We Are Working (WAW) is the LATAM-focused VA agency that delivers dedicated Spanish-speaking and English-fluent VAs for US businesses. Where Wing and MyOutDesk source primarily from the Philippines, WAW's LATAM focus delivers timezone-aligned VAs at competitive mid-market pricing.
For a Fitness Virtual Assistant hire targeting US East/Central time-zone overlap with Spanish/English bilingual capability, WAW occupies a useful niche. The agency model competes most directly with general LATAM platforms like Upwork (LATAM filter) but with vetting and account management.
For where this fits in the broader hire decision, see our pillar guide on how to hire a fitness virtual assistant.
When We Are Working is the right choice
Three signals:
- LATAM hire preferred for timezone alignment.
- Bilingual Spanish/English valuable to your business.
- Want agency vetting without DIY platform overhead.
For DIY Upwork LATAM, lower cost. For Philippines-focused agencies, Wing or MOD. For LATAM with vetting, WAW.
How WAW works
The process:
- Discovery call with WAW account team.
- Role profile documented.
- VA matched from their LATAM talent pool (typically 1 to 3 weeks).
- Coach interviews the matched VA.
- Subscription billing via WAW.
- Account management ongoing for relationship issues.
WAW remains the contracting entity. Your dedicated VA works long-term.
Pricing structure
WAW's pricing tiers (approximate):
- Part-time (20 hours/week). ~$1,400/month ($17.50/hour effective).
- Full-time (40 hours/week). ~$2,400 to $3,200/month ($15 to $20/hour effective).
- Specialist tier. Higher rates for sales, technical, marketing roles.
Compare: Upwork LATAM DIY $7 to $20/hour direct. Wing $11 to $15/hour. BELAY $40 to $60/hour. WAW competitive with Wing.
What you're paying for
The subscription covers:
- Dedicated LATAM VA with timezone overlap.
- Vetting for English fluency and skill.
- Account manager for relationship support.
- Replacement if initial match fails.
- Backup coverage for VA absences.
- Bilingual capability when needed.
The LATAM timezone advantage and bilingual capability are the differentiators vs Filipino agencies.
Fitness-specific use cases
Where WAW fits fitness businesses:
- Spanish-speaking client services. Bilingual member support.
- East Coast US daytime coverage. LATAM timezone alignment.
- Sales lead routing during US business hours.
- Marketing execution across English/Spanish content.
- Member retention workflows.
- Cross-border operations for US-LATAM fitness businesses.
For Philippines-base Asian-market work, Filipino agencies fit better. For US-LATAM bilingual focus, WAW.
Briefing WAW
The detail you provide drives match quality:
- Specific scope with concrete deliverables.
- Required tools.
- Schedule expectation.
- Language requirements (English-only vs bilingual Spanish).
- Industry context about fitness coaching.
- Cultural notes if working with US-Hispanic member base.
A 60-minute brief with the account manager pays back over 12 months.
Trial and rampup
WAW's onboarding flow:
- Day 1. VA introduction and tool access.
- Week 1 to 2. Onboarding to your business and SOPs.
- Week 3 to 4. Productive on routine tasks.
- Day 45. Full productivity expected.
Plan 30 to 45 days for full ramp.
Common WAW failures
- Unclear brief. Account manager delivers generic match.
- Underutilizing bilingual capability. Hiring for English-only when Spanish would serve.
- No SOPs at signup. VA can't ramp efficiently.
- Account manager unused. Engage them.
- No paid trial discipline. Vetting helps but real-work verification still matters.
We Are Working-specific quirks
- LATAM specialist. Less Philippines, more Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil.
- Bilingual focus. Spanish/English capability common in pool.
- US East/Central timezone alignment.
- Account manager involvement comparable to Wing.
- Long-term retention typical with established VA relationships.
When WAW isn't the right pick
- Sub-$1,500/month budget. DIY LATAM platforms fit better.
- Premium US-based requirement. BELAY better.
- Asian-market focus. Philippines-base agencies fit better.
- 24/7 coverage need. Magic pool model better.
ROI calculation
The math for fitness businesses considering WAW:
- 40 hours/week à - $17/hour = $2,720/month, $32,640/year.
- Comparable LATAM direct hire = $1,500 to $2,200/month.
- Premium = $500 to $1,200/month for vetting, account management, replacement guarantee, bilingual capability.
For coaches at $300K+ revenue with US-Hispanic member base or East Coast US daytime coverage needs, the premium typically pays back through hire risk reduction and bilingual capability premium alone.
When to revisit the decision
The 12-month checkpoint:
- Hire is working. Continue; renew commitment.
- Hire is mediocre. Request rematch through account manager.
- Operational needs evolved. Re-evaluate vs. multi-platform strategy (e.g., add Filipino VA for ops while keeping LATAM for client-facing).
- Compliance complexity grew. Consider Deel or Remote.com layer for documentation.
Cultural collaboration notes
LATAM-base contractors:
- Strong English in vetted pool.
- Bilingual Spanish/English common.
- Direct communication norms.
- Cultural proximity to US for Mexico/Colombia/Argentina hires.
- Holiday calendars vary by country.
For pricing comparisons including WAW, see our Fitness VA cost guide. For broader hire context, see how to hire a fitness virtual assistant.
Frequently asked questions
We Are Working vs Wing for fitness VA hire?
WAW for LATAM timezone alignment and bilingual capability. Wing for Philippines base at slightly lower cost. Different geographic focus.
WAW vs BELAY for fitness VA hire?
WAW for LATAM mid-market. BELAY for US-based premium. Different price-quality tiers.
How long does WAW hiring take?
Plan 4 to 6 weeks: 1 to 3 weeks for matching, 1 week for interview, 1 to 2 weeks for ramp.
What if the matched VA isn't a fit?
Request rematch through WAW account manager. Process usually completes within 2 to 3 weeks.
Can WAW VAs handle US-Hispanic member base?
Yes; bilingual capability is a core differentiator. Verify per-candidate during interview.