2 Online Business Ideas That Helped Me Quit My 9–5 (And Make $500K+)

If you’ve ever typed “best online business ideas” into Google at 2 AM after another soul-crushing day at your 9–5… same.

I spent months reading blog posts, watching YouTube videos, and trying to figure out which online business was the right one. Dropshipping? Affiliate marketing? Selling my left kidney on eBay? (Kidding. Kind of.)

Eventually, I landed on two that actually worked—and changed my life in the process. So, today, I want to break down the two online businesses that helped me quit my job, travel the world, and make over half a million dollars in less than two years.

Let’s get into it.

But First, My Story (Real Quick)

Before I ever made a dollar online, I was stuck in the corporate world—clocking in and out, working overtime, and always dreaming about freedom. I didn’t hate my job… but I hated that it felt like my entire life revolved around it.

I wanted more. I wanted flexibility. I wanted to travel. And most importantly—I wanted to build something that was mine.

So, I started testing online business ideas. Some flopped. Some barely broke even. But two of them? They took off.

1. Virtual Assistant Business – My First Win

💸 Revenue: Grew from $20/hour to $10,000/month

⏳ Time to first client: 3 weeks

😅 Difficulty: Low-to-Medium

When I discovered freelancing and the world of virtual assisting, I had zero experience. But once I realized that businesses were hiring freelancers to help with things like admin, social media, blog writing, and inbox management, I knew I had the skills they needed.

I landed my first client in just a few weeks. From there, I built a six-figure VA business offering services like:

✔️ Social media management

✔️ Email marketing support

✔️ Calendar and inbox organization

✔️ Podcast editing

✔️ Branding and graphic design support

Would I recommend it? YES.

If you’re looking for a way to work online as a freelancer using the skills you already have, virtual assisting is one of the most flexible and in-demand online businesses out there.

✨ Want me to teach you how to do it? Check out my free virtual assistant masterclass.

2. Digital Products – The Game Changer

💸 Revenue: Over $500,000 in course and digital product sales

⏳ Time to launch: 2 months

😅 Difficulty: Medium-to-High (but so worth it)

After freelancing for a while, I realized I was constantly answering the same questions—people wanted to know how I built my business, found clients, and worked online.

So, I decided to package everything I knew into an online course.

It took me about 2 months to put together, and the week I launched it? I made $16,000.

Since then, I’ve expanded my digital product suite to include:

✔️ Online course bundles

✔️ Ebooks and downloadable guides

✔️ Mini-courses

✔️ One-on-one coaching

This side of my business is where I’ve made the most money—and it’s also the most scalable. I went from working with clients 1:1 to selling knowledge and getting paid while I sleep.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

It takes more upfront effort and planning, plus a higher cost of entry—you’ll need tools to set up your course, like your course platform, email list, design tools, etc. But once you get it going, all you need to do is continue driving traffic to it to sell it passively.

✨ Want to learn how to create and sell your own course or digital product? That’s exactly what I teach inside the Six Figure Online Course.

So… Which One Should You Start With?

👉 If you want to work remotely, get paid for skills you already have, and work behind the scenes for clients – virtual assisting is where it starts. You can offer services from your laptop, work with clients from anywhere in the world, and start getting paid to support entrepreneurs in their businesses. No fancy tech, no need to be “internet famous.” Just you, your skills, and your laptop.

👉 If your goal is massive income potential, to wake up to sales notifications, and build an online business that runs while you travel, rest, or sleep – digital products are your dream come true. You get to teach what you know, help others, and create scalable offers like courses, ebooks, and coaching that sell on autopilot. It’s more upfront work—but way higher ROI.

Both changed my life. One gave me freedom. The other gave me a passive income. 

Final Thoughts

There are so many online business ideas out there—but most people get stuck in research mode forever. You don’t need the “perfect” idea. You just need to start.

Whether you want to work from home, travel full-time, or just make extra income on the side, there’s a business out there for you.

And if you need help figuring it out? I got you.

✨ Want more behind-the-scenes tips, business inspo, and a peek at how I run all of this from my laptop?

Come hang out with me on Instagram @virtual.vivian 💻💫

Let’s build something that gives you freedom. Because life is too short to spend it working for someone else’s dream.

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!