When we talk about service-based businesses, we usually talk about tasks.
Scheduling. Invoicing. Admin. Support.
But what we don’t always talk about is the emotional labour in service-based business — and how much energy it really takes behind the scenes.
Because behind every email sent, every system updated, and every caption scheduled… there’s often a very human layer of care, holding, and invisible effort.
What is emotional labour, really?
In simple terms: it’s the energy it takes to manage not just the task, but the emotions surrounding it — yours, your clients’, or both.
As a virtual assistant working with people-focused businesses — therapists, coaches, educators, and creatives — emotional labour shows up all the time.
It’s:
- Sensing when a client is overwhelmed and adjusting accordingly
- Sending kind follow-ups when someone hasn’t responded because you know they’re probably drowning in other responsibilities
- Taking extra care with tone, timing, and expectations
- Being the calm, organised one when things get chaotic
You’re not just ticking boxes. You’re holding space. And that takes something out of you.
Managing emotional labour in a service-based business
I used to think that because I wasn’t in a “helping” profession directly — like therapy or coaching — that I shouldn’t feel emotionally drained after a workday.
But I do.
And it makes sense. Because service-based work is relational. Even behind the scenes, you’re navigating human needs, communication, expectations, urgency, trust.
And when you care deeply about your clients (which I do), you want to show up well — which means you’re often managing your own emotional landscape in the process.
This is why the emotional labour in service-based business work can be so underestimated — and so exhausting.
How I care for myself while supporting others
These are a few things I’ve put in place to make emotional labour more sustainable in my business:
- Boundaries — I don’t do last-minute panics or instant replies anymore. Clear expectations = less emotional friction.
- Buffers — I leave breathing room in my schedule so I’m not always on the edge of overload.
- Rituals — I end my day with a “close down” routine, even if it’s just 5 minutes of no screens and a cup of tea.
- Reflection — If something felt heavy in my day, I name it. Writing it down helps me release it.
- Reminders — That my job is to support, not save. I can be kind without overextending.
If you’ve ever felt wiped after a workday…
Even when everything “looked easy” on paper — this might be why.
Your work holds emotional weight. That’s not a weakness. It’s part of the job.
But that means we need to take care of ourselves as much as we take care of our clients.
So if you’ve been feeling a little more tired than your to-do list suggests — I see you.
If you’re navigating emotional labour in your service-based business, know that you’re not alone — and it’s okay to need care, too.
— Izzy
Written in partnership with ChatGPT
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