© The Upskill AI Daily, TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026
Happy Tuesday!
Yesterday you looked at your income. Maybe it hurt a little. 😅
Today, let's talk about WHY it's unpredictable — and which model actually fixes it.
There are 3 ways VAs get paid. Let's break them down.
⏰ Model 1: Hourly
How it works: You track hours, bill at the end.
Pros: Simple. Flexible. Easy to start.
Cons: Income unpredictable. You're always "on the clock." No ceiling — pero no floor either.
Verdict: Fine for starting. Hindi siya pang-scale.
📦 Model 2: Project-Based
How it works: Fixed price per deliverable.
Pros: Clear scope. Profitable if you're fast.
Cons: Feast or famine. Laging may hunting for the next project.
Verdict: Better than hourly, but still unstable.
🔁 Model 3: Retainer / Monthly Package
How it works: Client pays a fixed monthly fee for ongoing support.
Pros: Predictable income. Client loyalty. Easier planning.
Cons: Need to scope it right. Requires trust.
Verdict: This is where stability lives.
🔀 The hybrid approach:
Some VAs do retainers for core clients + project work for extras.
Best of both worlds. Stable base, flexible upside.
🧮 The math that changes everything:
3 clients × $400/month retainer = $1,200/month guaranteed (₱72,000+)
That's your FLOOR. Everything else is bonus.
Hindi mo na kailangan mag-panic every month. May base ka na.
Try this: Look at your current clients. All of them. Which ones already give you recurring work — even if you're not billing it that way? Write them down. Those are your retainer candidates.
Tomorrow, I'll show you exactly how to build and price your first package.
Speaking of building a floor — that's exactly what the Growth Plan is for your AI skills.
$29/month gets you weekly coaching with me, 100+ templates, certification, and a community of 200+ Filipinos building this same business.
Predictable support para hindi ka mag-isa while you're figuring out the retainer thing.
P.S. — If you're a VA who wants to stop worrying about AI and start earning more because of it, 200+ Filipinas inside UpSkill AI are doing exactly that. See the plans here →
