VAs with 2-3 jobs. What to do.

It has become more and more common over the years for a VA in the Philippines to work multiple jobs.  Why? - Because they have more time - Because they can make more money. $500/month isn't very much. - Because most people around them are working 60-80 hours/week  - Because it's what social media tells them - Because it's what's required to pay all the bills How do you change this? I would say "prevent", but that's not the right approach.  The key is to get the work you're paying for, not to control everything about their lives. The wrong way to change it Use a time tracker.  Tracking their time with software/screen capture isn't going to change what they do. It's just going to make them trust you less. Then, it gives them a justification in their minds for why it's ok to cheat you.  "If they don't trust me, I don't need to be honest with them." Time trackers are very ineffective at preventing multiple jobs. The right ways to change it Pay them enough so they can live well.  At $4/hour they're not getting rich. It pulls them out of poverty, but that's about it.  At $5-6 they're doing better. At $7-8/hour they're doing pretty well. Most people just want to feel like they're getting ahead each month. If they feel like they're falling behind, they're going to get another job. If they feel like they're getting ahead, the might not.  Keep them busy. If they're not busy full-time, you can be sure they're finding a job elsewhere to fill their time. In the Philippines, time is usually filled with work, not hobbies. Once they're making enough, they'll start to fill it with hobbies rather than a 2nd job. Set the expectation that you're going to treat them well.  This includes pay, time off, training. Let them now that you care about them. If you care about them, they want to care about you. Then it's ok to let them know that you want them to work only one job with you.  Hire someone young and hungry, rather than someone experienced.  You're much more likely to find someone working 2-3 jobs who has years of experience.  Someone young and hungry is eager to prove to you that they're capable and competent. They're often eager to show you that you should give them more work and help them grow in their career. You gain their trust. They grow with you. My experience says that you're much more likely to get a young and hungry person to commit to working only for you, than you are someone super experienced.  Life is hard in the Philippines. Most people work 60-80 hours/week.  It's likely they're going to work another part-time job regardless. Although, not all do. A lot of this boils down to #s 1-4 above. If you suspect someone working 2 jobs, and it's affecting their work quality, say something. Let them know what you're seeing. Be honest. Often they don't realize what's happening until they're deep in. Once they realize their work performance is going to cost them a good job, they'll reconsider.  I've seen it multiple times.  Also, it's ok to talk about money. It's ok to ask about their financial situation as long as it comes from a place of caring.  John   Our mailing address is: OnlineJobs.ph 770 E Main St Ste 250 Lehi, UT 84043-2293 USA unsubscribe