to stay nimble and adjust to fast-changing market needs.
Dig into the demographics, and you’ll spot another trend: younger generations are helping drive the gig economy’s momentum. Millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward the flexibility and independence freelancing offers. By 2025, millennials are on track to make up 75% of the workforce[7]. For many, this is more than just a side gig—it’s a conscious move toward a career that fits their priorities for work-life balance and diverse experiences.
How Are Virtual Assistants Becoming Essential Players?
The demand for virtual assistants is skyrocketing. By 2028, their market is projected to hit $8.61 billion, growing at a striking annual rate of 22.3%[3]. This isn’t just about answering emails or calendar management anymore—VAs are taking on bigger roles in marketing, tech, consulting, and project management as well.
And there’s data to prove the spike in demand, especially after recent global events. Post-pandemic numbers show a 16% increase in bookings for freelance VAs[3]. Businesses are recognizing the benefits of remote help—whether it’s to cut costs, keep things running smoothly, or add expertise they can’t easily find in-house. All signs point to virtual assistants becoming an essential part of how modern organizations operate.
What Opportunities Await VAs in the Gig Economy?
For virtual assistants, the gig economy brings loads of perks—chief among them, flexibility and independence. As a VA, you get to pick your hours, choose your clients, and work from wherever you want. No wonder 48% of new freelancers see gig work as a long-term career and not just a quick fix[1]. That kind of control lets people shape their working life to match their lifestyle and goals.
The benefits don’t stop at the worker, either. Companies see real value in hiring VAs. They get efficient support and, often, major cost savings. In fact, 59% of businesses hire VAs to save as much as 78% on operating costs[5]. The savings stem from lower overhead (think: no physical office or full-time benefits) and less hassle with traditional hiring. It’s a win-win setup: businesses stay lean, and VAs enjoy a work style on their terms.
Navigating the Challenges and Risks
Of course, gig work (virtual assistants included) isn’t all smooth sailing. The most obvious worry? Income security. On average, gig workers make about $36,500 a year—well below the $62,500 earned by full-time employees[2]. The pay can swing wildly depending on workload and client flow, which makes financial planning tough for a lot of VAs.
The competition is real, too. As the gig economy keeps growing, more people jump in, making it harder for individual VAs to stand out. This crowded field can drive rates down and make steady work difficult to secure. Technology is also shaking things up—while automation and AI are on the rise, more than half of freelancers (55%) believe their jobs aren’t going anywhere soon[1]. Still, it’s clear that staying relevant means learning new skills and riding the wave of technology changes.
On top of that, legal and compliance issues can get tricky, especially if you’re working with clients in different states or countries. Labor laws, tax rules, and contracts can all vary, so VAs and their clients need to stay on top of the paperwork and requirements to avoid headaches down the road.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Virtual Assistants in the Gig Economy
What does the road ahead look like for virtual assistants? Strong growth, more technology, and a bigger remote workforce. Industry experts estimate close to 30 million new gig workers will enter the economy in 2024 alone[1]. That surge translates directly into more demand for skilled VAs. Businesses will likely keep leaning on remote solutions as the norm, not the exception.
It’s not just about more jobs, though. Technology is going to play a bigger role—AI-powered platforms, smarter automation tools, and better project management software are already reshaping how VAs work. The upshot? Routine tasks may get streamlined, freeing VAs to focus on higher-value projects and strategic support. For anyone starting out or looking to grow, brushing up on digital marketing, learning modern project management software, and mastering online communication tools will be more important than ever. Platforms that match VAs with clients are also evolving, offering features to make finding and managing work much more efficient.
Exploring the Nuances: Addressing Content Gaps
Diving deeper into the VA experience means looking past just opportunity and risk. Quality of life matters, too. Sure, flexibility is a big reason people choose gig work, but the reality isn’t always so easy. Chasing new projects nonstop and juggling client needs can blur the lines between personal and professional life, making it crucial for VAs to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
Location also plays a role, influencing both opportunities and pay rates. Demand for VAs is uneven, with regions like South Asia seeing different compensation and expectations than the United States. Factors like local cost of living and client needs mean VAs have to know their markets and adjust accordingly if they want to stay successful.
Another layer? The impact of automation and AI. While most freelancers don’t expect robots to take over their jobs anytime soon, the smartest VAs are already using new tools to streamline tasks and offer extra value. Picking up skills in AI scheduling, advanced data analysis, and digital platforms isn’t just nice—it’s becoming a necessity for long-term growth. Being more than just a task-doer means positioning yourself as an expert in the growing world of digital nomad work.
And for those thinking long-term, there’s real career potential beyond solo freelancing. A VA can specialize, start an agency, branch into consulting, or even build their own online business. Recognizing these avenues and planning ahead helps virtual assistants steer their careers in directions that fit their strengths and ambitions.
One often overlooked (but important) point: finding community. Working remotely can get lonely, and that’s where online networks and professional groups step in. These communities offer a sense of belonging, chances to collaborate, shared learning, and support when challenges pop up. Building connections can make all the difference—professionally and personally—when navigating the ups and downs of gig work.
To sum up, the rise of virtual assistants in the gig economy isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the norm, shaped by businesses seeking flexible support and workers opting for control over their careers. But success in this space requires careful planning, ongoing skill building, and the ability to adapt to changing technologies and regulations. By understanding their market, committing to continuous learning, and connecting with fellow professionals, both new and experienced VAs are well poised to thrive in the ever-evolving world of online work.
