You spent many years in education with clearly set routines, but somewhere along the way the idea of remote work and greater autonomy was born. What specifically drew you to the world of virtual assistance? What did that first step, from research to opening your own business, look like?

It all started quite by accident, during a conversation with a friend. We were talking about what else I could do alongside my job. I definitely didn’t want to become a tourist guide or escort, which many people suggested. Ivana told me I would be a perfect Virtual Assistant. My first reaction was: “What is that?” Since I love learning and researching, I immediately started looking for information. Within just a few months, I opened my own business.

At the beginning, I decided to specialize in something that already felt natural to me – travel organization. It was the perfect starting point because of my many years of experience in planning itineraries, finding accommodations, connecting flights, and researching destinations. People had always asked me for travel advice and recommendations, so it was only logical to start my VA journey there.

What was the most valuable part of the GoThrive course for you? How did it influence your shift toward the OBM role?

I discovered the course “How to Become and How to Survive as a Virtual Assistant”, which had many modules and constant support from mentor Katarina Zubatović. Of course, I enrolled. There were things I didn’t know, but what stood out the most was the permanent access to the content. With most courses, once you finish – that’s it. Here, I can always go back to the modules. This is especially useful for skills I may not need right now. Maybe a client will need that skill in a year, and I know I’ll have a place to refresh my knowledge. That possibility makes this program truly unique and valuable.

As time went by, I expanded my services to administration, customer support, and personal assistance. Later, with additional training, I moved into the strategic role of an Online Business Manager. Still, travel organization remains an area where my precision, research skills, and love for planning shine the most.

I kept pursuing further education – I completed an AI course with Aco Momčilović, which opened my eyes to how artificial intelligence can speed up research and everyday tasks, and then the OBM Academy. Earning the Online Business Manager certificate was an important milestone – it means I can take on not just tasks, but also manage projects, teams, and systems.

What were your first steps, and what challenges did you face? Did you have fears, and how did you overcome them?

I remember my very first job interview fondly. The client was thrilled, and I kept repeating to myself: “They actually want me.” That recognition meant a lot, especially since in education, no matter how hard you work, it’s rare to feel that someone truly sees and values your effort.

Of course, not all beginnings were easy. The biggest challenge was imposter syndrome – that feeling that maybe you don’t know enough and that others are better. It still pops up now and then, but I now know it’s not true – my results and experience prove otherwise.

There were also clients where collaboration simply didn’t work out. The most common problem was communication: what is said and what is actually meant are not always the same. I learned that setting clear expectations from the start is the key to successful cooperation. These are tough lessons at first, but they’re crucial in the long run – they teach you where to set boundaries and how to build healthy professional relationships.

Which tools do you use daily, and why those in particular?

Virtual assistance and OBM work are hard to imagine without tools. They are my extra hands, helping me stay efficient and organized.

I rely most on monday.com, my main project and task management tool. It keeps everything clear and transparent, both for me and my clients. I also earned certifications with it, so I can say monday.com is not just my favorite tool but also the one that best defines my way of working.

Alongside monday.com, I often use Google Workspace for communication and documentation, while Slack helps with quick internal messaging. Depending on the project, I might also use Mailchimp, Dropbox, or Calendly. The key is to find the right combination that fits the client’s needs. I don’t use them all in every project, and that’s the advantage – I can adapt quickly and choose the right tool each time.

In digital roles, learning never stops – every project raises the bar. Support and feedback are also important when you get stuck. How do you approach continuous learning and professional development?

What keeps me motivated is the fact that in this profession, learning never ends. I love exploring new tools, trends, and ways of working. I often attend multiple training programs at once, because staying up to date matters to me.

My latest OBM certificate confirmed what I already felt – that I’m ready to take on responsibility for the strategic aspects of business. That means I don’t just handle tasks, but I manage projects, teams, and systems to ensure that the client’s business keeps moving forward.

The GoThrive community gives me strong support in this. I can always reach out to someone, whether via Slack or direct messages, and if no one has the answer, I know Katarina will always be there. That gives me the confidence that even if a client asks for something I don’t yet know, they will never be left without a solution.

What does this career bring you in terms of freedom of choice, and how do you set boundaries to stay focused and balanced? What are your plans for the future?

The greatest benefit of virtual assistance is freedom. Not absolute freedom, since deadlines always exist – but freedom of choice. You choose who you work with, when you work, and which projects you take on. Sometimes I work in the morning, sometimes in the evening, and that flexibility gives me energy and balance.

Of course, this career isn’t for everyone. It requires discipline, independence, and constant self-investment. But that’s exactly what I love about it.

As for plans? Some might say Bali, but my path is different. I’d love to spend a few months in Bolivia, Zambia, or Benin, working on what I love while volunteering and helping where it’s needed most.

Finally, many readers are looking for a simple roadmap for that first step – something they can do today. What advice would you give to someone considering a VA career? Where should they start?

If you’re thinking about virtual assistance, my advice is: just try. As my favorite quote goes: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what it’s built for.” The only way to know if this career is for you is to dare to take the first step. I did – and I’m very happy I did.

Anđelka Fitz is a Virtual Assistant and certified Online Business Manager. She brings over 25 years of experience in organization, administration, and education – skills that naturally opened the door to the VA world. What truly drives her is her love for planning and research. It shows in her work – where she structures tasks, manages projects, and optimizes teams – and in her personal life, where every trip becomes a mini-project requiring adaptability and flexibility. Travel and learning have shaped her approach: calm, structured, and always focused on solutions rather than problems. That’s exactly what she delivers to her clients – the security of knowing someone behind the scenes is making sure everything runs smoothly.

📩 Contact: info@gaudium-va.com