Episode 02: Mindset Shifts You Need to Thrive as a VA

Welcome back to Beyond the Table — the podcast for pet professionals exploring life after grooming. In this episode, hosts River Lee (Step Away From the Table) and Jess Frangos (Groomer Support Services) open up about the identity shifts, emotional growth, and mindset changes groomers face when transitioning into virtual assistant (VA) work.

From redefining productivity to navigating boundaries, Jess shares her deeply personal experience moving away from grooming and into systems-based virtual work — and River offers powerful insight into how our careers shape our self-worth.

Topics Covered:

1. When Identity Meets Transition

   • Realizing you're no longer "just a groomer"

   • Dealing with the unexpected grief of leaving the grooming table

   • How work identity affects your personal sense of self

2. VA Life Is Flexible (and That Can Be Hard)

   • Shifting from structure to self-management

   • Redefining productivity without a daily grooming schedule

   • Navigating pajama guilt and imposter syndrome

3. Why Stay in the Grooming Industry as a VA?

   • The power of niche: Groomers make ideal grooming VAs

   • Community matters — and staying in it can make transitions easier

   • Dog groomers vs. dog trainers vs. general admin: what makes our space unique

4. The Emotional Side of Change

   • Dealing with outside opinions: "So what do you do now?"

   • Shedding people-pleasing habits

   • Feeling "taken for granted" in both grooming and VA roles

5. Building a New Kind of Career

   • Learning to set clear client boundaries (and sticking to them!)

   • Structuring your VA role based on what lights you up

   • The beauty of grooming because you want to, not because you have to

6. Grooming and VA Work Aren't Either/Or

   • You can groom part-time, virtually assist part-time

   • You can always go back to grooming

   • Curate your week based on what fills your cup

7. From Burnout to Balance

   • Reconnecting with pets at home

   • Infusing your day with walks, rest, and intentional routines

   • Finding joy in the in-between moments

8. Bonus: Boundaries & Business Tips

   • Why VAs shouldn't offer 24/7 availability

   • The difference between a receptionist and a VA

   • Setting expectations early with clients (and charging for special access)

9. Mental Health & Community Support

   • The role of therapy and self-awareness in identity shifts

   • Building community with other VAs

   • The truth: most of us chose grooming for a reason (hint: people are hard!)

Key Takeaways:

• Shifting from grooming to VA work is a real identity transformation

• Productivity doesn't define your worth

• You can still serve the grooming industry in meaningful ways

• Boundaries matter more in flexible jobs — set them early

• It's okay to grieve your old role while building something new

Learn More:

• Jess Frangos: Groomer Support Services

• River Lee: Step Away From the Table & Savvy Groomer

Whether you're a burnt-out groomer looking for what's next, or a grooming business owner trying to understand your VA better, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow the show for future episodes, share with a friend in the industry, and leave a review to support this growing VA-groomer movement. You deserve a career that grows with you!