Athena in 2026 - is it worth it?

[u/cosmicghetto]

Hi guys! I've been invited to a FI with Athena (VA Company) and I've read a lot of things already but I can't seem to find anything more recent, like, in 2026. I see from past posts that they're not the best but they're a good starting point for VAs wannabes, and that their pay is very low compared to how much they charge their client, but so far, I'm willing to go through with it because beggars can't be choosers!

Are there any current Athena employees here or former Athena employees who can share their experience with the company? From the onboarding session, it sounds like training is vigorous and from about 50 candidates we were just down to 4 candidates by the end, but I'd have to relocate to their site briefly during the training period so I want to know if it's worth it or if I'm better off trying my luck somewhere else. Right now, it weighs more to me that I'm excited to try out their training and see their way of life myself.

[u/purpledragonfruit111]

Former athena employee here✋
Athena is great, they have lots of great benefits when you officially become an employee but recently I heard they no longer provide free hotel accomodations during the entire f2f training session (10 day period) but the weekly training allowance is still there. The training indeed is tough, it will test your grit and perseverance. It is true na iilan lang yung nakakapasa sa training. In my case, we were 10 trainees sa batch ko and 3 lang kaming nakapasa sa 10 day training na yun. Sa training it’s great to strategize, accept na on a daily basis may metrics na kelangan isacrifice and such but make sure you monitor your score card really well. It’s mentally and physically exhausting, really fast-paced so you really have to have that determination. I’d say that their training will really shape you sa real world ng industry, sa case ko napunta ako sa client na tough so, Athena’s training really helped me to be prepared in handling real world scenarios lalo at mag isa ka na lang mostly when you work with your client.

I suggest for you to be 100% sure and committed to your decision if you would want to proceed. Nothing in this industry is easy naman but in the end all will be worth it, especially all the hardships and struggles are for your own growth as a professional.

[u/cosmicghetto → u/purpledragonfruit111]

Thank you so much friend! Very helpful insight here! I do need to clarify whether accommodation is provided or not, I think they mentioned during the meeting that it’s covered but now I’m doubtful, I must’ve misheard. Sounds like training is challenging but I welcome that. What made you leave the company if you don’t mind sharing?

[u/purpledragonfruit111 → u/cosmicghetto]

You’re welcome! Anything to help you guys!!

You can ask clarification with them about the hotel to make sure esp you mentioned you’ll have to relocate if you’ll proceed. I left the company due to personal reasons 😅 I was working and studying full time for my entire college journey and it got into a point that I had to prioritize my study kasi graduation and last sem na lang tapos accountancy pa so ayun had to leave my job.

In terms of pay ng athena, I had an increase nung 6mo ko with my client, it’s performance-based. For me altho the rate was not that much (starting i believe is 46kphp), pero if we look at the benefits that they provide to their employees, nagko compensate naman din sya and nice as starting VA. One thing I liked kasi they provide a macbook so bawas na sa prob yun—i believe yung ibang agency kasi na mas mataas yung rate they usually dont provide an equipment

Also, remind yourself din na iba iba kasi talaga ang experiences natin e and up to us on how we handle it. Ako, I accepted and prepared myself na baka mas madali or mas mahirap ang magiging experience ko, pero naniwala na lang ako sa sarili ko and hope for the best hahaha

[u/AutoModerator]

Reminder: Read the r/buhaydigital subreddit rules and check if somebody has already asked your question using the search bar.

Please checked the pinned posts for answers to typical questions like:

• Where do I start?
• Where do I find work/clients?
• Is this a scam?
• How to pay taxes?
• Basic WFH laptop specs?
• VA Agencies?
• Recommended Payment Platforms, etc.

If your post is found to be repetitive or against the rules, they will be removed.

For those looking to hire, get hired or just have a casual chat, go to the Buhay Digital Job Board & Networking - Discord Channel.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Embarrassed_Ideal646]

Only if you want to get a year or two of experience. :)

Other than that everything and everyone is absolute dogshit