The outsourced life experiment that made virtual assistants famous
Quick answer
In 2005 Esquire editor A.J. Jacobs hired remote personal assistants from two firms in India to handle his email, research and even personal errands, and wrote about it in an article called “My Outsourced Life.” The story helped make remote assistants a mainstream idea. Today the same approach is cheaper and safer, with dedicated assistants, shared tools and password managers.
What happened in the “My Outsourced Life” experiment?
A.J. Jacobs, an editor at Esquire, wanted to see how much of his life he could hand to someone else. He hired remote personal assistants through two firms in India, working with people in Bangalore, and gave them everything from research and email to calls with his boss, ordering groceries and even finding bedtime stories for his son. He described the experience in Esquire and talked about it on NPR in 2005. Listen to the NPR interview.
The funny parts got the attention, but the serious point stuck: a skilled person on the other side of the world could take real work off a busy professional's plate, quickly and cheaply.
Why did the idea spread so fast?
- It was relatable. Everyone has too much email and too little time.
- It was surprising. Few people knew they could hire help that way.
- It came at the right moment. Fast internet, email and online banking made remote work practical.
- Others built on it. Within a couple of years, books like Tim Ferriss's The 4-Hour Workweek (2007) were teaching readers to delegate to remote assistants.
What has changed since 2005?
| 2005 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing access | Passwords sent by email | Password managers and delegated accounts |
| Communication | Email and phone | Slack, WhatsApp, Loom videos, shared docs |
| Who you work with | Often a different person each time | One dedicated assistant who learns your business |
| Speed | Hours or days | Same working day, in your time zone |
| Tools | Basic office software | Cloud tools plus AI for drafting and research |
How do you outsource your week in 2026?
- Track one week. Write down every task that took more than 15 minutes.
- Circle the repeatable ones. Inbox, scheduling, invoices and research are usually top of the list.
- Pick one dedicated assistant, not a rotating pool, so they learn how you work.
- Share access safely with a password manager.
- Start with three tasks, then add more each week.
That's exactly how VirtualTask360 works: a dedicated, vetted assistant in India who works your hours, from $399 a month. Start with our list of 60 tasks to delegate.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote 'My Outsourced Life'?
A.J. Jacobs, then an editor at Esquire magazine, wrote about hiring remote personal assistants in India to handle his work and personal tasks. He discussed it on NPR in 2005.
Can you really outsource your life to a virtual assistant?
You can outsource most computer-based tasks: email, scheduling, research, bookings, bills and online errands. Decisions, relationships and anything physical stay with you.
Is it still common to hire assistants in India?
Yes. India has a large pool of English-speaking professionals experienced with international clients, which is why many businesses hire remote assistants there.
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