The Ultimate Guide to Quitting Your Job and Starting an Online Business That Gives You Freedom
Let’s be real—corporate life was never designed with your freedom in mind. The long hours, the rigid schedules, the glass ceilings that somehow never crack no matter how hard you push. If you’re feeling the itch to break free, to stop trading your time for a paycheck that barely stretches as far as it should, you’re not alone.
More women than ever are walking away from traditional jobs and into online entrepreneurship—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s literally necessary. The workforce wasn’t built to support our ambitions, our families, or our desire to have both financial success and personal freedom. So, we’re building something better.
But here’s the truth: Leaving your 9-5 isn’t about taking a blind leap. It’s about making a calculated exit. And that’s exactly what we’re going to break down today—the real, no-fluff steps to quitting your job and launching an online business that puts you back in control.
Why Now? The Career Landscape for Women Has Changed
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that job security is an illusion. Layoffs are happening in industries once thought untouchable. Wage gaps still exist despite all the “progress.” And let’s not even get started on burnout—because the corporate world isn’t built to accommodate the fact that you have a life outside of work.
On the flip side, women-led businesses are thriving. Studies show that female entrepreneurs are outpacing traditional workforce earnings, and businesses owned by women are growing at a rapid rate. The online space, in particular, has lower barriers to entry and infinite opportunities, making it one of the most accessible ways to build something of your own.
So, if you’re waiting for the “right time” to make a change—this is it. The workforce is shifting, and the best move you can make is to bet on yourself. Here are the 6 steps you can take to do just that.
Step 1: Define Your Exit Timeline
You don’t have to quit tomorrow. In fact, the smartest way to leave your job is with a plan in place. The goal isn’t to take a risky leap—it’s to make a calculated move that sets you up for financial stability and long-term success.
Before you hand in your resignation, take a step back and answer these key questions:
How much money do I need to cover my expenses for 3-6 months?
What skills do I already have that I can monetize?
How many hours can I dedicate to my business before leaving my job?
What’s my ideal income, and how many clients do I actually need to hit that number?
Too many women delay starting their online business because they feel overwhelmed by the financial unknowns. But success isn’t a mystery—it’s math. And once you break the numbers down, replacing your 9-5 income starts to feel a whole lot more achievable.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How to Map Out Your Exit Plan
If you’re serious about making your exit, you need a clear, data-driven plan—not vague goals or best guesses. That’s exactly why I created the Income Calculator, a free interactive spreadsheet that lays everything out for you: how many clients you actually need, how much to charge, and how long it will take to make this transition happen.
Instead of sitting in uncertainty, you’ll walk away with crystal-clear income goals that show you exactly what it takes to match (or surpass) your 9-5 paycheck. You’ll also get a fully customizable game plan tailored to your specific financial needs, lifestyle, and work capacity—so you know precisely what steps to take next.
For many women, pricing is one of the biggest roadblocks to starting an online business. It’s easy to get stuck charging too little because of outdated industry averages, but this calculator eliminates that confusion. You’ll learn how to price your services based on value, not on what some random freelancer forum says you "should" charge.
More importantly, this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about confidence. When you see your income mapped out in black and white, the fear of leaving your job starts to fade. Instead of feeling like you’re taking a blind leap, you’ll have a realistic, step-by-step timeline that makes your exit feel inevitable.
You don’t need to spend another year wondering if you can make this work. You just need the right plan. Check out my free income calculator now, and start mapping out how exactly you’ll replace your income.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Model Wisely
Not all online businesses are created equal. Some require years of experience or expensive certifications—others can be launched in weeks using the skills you already have.
The other thing that lots of people wanting to start a business forget, though, is that just because you can do something online or because it suddenly seems like “THE” thing to do doesn’t mean it’s the best move, either.
A lot of people choose what kind of business to start based on how much money they think they can make, what’s trending on TikTok, or whatever they think seems “easiest.” But 6 months later, they’re drained and still haven’t made more than 10 bucks.
The key is choosing a model that:
Has low startup costs. You shouldn’t have to drain your savings to get started. The best online business ideas require minimal upfront investment, allowing you to grow organically.
Can generate income quickly. While some businesses take years to become profitable, the right model will allow you to start making money within the first few months—if not sooner.
Aligns with your existing skills, interests, and values. You don’t need a new degree or expensive certifications. The most sustainable businesses are built by leveraging skills you already have and enjoy using.
Flexibility and scalability. A true freedom-based business gives you control over your time and allows for growth without working 24/7. You want a model that lets you increase income without maxing out your hours.
Here are 2 proven online business models that check those boxes.
1. Service-Based Business
If you’ve ever worked in administration, marketing, customer service, project management, writing, or design, you already have valuable skills that businesses are willing to pay for.
A service-based business is one of the fastest ways to generate income online because you can start working with clients immediately—no product creation or inventory required.
Popular service-based businesses include:
Virtual assistance (things like admin support, inbox management, data entry, executive assistance)
Social media management (content creation, strategy, scheduling)
Online business management (operations, automation, systems setup)
Copywriting and content creation (blog writing, website copy, email marketing)
Graphic design and branding (logos, marketing materials, social media graphics)
Website design and development
Podcast or video editing
If you enjoy working directly with clients and want to start making money within weeks, this is one of the best options.
Service-based businesses also scale well—once you reach capacity, you can raise your rates or build a small team to expand your offerings.
If you’re looking for a proven way to start an online business, becoming a Virtual Assistant might be your best move. Learn more about my VA Accelerator program here.
2. Coaching or Consulting Business
If you have specialized knowledge in a particular area, coaching and consulting is an excellent way to package that expertise into a high-value offer. Many professionals underestimate how much their experience is worth—whether it’s in career coaching, leadership development, wellness, or business strategy, there are countless people willing to invest in expert guidance.
Examples of coaching and consulting businesses include:
Career coaching (resume writing, interview prep, career transitions)
Business consulting (helping small businesses with marketing, sales, or scaling strategies)
Mindset or confidence coaching
Health and wellness coaching (fitness, nutrition, mental health)
Financial coaching (budgeting, investing, financial literacy)
Relationship or life coaching
The key to success in this model is positioning yourself as an expert and offering clear, results-driven solutions. You don’t need a certification to start—just a proven process that helps clients achieve their goals.
Which Business Model Is Right for You?
If you need to replace your 9-5 income quickly, a service-based business is the best place to start. It allows you to secure clients and generate revenue within weeks, giving you financial stability as you transition out of your job.
If you enjoy teaching or guiding others, coaching or consulting is an excellent option that offers high-ticket income potential with fewer clients.
Regardless of which path you choose, the key is taking action now—because the sooner you start, the sooner you can walk away from the 9-5 grind and step into the business (and life) you actually want.
Step 3: Start Securing Clients Before You Quit
Here’s the biggest mistake most people make: they wait until after they quit to start looking for clients. But they’re doing things backward.
If you want a smooth transition, start bringing in income while you’re still employed. This does two critical things:
1. It proves your business idea is viable. Instead of hoping it will work, you’ll have actual clients and revenue before you take the leap.
2. It gives you financial security. The more money you make before quitting, the less pressure you’ll feel once you’re running your business full-time.
You don’t need to replace your entire salary overnight, but securing even one or two clients while you’re still employed can make all the difference in your confidence and financial stability.
Where to Find Clients
If you’re working a public-facing corporate job, you may not want your boss or coworkers to see you marketing your business on LinkedIn or social media just yet—and that’s completely understandable. The good news? There are plenty of ways to find clients while keeping things under the radar.
1. Freelance Marketplaces
If you need a private, low-risk way to secure clients, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contra are great starting points. These marketplaces allow you to create a profile, apply for freelance gigs, and start working with clients—without publicly advertising your services on personal social media.
Upwork – Ideal for skilled professionals looking for long-term clients. You can find work in everything from admin support, marketing, content writing, and graphic design to bookkeeping and customer service. This is where I found my first client!
Fiverr – Great for packaging specific services at a set price. Perfect for offering one-off projects like social media templates, resume writing, or branding design. (Do take this suggestion with a grain of salt, though… Fiverr is known for people racing to quote their services at bottom-dollar, so it may not be your best option.)
Contra – A growing alternative to Upwork with no service fees for freelancers. Best for tech-savvy professionals, designers, and marketers looking for freelance work without hidden costs.
If you’re worried about visibility, use a different email address and profile picture than what’s on your LinkedIn or company website. Many people build their entire freelance business through these platforms before transitioning to their own website and marketing strategy.
2. Leverage Your Existing Network (Without Making It Public)
Even if you’re keeping your online business private for now, you can still secure clients through word of mouth and direct outreach.
Reach out to past colleagues, friends, and connections via email or private messages. Let them know about your new business and ask if they or anyone in their network needs support.
Join industry-specific Facebook groups and Slack communities. Many of these groups have job boards where business owners post opportunities. You can privately apply for gigs without publicly announcing your career shift.
Tap into local networking events and entrepreneur meetups. Sometimes, the best clients come from real-world connections. Check out Meetup.com, LinkedIn Events, or co-working spaces to find opportunities near you.
3. Use Social Media… Strategically
If your job doesn’t monitor social media or if you feel comfortable being public, this is one of the fastest ways to attract clients—especially on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Start by engaging, not selling. Comment on posts, join conversations, and offer insights related to your skills.
Create a separate social media account for your business. If privacy is a concern, keeping your freelance or business identity separate from your personal one can help.
Post valuable content that showcases your expertise. Share tips, behind-the-scenes insights, or case studies that demonstrate how you can help potential clients.
Even if you don’t publicly say, “I’m starting a business!” right away, showing up consistently in the right circles makes it easier for potential clients to find you.
4. Ask for Referrals and Testimonials—Early and Often
One of the biggest mistakes I see new business owners make is waiting too long to ask for testimonials. It’s easy to assume you should wait until a project is complete or a contract ends before requesting feedback, but that’s actually the worst time to do it. By then, your client has moved on to their next priority, and the energy of the work you did together isn’t as fresh in their mind.
Instead, the best time to ask for a testimonial is while your client is still actively working with you—when they’re seeing results, feeling supported, and experiencing the benefits of your services firsthand.
I used to make this mistake myself. I would tell myself, Oh, I’ll just ask when we’re done working together, and then by the time the contract ended, the moment never felt right. Either too much time had passed, something had shifted, or I simply felt awkward bringing it up. So I changed my approach.
Now, I make it a point to ask for testimonials at least twice a year—not just at the end of a project, but mid-way through when the results are speaking for themselves. When I started doing this, I was blown away by how much easier it became to get high-quality feedback. Not only did it strengthen my client relationships, but it also gave me a steady flow of social proof I could use to secure more clients.
How to Ask for a Testimonial (Without It Feeling Awkward)
If you’re new to asking for testimonials, start by keeping it simple and casual. Here’s one of my go-to messages:
Hey [Client’s Name], I’m updating my website/LinkedIn and would love to highlight some of the amazing people I’ve worked with. If you have a few moments, I’d really appreciate it if you could share a few sentences about our work together.
I’ve found that many clients appreciate having guidance on what to say. Some even ask me to write a draft for them to approve—which is totally fine. If you want to make it easier for your clients, try giving them a few prompt questions:
What was your biggest challenge before working with me?
How has my work made a difference for your business?
What would you say to someone considering hiring me?
If you want to take it a step further, you can automate your testimonial requests by building them into your client process. A few ways to do this:
Add a testimonial request form to your offboarding process.
Schedule a quick feedback call where you ask them on the spot.
Send a simple Slack or email message mid-project to check in and request feedback.
The key is to make testimonials a normal part of your business, not an afterthought. The more consistently you collect them, the easier it will be to attract new, high-value clients.
What If You Haven’t Had Many Clients Yet?
If you’re just starting out and don’t have many (or any) clients yet, you can still build credibility by:
Asking past colleagues or employers to vouch for your skills in a way that relates to your new business. Doing this on LinkedIn is great, too, because you can use testimonials they write for you there anywhere!
Offering a beta version of your services at a discounted rate in exchange for honest feedback.
Leveraging any volunteer work or personal projects you’ve done to showcase your abilities.
Your first few clients will come faster when you have social proof that reinforces your expertise—so start building that foundation as soon as possible.
Step 4: Master the Mindset Shift
This is where most women get stuck. Not because they lack skills, but because they still think like employees instead of entrepreneurs.
Starting an online business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you think. The habits, beliefs, and mindset patterns you’ve built over years in the traditional workforce won’t automatically serve you as a business owner. If you don’t intentionally shift how you think and operate, you’ll keep running into the same fears, hesitations, and self-doubt that hold so many women back.
Why Mindset is the Key to Success
I’ve seen it over and over again: two women with the same skills, same amount of time in a day, same access to resources—yet one builds a thriving business, and the other stays stuck. The difference? Mindset.
Your thoughts determine your actions. If you believe that finding clients is hard, that success is for other people, or that you need to struggle to earn good money, then that will become your reality. But if you shift your thinking to, I may not have the answer yet, but I can figure it out—everything changes.
A strong business owner mindset allows you to:
Open your mind to learning and take in new information instead of resisting it.
Shift from asking, Why can’t I do this? to How can I make this work?
See challenges as temporary obstacles, not permanent roadblocks.
Step into the version of yourself who runs a successful, freedom-based business instead of staying stuck in old habits.
Understand that failure isn’t a reflection of your worth—it’s just a lesson on what to do differently next time.
If you don’t actively work on shifting your mindset, you’ll always hesitate when it’s time to take action. You’ll overthink your prices, second-guess your pitches, and stall when you should be moving forward. Mindset is what separates the women who succeed from the ones who stay in the same place year after year.
Rewiring Your Brain for Business Success
Right now, your brain is wired for what’s familiar—your 9-5 habits, your old thought patterns, the way you’ve always done things. Changing that isn’t instant, and it’s not always easy.
Think of your mindset like a hiking trail. If you’ve been walking the same path for years, it’s well-worn and easy to follow. But now, you’re carving out a new path—one where you’re the boss, where you create opportunities, and where financial freedom isn’t just possible, but inevitable. At first, it feels uncomfortable. You’re stepping through thick brush, facing resistance, and questioning if you’re going the right way. But every time you take another step, the path becomes clearer. The more you practice new ways of thinking, the easier they become.
This isn’t just motivational talk—it’s backed by neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Science proves that with repetition, you can literally change how you think, react, and operate. That means you’re not stuck in self-doubt, perfectionism, or fear of failure forever—unless you choose to be.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset vs. The Employee Mindset
If you’re still thinking like an employee, you’ll constantly feel frustrated in your online business because you’re applying the wrong mindset to your new reality.
Here’s the shift that needs to happen:
Employees wait for permission. Entrepreneurs create opportunities.
Employees trade time for money. Entrepreneurs charge based on value.
Employees fear rejection. Entrepreneurs know that every “no” gets them closer to the right client.
Employees follow directions. Entrepreneurs trust themselves to make decisions.
The biggest challenge? You’re used to being told what to do. In a traditional job, someone gives you tasks, sets your salary, and tells you if you’re doing well. In business, you’re in control—and that level of freedom can feel uncomfortable at first.
Instead of waiting for someone to tell you you’re ready, you have to decide that for yourself. Instead of asking for approval, you have to trust that your skills are valuable. Instead of fearing failure, you have to see it as part of the process.
How to Start Shifting Your Mindset Today
Mindset isn’t something you fix once and forget about—it’s something you work on daily. Here’s how you can start rewiring your thinking for success.
Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Notice when you tell yourself, I’m not good enoug, or I can’t do this. Every time you catch yourself in a limiting belief, challenge it. Ask, Is this really true, or is it just a story I’ve been telling myself?
Reframe challenges as learning opportunities. Instead of seeing a mistake as proof you’re failing, ask yourself, What can I learn from this? Every successful entrepreneur has faced setbacks. The ones who succeed are the ones who keep going.
Visualize the business owner you want to be. Close your eyes and picture yourself a year from now—running a thriving, freedom-based business, working with dream clients, and feeling financially secure. Get clear on what that version of you looks like and start making decisions as if you’re already there.
Surround yourself with people who think bigger. If you spend time around people who doubt you or believe that business is a struggle, that will become your reality. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and success-driven people who challenge you to think bigger and push past fear.
Take action before you feel 100% ready. You’ll never feel fully ready to start pitching clients, raising your rates, or quitting your job—and that’s okay. The women who build successful businesses are the ones who take action before they feel completely confident. The confidence comes after.
Step 5: Quit with Confidence
At some point, you have to stop planning and start owning your decision to leave. The hardest part isn’t writing your resignation letter—it’s breaking free from the guilt, fear, and conditioning that tell you to stay in a job that no longer serves you.
This isn’t just about quitting your 9-5. It’s about stepping into a new version of yourself—one that makes decisions based on your goals, your values, and your future, not based on what’s expected of you.
So when it’s time to walk away, do it with confidence. You don’t owe your employer a long explanation, a sob story, or a promise to be available for months of extra work. Your resignation isn’t an invitation for negotiation—it’s a statement of fact.
That being said, how you leave matters. A professional exit can help you maintain relationships and set you up for success in your business. Here’s how to do it the right way.
1. Give proper notice—but Don’t let guilt keep you stuck.
The standard notice period is two weeks, but check your contract. Some industries or roles may require a longer notice period, while others may allow for immediate resignation.
When you write your resignation letter, keep it short, clear, and professional. You don’t need to explain your full reasons for leaving—simply state your decision, express gratitude for the opportunity, and outline your final working days.
And while I hate to say it, it tends to be true: Expect some resistance. If you’re a valuable team member, your employer may try to convince you to stay by offering a raise, promotion, or flexible schedule. Unless these offers align with the life and business you’re building, don’t be swayed.
And if your employer asks why you’re leaving, don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself. You don’t need to lie, just be respectful and professional. Say something like, "I’ve decided to take my career in a different direction, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. I appreciate everything I’ve learned here and will make sure the transition is as smooth as possible."
No apologies. No second-guessing. Just confidence in your next step.
2. Wrap up projects professionally to maintain good relationships.
It should probably go without saying, but if you’re in the middle of ongoing projects, document everything so the next person can pick up where you left off. It might also be really helpful to offer to train a replacement or create a simple handover guide.
Keep your final days productive, but don’t overextend yourself. Your priority now is your business, not proving your worth to a company you’re leaving. And if you do offer help, set clear boundaries around your availability after you leave. Remember that you are not obligated to provide ongoing support once your final day arrives.
3. Don’t burn bridges, but don’t look back, either.
If you had a positive experience, stay connected with colleagues and mentors who might support you in your new business. They could become clients, referral partners, or valuable contacts in the future. (I’ve seen this happen many, MANY times!)
On the flip side, if your workplace was toxic, allow yourself to walk away without guilt. You don’t need to justify your decision to anyone who made you feel undervalued or overworked. I know it can be hard, but resist the urge to linger mentally in your old job. Once you leave, shift your focus forward. Your time and energy belong to your business now.
This isn’t the end of your career—it’s the start of a new one that you control. You are no longer relying on a paycheck set by someone else, no longer confined by office politics, and no longer asking for permission to live on your own terms.
You are walking into a life of freedom, flexibility, and financial independence—and that’s worth celebrating!
Step 6: Build a Business That Supports Your Freedom
The goal isn’t to escape your 9-5 just to create another exhausting, all-consuming job for yourself. It’s to build a business that supports the life you actually want. Too many women fall into the trap of replacing corporate burnout with entrepreneurial burnout—working endless hours, constantly chasing clients, and feeling guilty for taking time off.
That’s not real freedom. Real freedom comes from building a sustainable, profitable, and balanced business—one that gives you financial independence without requiring you to work 24/7.
Here’s how you can create a business that works for you, not the other way around.
Set Boundaries from Day One
When you work for yourself, there’s no manager telling you when to log off. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of always being available—answering emails at all hours, saying yes to every client request, and constantly feeling "on." But if you don’t set clear boundaries, your business will take over your life.
Define your working hours—and stick to them. Just because you run your own business doesn’t mean you should be available 24/7. Set clear start and stop times and communicate them to clients upfront.
Use contracts to protect your time. Outline response times, project scope, and availability in your agreements so clients know what to expect.
Create a separate business phone number or email. Using tools like Google Voice or a business email address helps keep work communication from bleeding into your personal life.
Turn off notifications when you’re off the clock. If you let every client message pull you back into work mode, you’ll never truly disconnect.
Price for Profit, Not Just Survival
Many new business owners fall into the trap of underpricing their services—especially women. They feel guilty charging more, worry about losing clients, or assume they need to "pay their dues" before raising rates. But pricing yourself too low keeps you stuck in a cycle of overwork and underpayment.
Stop charging “starter rates.” Your skills are valuable, and clients are paying for your expertise, not just your time.
Use value-based pricing instead of hourly rates. Instead of trading hours for dollars, price based on the results you deliver. This allows you to earn more without working longer.
Factor in business expenses, taxes, and time off. When setting your rates, remember that as a business owner, you need to cover more than just your take-home salary.
Charge what allows you to work less, not more. If you have to take on 10+ clients just to break even, you’re undercharging. Your pricing should allow you to earn well while maintaining a reasonable workload.
Invest in Growth (So You Can Work Smarter, Not Harder)
Once your business starts bringing in consistent income, the next step is making strategic investments that allow you to streamline operations, attract better clients, and free up your time.
Invest in tools that automate repetitive tasks. Project management software, invoicing platforms, and scheduling tools can save you hours every week.
Outsource tasks that don’t require your expertise. As your business grows, hire a virtual assistant, bookkeeper, or marketing specialist to handle work that doesn’t need your personal touch.
Continue learning and leveling up. The most successful business owners never stop investing in their skills, whether through mentorship, courses, or industry events.
Refine your systems to make client management seamless. Setting up clear onboarding processes, templates, and workflows ensures that each client experience is smooth—without requiring more effort from you.
Build a Business That Lets You Live Life on Your Terms
At the end of the day, your business should serve you—not the other way around. If you left your 9-5 to have more freedom, then every decision you make should align with that goal.
If you want more flexibility, structure your workweek to allow for time off.
If you want more income, focus on high-value services that let you charge premium rates.
If you want less stress, put systems in place so your business runs smoothly without you having to micromanage every detail.
Success isn’t just about making money—it’s about designing a business that allows you to enjoy your life while making money. The sooner you commit to setting boundaries, charging what you’re worth, and investing in smart growth, the sooner you’ll experience the true freedom of being your own boss.
Final Thoughts: The Only Permission You Need Is Your Own
Most people will tell you to play it safe. To stay at your “good job” because it’s stable. But let’s be honest—is it really stable, or just familiar?
The life you want won’t come from waiting. It comes from deciding that you deserve more and taking the steps to make it happen.
Your freedom isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable if you’re willing to commit. So, the only question left is, How much longer are you willing to wait?
It’s time to take action. Your exit strategy starts today.
If you want help building your online business or don’t know what kind of business to start, consider becoming a Virtual Assistant and joining my exclusive program, The Virtual Assistant Accelerator. You’ll learn everything you need to know about resetting your mindset, building your brand, and starting a Virtual Assistant business that gives you the freedom to work from anywhere—all without posting on social media or building a website. Check it out and apply here.
