Being a virtual assistant has become one of the most popular work-at-home jobs today. Aside from competitive salary packages, virtual assistants also known as VAs can enjoy the benefit of flexible working hours. All you need is a good computer, reliable internet connection and "some" skills and you're good to go.

However, being part of the growing online community, being a virtual assistant still pose some threats and disadvantages. Below are some reasons why you need to think twice before deciding to be one:

• Scams – It is but an undeniable fact that the ever useful World Wide Web is also the home of different online scams. There are more than a thousand of work-at-home-earn-online scams all over the internet. If you are new in becoming a virtual assistant, you may be enticed to take the bait of these online business scams. How not to be a victim? Doing a good and thorough research about the hiring company can save yourself from being fooled by these online con artists. Participate in different forums and communities for virtual assistants, these sources can help you determine if you're going on the right track.

• No Health/Medical Benefits – Yes. What you read is right. Being a virtual assistant can help you land a homebase job with up to par compensation package. But that's it. No medical/HMO benefits. It is your own pocket's responsibility to get yourself check if you're sick. You cannot expect your employer to help you get medical assistance discounts. BUT then again, what you earn is tax free! You can surely put some extra earnings to good use. Still, there are some cases wherein some clients are willing to help their VAs in times of need. You just need to prove to them that you're worth it. (FYI: MyOutdesk.Com is offering health insurance to our VAs)

• Time Zone Differences/Late Night Working Hours – Since most clients are from other countries, specifically United States, it is most likely that you will be working at night (for GMT +8 Time Zone). Prepare for graveyard shifts. Accept the fact the there will be no ordinary day for you. You will begin your day while others are already ending theirs. Take some good health supplements and you can easily overcome this.

• Distractions – Since you will be working at home, being distracted every now and then should be expected. You may lose you focus in what you're doing and even worse, start from scratch all over again. You cannot prevent your housemates or kids from distracting you during work hours BUT you can help them understand your situation. Well, since you will be working during the night, you can put your kids to sleep first before working. Set boundaries. If possible, try to work in a separate room to avoid distractions.

Being a virtual assistant, just like any other profession can be advantageous and vice versa. You can bring your work anywhere as long as you can access the internet. You may be deprived of normal sleep hours but then again learning to adjust is not just an option but a solution as well. You can turn these weaknesses to strengths and make these reasons why become a virtual assistant.