Short answer?
It depends.

Longer, more helpful answer?
Still: it depends. But let me explain…

Most people ask this when they’re stuck

If you’re Googling “how many hours should I hire a VA for?” chances are you’re:

• Completely overwhelmed
• Dreading the idea of outsourcing
• Desperate for someone to just tell you what to do

You want a number. A neat one. Something to plug into your budget and file under Handled.

Totally fair. You’re a business owner. You’re trying to be responsible. You don’t want to overcommit… or under-brief.

But here’s the truth no one tells you:

You don’t need to have it all figured out first

That’s the whole point of working with a VA, especially one who’s strategic.

You don’t need to arrive with a colour-coded plan and list of exact hours.

You just need to know something’s not working, and that you’re ready for a bit of breathing space.

Start small, then build from there

I always suggest beginning with a few hours a week.
See how it feels. Test the rhythm.

Because the magic often happens when clients realise:

“Wait… I can hand that over?”
“Oh, I don’t have to check that Facebook group 76 times a day?”
“I just got paid faster because that invoice went out on time?!”

One of my lovely clients started with just a couple of hours… no pressure.
As things clicked into place, those hours increased naturally. Not because I pushed, but because they had more time, more focus, and more energy for the stuff that grows their business.

You can have a sweet spot… or a rest stop

There’s no rule that says VA support has to be full-time, all-in, or forever.

You might want:

• ✅ A steady 5 hours/week to stay on top of admin and actually do the things you plan
• ✅ A package with clear outcomes, so you know what you’re getting and what it’s supporting
• ✅ A Waffle & Write session when your brain’s tangled and you need clarity, fast
• ✅ Light-touch support in the background so your business ticks along (even while you’re resting or on holiday)

Whatever your energy, bandwidth or business season, there’s a way I can help.
👉 Take a peek at my VA services page to see what that could look like for you.

What about budgets?

Good question. And a big one.

I’ll never tie you into a retainer without knowing what works for both of us.
Some clients start with ad hoc support or a single session. Some set a monthly budget we work within.

It’s calm. It’s consultative.
And I’ll always be honest about what’s realistic, for your budget, your bandwidth, and your business.

TL;DR?

You don’t need all the answers before you reach out.
You just need to know things could feel easier.
We’ll figure out the rest together.