Making the leap from employee to freelancer was one of the scariest—and most rewarding—decisions of my life. If you’re thinking about quitting your 9-to-5 to pursue a more flexible, purpose-driven career as a virtual assistant or freelancer, this story is for you. I’ll share exactly how I made the transition, the mistakes I made, and what I wish I knew when I started.
Why I Chose to Leave My Job
Like many people, I was drawn to freelancing because of burnout and a growing desire for freedom. My job offered security, but I felt stifled by routines, fixed hours, and lack of autonomy. I wanted:
- More time with my family
- Control over my income
- Flexibility to work when I’m most productive
- The chance to do work that aligned with my skills and passions
It wasn’t an easy choice, but the discomfort of staying became greater than the fear of leaving.
The First Steps I Took (While Still Employed)
I didn’t quit overnight. I created a runway. While still working full-time, I:
- Built a list of services I could offer (admin, email management, content writing)
- Joined freelance platforms like Upwork and OnlineJobs.ph
- Watched free webinars and read blogs to understand contracts, proposals, and client acquisition
- Saved three months’ worth of emergency funds
Preparation Table:
| Action | Tool/Platform | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Joined job boards | Upwork, OnlineJobs.ph | First few client leads |
| Built profile & resume | Canva, LinkedIn | Professional presence |
| Learned pricing | Facebook groups, webinars | Confidence to quote fairly |
My First Freelance Gig: A Turning Point
After weeks of applying and getting ignored, I finally landed a 5-hour/week data entry project. It paid $5/hour—not much, but it was the proof I needed that I could get paid independently. I gave it 110%—organized files better than expected, responded fast, and overdelivered.
That one job led to a referral, and the momentum started building.
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- Undercharging: I was so excited to land a client, I accepted low rates and worked late into the night. Lesson? Price for sustainability.
- Saying yes to everything: I accepted every task—even ones I didn’t enjoy or do well. This led to burnout.
- No boundaries: I answered messages late at night and on weekends. Clients loved it—my mental health didn’t.
When I Knew It Was Time to Quit My Job
When I reached $1000/month in consistent freelance income and had two retainer clients, I made the leap. It was terrifying, but I reminded myself:
- I can always go back to employment if needed
- I’m in control of how many clients I serve
- I now had the tools and confidence to scale
Lessons I’ve Learned on This Journey
| Lesson | Insight |
| Freelancing is a business | You need systems, contracts, and pricing models—not just skills |
| Your time is limited | Don’t trade time for money forever—build packages or hire help eventually |
| Boundaries create respect | Saying no shows professionalism, not laziness |
| Clients come and go | Diversify and never rely on just one client |
Tools That Made My Life Easier
| Need | Tool |
| Time tracking | Toggl |
| Proposals & contracts | Bonsai, Canva |
| Communication | Gmail, Slack, Loom |
| Client/project management | Trello, Notion, ClickUp |
My Typical Workday (Now vs. Then)
| Time | 9-to-5 Job | Freelance Life |
| 7:00 AM | Commute prep | Coffee + journaling |
| 9:00 AM | Desk work begins | Deep work (content, emails) |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch break (set time) | Lunch when I feel hungry |
| 2:00 PM | Meetings, admin | Client calls or learning |
| 5:30 PM | End of day (traffic!) | Gym, family, or side project |
I now have the freedom to schedule my day based on energy—not just hours.
Advice for Aspiring Freelancers
- Don’t wait until everything is perfect—start now with what you have
- Focus on one skill or service first before expanding
- Underpromise, overdeliver, and ask for feedback
- Surround yourself with a community (Facebook groups, mentors, peers)
- Keep learning—tech changes fast, so stay curious
Final Thoughts
The shift from employee to freelancer is not just a career change—it’s a mindset shift. You go from being told what to do to deciding what’s worth your time. It’s empowering and challenging, and it’s not for everyone—but it was for me.
Today, I work with clients I love, have full control over my time, and earn more than I did in my 9-to-5. More importantly, I feel aligned. If you’re thinking of making the leap—start planning now. Your future freelance self will thank you.
You don’t have to figure it all out today. But take one small action. That’s how the journey begins.
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