If you've heard the phrase 'gig economy' bandied about on the news or the internet recently, this is one of the 'gig' jobs people talk about the most. In times gone by, it was necessary for businesspeople to have a physical office, in which sat physical staff answering the phone and responding to emails. The internet and technology have advanced beyond that point now. Some businesspeople don't even need an office anymore. They do, however, still need someone to handle their administration and correspondence. Many of them use someone they've never met, who might be sat at home on the other side of the world.
Virtual assistants will agree on different tasks for different employers. Handling phone calls and emails are generally part of it, but arranging flights, hotel bookings and travel plans is also a factor. Because the assistant works with so many clients, they can accumulate significant amounts of money in the role.