Krysta L. remembers exactly where she was when her remote job disappeared. She was working directly for a foreign client, not through an agency, and she was at home when it happened. One Friday, she was employed by an Australian law firm. By Monday, she logged in and realized she no longer had access. The firm was struggling financially, and she was gone. 

“I was shocked,” she says. “One day when I came back to work, I didn’t have a job anymore.” 

It was not her first remote role. Before the law firm, she had worked in customer service for a US-based e-commerce company. But losing a job this way clarified something she already sensed. When you work directly for a client and times get tight, there is no buffer. No notice. No safety net. 

Today, Krysta works in a listing department, creating and editing property listings, and she has been with HireSmart for nearly two years. As her March anniversary approaches, the difference in her work is noticeable, especially to the people who rely on her. 

“Krysta has developed into an outstanding employee,” her client reports. “Her hard work helps keep the progression of the listing department. Recently, she has placed her work ethic at a top-tier level and has almost doubled her output.” 

Nearly doubling her output did not come from longer hours or grinding through nights and weekends. In fact, it came from the opposite. Krysta has a routine that gives her space to reset. On her first day off, she rests. She stays home, watches her favorite shows, and does very little. On her second day, she reconnects by eating out with friends, going for runs, and socializing. When she can, she travels, both around the Philippines and abroad. She also supports her mother and her nephew, her sister’s son. 

“That is actually what I appreciate about working at HireSmart,” she says. “I am able to have work-life balance without stressing too much about work, wondering if I did something wrong or worrying about what is coming next.” 

That absence of constant worry shows up in her work. When her team leader, Sarah, is out or tied up, Krysta steps in. When priorities shift in the listing department, she adapts without hesitation. When her supervisor, Lino, needs someone reliable, he already knows who to call. 

Her growth has not gone unnoticed. 

“Her supervisor has taken note of this,” the client feedback continues, “and recently, she has continued to take on more responsibilities and tasks.” 

It is also why Krysta was named the recipient of HireSmart Virtual Employees’ “Available” Core Value Award for 2025. Even so, she did not expect it. There were many nominees, and she knew how strong the competition was. 

“When I got the award, I was really grateful,” she says. “It validates the effort I am putting into my work. Being recognized for availability means a lot, especially in a role where teamwork and responsiveness really matter.” 

For Krysta, availability is not about being constantly online or saying yes to everything. It is about staying organized, responding when it matters, and being ready to support the team when priorities change. 

“I try to make sure that I am approachable and dependable,” she explains. “Whether that means helping with a task or stepping in wherever help is needed.” 

She would not be able to do that without something she never had in her earlier remote roles: stability. HireSmart provided what direct client relationships never did. Affordable health insurance. The ability to add her mother as a dependent, which became even more important after her father passed away last year. Nearly two years of consistent work, instead of sudden job loss over a weekend. 

“I think working for an agency makes you more secure,” she says. “Job security is the number one thing.” 

When asked what makes a good virtual employee, Krysta does not point to technical skills or credentials. 

“You don’t have to know everything,” she says. “You just have to care enough to do your job well and learn as much as you can while you are working. Be open to feedback and work with your team so you can keep getting better.” 

That belief has paid off. Her output has grown, her responsibilities have expanded, and the people she works with trust her. 

Looking five to ten years ahead, Krysta hopes she will still be with HireSmart. She enjoys what she does now, but she also sees another path opening. 

“I like teaching what I know,” she says. “If there is ever an opportunity to help train new hires, I would really love to do that.” 

For someone who once lost her job quietly over a weekend, that kind of future once felt uncertain. Today, it feels attainable. When Krysta shows up consistently for her team, her company shows up for her in return. 

“Thank you for creating HireSmart,” she said to founder Anne Lackey. “It is a really good opportunity for people to grow in this industry. Thank you for giving us the chance to work and support our families at the same time.” 

Supporting her mother and nephew while doubling her output is not a contradiction. It is what becomes possible when stability replaces uncertainty. Krysta is available to her client because she is not distracted by fear, second-guessing, or the risk of sudden loss. And when life changes or challenges arise, HireSmart is available to her in return. That shared commitment, showing up for the work and for the person doing it, is what being available really means. 

If you’re interested in finding an employee like Krysta for your team, click here to schedule a free consultation at your convenience. 

If this environment of personal development and genuine support sounds like the right place for you, click here to apply to HireSmart Virtual Employees.