How to Become Financially Free From Scratch (Without a 9–5)

Let’s talk about freedom.

Not just the “I’m taking a vacation” kind.

I’m talking about real financial freedom—the kind where you’re not checking your bank account every time you tap your card…

You’re not begging your boss for time off…

And you’re not living life by someone else’s schedule.

It’s the kind of freedom I dreamed about when I was stuck in a job that drained me.

And the kind of freedom I now get to live every single day.

Spoiler: I didn’t win the lottery, marry rich, or sell feet pics.

I built it—from scratch—using the internet, a laptop, and a whole lot of determination.

Here’s how I became financially free. And how you can too.

What Is Financial Freedom (Really)?

Let’s clear something up. Financial freedom doesn’t necessarily mean you’re retired at 30, sitting on a yacht, or dripping in designer bags.

It means you:

✔️ Have control over your time

✔️ Don’t rely on one income stream

✔️ Can afford the life you want to live

✔️ Aren’t stressed about money every single day

It’s not about being a millionaire—it’s about options. Flexibility. Breathing room.

Where I Started: Corporate Job, Big Dreams, No Plan

A few years ago, I was working a regular 9–5.

Decent job. Decent pay. But it felt like life was passing me by.

I wanted to travel. I wanted to live. But the idea of saving for two weeks off every year and getting approval to take it?

Yeah… no thanks.

So, I decided to try something different. I didn’t have a backup plan or safety net. But I knew I had skills. And I knew I was willing to figure it out.

The First Step: Freelancing as a Virtual Assistant

I started offering virtual assistant services—simple stuff like email management, social media, and admin tasks.

I used skills I already had, set up a simple offer, and landed my first client in a few weeks.

Within months, I had a full roster. I quit my job, continued freelancing, and started traveling the world while working from my laptop. 

Eventually, I was making $10,000/month as a freelance VA.

All from my laptop. Working with clients I chose. On my own schedule.

✨ If you’re curious about how to start as a VA, watch this free masterclass.

The Game-Changer: Passive Income

After a few years of freelancing, I realized something:

I was making great money—but I was still trading time for it.

So, I took everything I had learned and turned it into an online course.

I knew how to do it because I had built online courses for clients in the past. So, I knew exactly what to do and what not to do. 

Only 6 months after launching, that online course made over $100,000.

That was the moment everything changed.

✨ Want to learn how to package your expertise and sell it online? That’s what I teach inside the Six Figure Online Course.

So… How Do YOU Become Financially Free?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Financial freedom doesn’t come from one lucky break. It comes from multiple income streams, a smart strategy, and choosing a business model that actually fits you.

If you want to scale fast without relying on a job, you need to build something that isn’t tied to a paycheck or someone else’s schedule.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Create multiple income streams.

Relying on one source of income is risky. Whether it’s freelancing, coaching, selling digital products, or all three, diversifying gives you freedom and options.

2. Choose a business model that aligns with your strengths and lifestyle.

Love working with people 1:1? Freelancing or coaching might be your thing.

Prefer creating content behind the scenes and waking up to sales notifications? Digital products or courses are calling your name.

There’s no one “right” path—just the one that works for you.

3. Focus on scalability.

You want to build something that can grow with you—whether that means increasing your rates, launching a course, or building a brand that sells while you sleep.

Final Thoughts

Financial freedom isn’t a pipe dream. 

It’s not reserved for people with trust funds or tech startups.

It’s for the girl sitting at her office desk, scrolling through Instagram, and wondering if she was meant for more.

(It’s for you, btw.)

I built financial freedom from scratch—one client, one digital product, one late-night work session at a time.

And now? I get to live the life I used to daydream about.

It doesn't have to be complicated.

✨ Want to do the same?

Come hang out with me on Instagram @virtual.vivian for more tips, inspo, and behind-the-scenes realness.

If you want to become a virtual assistant...

If you have been thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant, there truly hasn’t been a better time to start! More businesses than ever are turning to freelancers and virtual assistants today.

You can turn the skills you already have into a service-based business, work from the comfort of your own home, work with clients you genuinely enjoy working with, and have more freedom than a regular 9-5 job. 

As someone who’s been in the game for 8 years, I can tell you - it’s a pretty fun gig!

If you want to learn how to become a virtual assistant, you CANNOT miss this free training I created for you. I deep dive into the world of freelancing, tell you how I started my virtual assistant business, and give you the absolute BEST tips for getting started and finding clients.

Want me as your coach? Join my online course, Virtual Freelancer Academy, where I teach you EVERYTHING you need to know and give you all the tools you need to succeed as a VA (just like I've done for hundreds of students just like you).

Have more questions? Message me here!