5 Signs You Need a VA (And Why You Shouldn't Wait Until January)

Let's be honest,  if you're reading this, there's a good chance you're already stretched too thin. You're juggling clients, admin, emails, social media, and trying to get a work life balance that works for you. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you're thinking: "Maybe I need help."

But then you tell yourself: "I'll sort it out in January. After the busy period. When things calm down."

Here's the problem with that thinking: things never actually calm down. January brings its own chaos. Self Assessment deadlines, year-end accounts, new client onboarding. And if you wait until you're completely drowning to get support, you'll spend the first few weeks training someone while you're already underwater.

So let's talk about the signs that you need a VA right now – not in January, not "when things settle down," but today.

1. You're Working Evenings and Weekends (And It's Become Normal)

Remember when working late was the exception, not the rule? When weekends were actually for rest and family time?

If you can't remember the last time you switched off properly, that's your first sign.

You might tell yourself it's just temporary, just until you get through this busy patch. But here's the truth: there's always another busy patch. Another deadline. Another client who needs something urgently.

If your business requires you to work every evening and weekend just to keep up, something needs to change. A VA can take the admin, the follow-ups, the inbox management, all the tasks that eat into your personal time – and give you your life back.

2. Your Inbox Is Out of Control

You know that feeling when you open your emails and your heart sinks? When you've got 200+ unread messages and you don't even know where to start?

Or worse, when you're constantly worried you've missed something important buried in the chaos?

Email overwhelm isn't just annoying. It's costing you time, energy, and potentially clients. When you're spending hours each day just trying to stay on top of your inbox, that's time you're not spending on actual client work or business growth.

A VA can manage your inbox, filter what's urgent, respond to routine queries, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Imagine opening your emails and actually feeling in control. That's possible.

3. You're Turning Down Work Because You Don't Have Capacity

This one hurts, doesn't it?

You've got potential clients reaching out, referrals coming in, opportunities knocking – and you're having to say no because you're already at capacity.

But here's the thing: you're not actually at capacity with CLIENT work. You're at capacity because you're doing everything; the bookkeeping, the admin, the chasing, the social media, the emails, the systems management.

Every client you turn down is lost revenue. If you're saying no to £500/month clients because you're spending 10 hours a week on admin, the maths doesn't add up. A VA costs less than the revenue you're leaving on the table and frees you up to take on the work you're actually qualified to do.

4. You're Constantly Chasing Clients for Information

How much of your week is spent sending "just following up" emails? Chasing clients for bank statements, receipts, or information you need to do your job?

It's tedious. It's time-consuming. And honestly? It's not the best use of your expertise.

You didn't train as a bookkeeper or accountant to spend your days chasing paperwork. But when you're doing everything yourself, that's exactly what happens.

A VA can handle all the client chasing, send the reminders, follow up persistently, and keep your workflow moving. You get to focus on the actual work, and your clients get consistent, professional communication. Everyone wins.

5. You Feel Like Your Business Owns You (Instead of the Other Way Around)

This is the big one.

You started your business for freedom, flexibility, and control over your life. But somewhere along the way, it flipped. Now your business dictates your schedule, your stress levels, and your ability to switch off.

You can't take a holiday without checking emails. You can't have a sick day without worrying about what's piling up. You can't even enjoy a weekend without that nagging feeling that you should be working.

If your business feels like a weight you're carrying rather than something you're building, that's your sign.

Your business should work for you, not the other way around. With the right support in place, you can take time off without panic. You can focus on growth without burnout. You can actually enjoy running your business again.

Why You Shouldn't Wait Until January

I know what you're thinking: "I'll get through the next few months and then sort this out in the New Year."

But here's why that's a mistake:

1. January is already chaos. Self Assessment deadlines, year-end accounts, new client onboarding – how are you going to possibly find the time to handover work?

2. You'll lose more revenue. Every month you wait is another month of turning down clients, working evenings, and missing opportunities.

3. Burnout doesn't wait. If you're already stretched thin, pushing through for another few months isn't sustainable. Your health, your relationships, and your business will suffer.

4. Getting support takes time. Finding the right VA, onboarding them, getting systems in place – it doesn't happen overnight. If you start now, you'll have support in place BEFORE the January madness hits.

5. You deserve to enjoy Christmas. Seriously. Wouldn't it be nice to actually switch off over the holidays? To spend time with family without your phone glued to your hand? That's only possible if you get support in place now.

What Happens When You Get Support

Let me paint you a different picture.

Imagine opening your inbox and seeing that your VA has already filtered everything, responded to routine queries, and flagged only what needs your attention.

Imagine having your client chasing handled automatically, so information flows in without you lifting a finger.

Imagine being able to say YES to that new client because you've got capacity – not because you're working longer hours, but because you're working smarter.

Imagine finishing work at 5pm and actually switching off. Having your weekends back. Taking a holiday without panic.

That's not a fantasy. That's what happens when you have the right support in place.

If you've recognised yourself in any of these signs, you already know you need help. The question isn't whether you need a VA,  it's whether you're going to keep pushing through until you burn out, or whether you're going to make a change now.

Don't wait until January. Don't wait until you're completely drowning. Don't wait until you've missed another opportunity or worked another weekend.

Get support now. Set yourself up for a stress-free Christmas, a manageable January, and a 2026 where your business actually works for you.

You deserve it. Your family deserves it. And your business deserves to thrive, not just survive.

Ready to get support in place before the year ends?

At Two Birds Resources, we help bookkeepers and accountants reclaim their time, grow their businesses, and actually enjoy running their practices. Get in touch today – let's chat about how we can help you finish the year strong.