The news is real, and many people are starting to feel it.
Recent data from S&P Global Market Intelligence shows that U.S. corporate bankruptcies in 2025 have reached their highest level since 2010. Through November, 717 large companies filed for bankruptcy, which is a 14 percent increase compared to last year.
For business owners, this is a big shift.
For Virtual Assistants and freelancers, it brings an important question to the surface:
How does this affect your work and your future?
Let’s talk about it in a clear and honest way.
Why Virtual Assistants May Feel the Impact Faster
Large BPO companies usually support many clients at once. If one client leaves, the workload can often be balanced across other accounts.
Virtual Assistants and freelancers, however, often depend on one main client or a small group of clients. When a business slows down or closes, the change can show up quickly through fewer hours, paused contracts, or role adjustments.
This does not mean you should worry. It simply means staying aware and prepared matters more than ever.
Virtual Assistant Roles Feeling the Most Pressure
VAs in E-commerce and Retail
Retail and e-commerce brands are going through changes in 2025. Well-known companies like Forever 21 and At Home have faced challenges, and other brands are carefully managing their costs.
If you work with U.S. retail clients on:
- Shopify store management
- Customer support
- Social media content
you may notice changes in workload as these businesses adjust their budgets and priorities.
VAs in Logistics and Manufacturing
Logistics and manufacturing companies are also under pressure this year, especially those affected by higher tariffs.
If your client relies on importing goods, their profit margins may be tighter, which can lead to more cautious spending, including support roles.
Campaign-Based BPO Roles
If you work under a BPO company such as Accenture, Teleperformance, Alorica, or Concentrix, it’s helpful to stay informed about the health of your assigned account.
Even when the BPO company itself is stable, a struggling client can result in:
- Campaign pauses
- Team reassignments
- Temporary floating status
Knowing what’s happening on your account gives you time to prepare and plan.
The Positive Side for Virtual Assistants
Here’s the encouraging part.
When U.S. companies face financial pressure, they often look for smarter ways to operate. One common move is reducing expensive local hires and turning to skilled global talent.
This is where Virtual Assistants become even more valuable.
Cost Saving Creates Opportunity
A business that can no longer afford a $25 per hour local assistant may look for a $7 to $10 per hour Filipino VA to keep things running smoothly.
For many companies, hiring a VA is not about cutting corners. It’s about staying operational and competitive.
Skills That Stay in Demand
During uncertain times, businesses focus on skills that directly support growth and stability. Virtual Assistants with experience in the following areas are seeing stronger demand:
- Lead generation, to help bring in new business
- Bookkeeping, to keep finances organized and clear
- AI automation, to improve efficiency and reduce manual tasks
These skills help companies save time, manage costs, and move faster.
Stay Aware, Keep Learning, and Stay Ready
If your current client is in a higher-risk industry, now is a good time to prepare, not panic.
This can look like:
- Gradually diversifying your client base
- Learning new tools and platforms, including GenAI tools
- Strengthening skills that support revenue and operations
Virtual Assistants who stay flexible and continue learning are better positioned to adapt and grow, even during uncertain periods.
Final Thoughts
Rising U.S. bankruptcies are a real part of today’s business landscape, but they do not mean opportunities are disappearing for Virtual Assistants. In many cases, opportunities are simply shifting.
The VAs who stay informed, proactive, and skilled will continue to find meaningful work and long-term stability.Stay alert.
Stay skilled.
And keep building a career that can grow through change.
