Just a smaller pool of applicants to blindly compete with - Freelance Virtual Assistant BELAY Employee Review

2.0
Jan 30, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I have just recently signed a contract.

Cons

However, as of 3 weeks, I do not yet have an assignment. Did not find out until the interview was finished, that the independent contractors become a part of a pool, and must expend much time and effort to 'apply' for the roles/clients that Belay currently has. You are not being compensated for the time and effort that must be exerted for 'applying' to these roles. And the compensation is paid once a month, which means even after you receive an assignment, you may still be working other roles outside of the company to maintain cash flow, while awaiting the pay frequency adjustment. Depending on your circumstances, this could be an uncomfortable conflict for the first 30 days of working with their client. Unfortunately the pay of $19 -$22/hour (once you are engaged with one of their clients as a Virtual Assistant), is an insult and indicates disrespect for independent contractor's time and expertise. Such low pay does not allow recovery from the time that is taken away from other billable hours to focus on 'applying' for their roles. I do not understand why their client specialists can not just reach out to those who have the skill sets and qualities for the role. In any case, this is an experience where the realities did not align with expectations, and have proven to not be a best fit for me. I thought that i was applying for a role, and not that I was applying for the 'privilege' of being added to a talent pool. My initial interfaces led me to believe that I had been deemed a fit for an existing role. I have not had the opportunity to interface with senior management, and therefore cannot give any insightful rating regarding senior management.

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BELAY Response
1y
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences with us. We do apologize for any misunderstanding regarding the structure of our placement model. Our goal is always to be transparent, and we make an effort to share details on our application and onboarding pages about how our community and placement processes work. Contractors may be contacted by our team for direct placement with our clients however they are also able to apply for specific roles on our job board based on skillset and interest- which is recommended and strongly encouraged for more timely placement. We strive to offer clear information about the process to ensure there are no surprises as you move through the hiring journey. Regarding compensation, we understand that pay frequency and starting rates are important factors when choosing to work with us. We do want to clarify that the $19-$22/hour range represents our starting pay range and we are committed to reviewing contractor compensation annually to ensure we remain competitive within the industry. We want to ensure that our contractors are fairly compensated for their time and expertise. We also recognize that the monthly pay cycle can be challenging, and we try to be transparent about this during the onboarding process. We understand the importance of managing cash flow, and we continue to review our processes to find ways to make this as smooth as possible for all our contractors. Lastly, we want to stress that we truly value the independent contractors who work with us, as you play a vital role in our success. Our aim is to foster an environment where our contractors feel supported and valued, and we are always open to feedback on how we can improve that experience. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Explore other reviews about BELAY

5.0
Jun 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working for Belay has completely changed our family! We now have the ability to truly prioritize what we find most important. Belay also makes the onboarding process so smooth. They were with me and so encouraging through every step!

Cons

None - I have been nothing but impressed with Belay!

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BELAY Response
3w
Thank you for sharing your experience as a Executive Assistant! We’re thrilled that you appreciate our remote work lifestyle and culture. Your feedback motivates us to keep building a great environment. Thank you for being a part of BELAY!
1.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Remote Home Office Opportunity to support clients Friendly coworkers who genuinely want to help one another

Cons

Leadership lacked clear communication and consistent direction. Training and onboarding were disorganized, making it difficult to understand expectations. Frequent changes in priorities and processes created unnecessary confusion. Employees were often evaluated on expectations that had not been clearly communicated. Departments did not always appear to be aligned, resulting in inconsistent guidance and decision-making. Attempting to get help was often frustrating, as employees frequently seemed just as confused. Emails and support tickets sometimes took a week or longer to receive a response.

1
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BELAY Response
2d
Thank you for taking the time to share a reflection on your experience as a Client Success Consultant. We’re grateful for the years you invested in serving clients and supporting your teammates, and we appreciate the care you clearly still have for the people and the work. We take your feedback seriously, particularly around managerial support, support tickets and onboarding. The CSC role sits at the center of the client and contractor experience, and we recognize that carrying a large portfolio and navigating complex situations can be taxing without the right level of support and resourcing. Your comments reinforce the importance of ensuring our teams feel equipped, heard, and supported in the work they do every day. Your observations about leadership priorities and goals are important as well. As we continue to evolve as an organization, we are actively evaluating how we create clearer pathways for advancement, strengthen leadership stability, and ensure compensation and career progression remain competitive and sustainable. Thank you again for sharing your perspective with such honesty and professionalism. We’re grateful for the contributions you made during your time with BELAY and wish you continued success in your career and the next season ahead. Warmly, The BELAY Team
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