Leaving Google and corporate life behind was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Five years ago, I took a leap of faith, traded in my stable corporate job for the freedom of freelancing — and never looked back. Today, I’ve earned over $1 million on Fiverr alone and built my own digital marketing agency.
Freelancing has given me the flexibility, freedom, and happiness I couldn’t find in a corporate setting. In this post, I’ll share the four key strategies that helped me pivot from corporate work to full-time freelancing and make seven figures in five years.
Why I Left Google and Corporate Life
Working at Google was a dream job for many people — great perks, friendly colleagues, a competitive salary, and even an on-site gym. But despite all the benefits, something was missing for me. The work became increasingly stressful. My role as an account manager was fast-paced and came with high expectations. When my position was outsourced, I had the opportunity to explore other teams or leave. I chose to leave.
I was at a crossroads: stay in a corporate job that drained me or take a risk on freelancing. The idea of flexibility, choosing the projects I worked on, and being my own boss was too appealing to ignore. So, I began freelancing on the side while still employed, and within a year, I knew that freelancing was my true calling.
How Freelancing Changed My Life
Freelancing allowed me to work with clients around the world, set my own schedule, and focus on projects I truly cared about. Initially, I started on Fiverr in 2018, offering digital marketing services like Google Ads management. It didn’t take long before I began making significant money. In my first year on Fiverr, I made $100,000 — and then it just kept growing.
When COVID hit, I was laid off from my corporate job, but by then, I had built a strong client base on Fiverr. This gave me the confidence to go full-time with freelancing. Within a year, I was consistently earning $300,000 per year, and I even started my own digital marketing agency, Exo Agency.
But the road to success wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was the uncertainty of not having a regular paycheck. But with patience, strategy, and hard work, I was able to build a thriving freelance business. Here’s how I did it.
Four Strategies That Helped Me Succeed in Freelancing
1. Identify a Niche That Aligns with Your Expertise
When transitioning from corporate life to freelancing, it’s important to focus on a niche where you have real expertise. For me, that niche was Google Ads and SEO. I had experience in digital marketing from my time at Google, and I decided to specialise in Google Ads campaign setup and management for small businesses.
Focusing on a specific area allowed me to stand out from other freelancers offering general marketing services. I was able to attract high-quality clients looking for specialized knowledge. It wasn’t just about offering a service — it was about offering expertise that could drive real results for my clients.
- Tip: Find your own niche — the more specific, the better. Clients pay a premium for specialists.
2. Create a Strong Portfolio to Showcase Your Skills
A portfolio is your resume when you’re freelancing, and it’s crucial to showcase your best work. I made sure to build a comprehensive portfolio that highlighted successful campaigns I’d worked on, including one where I helped a client increase sales by 30%.
Having real-world results to showcase helped me gain credibility and trust with potential clients. I made sure to include testimonials and case studies that demonstrated my skills and impact on clients’ businesses.
- Tip: Don’t just list services — show your results. Include numbers and testimonials that prove your value.
3. Market Your Services Effectively
Once I had my niche and portfolio in place, I focused on marketing myself. I made sure my Fiverr profile stood out by including a professional photo, detailed descriptions of my services, and clear pricing. One of the best things I did was display the Google Partner badge on my Fiverr profile to highlight my certifications and expertise in Google Ads.
Marketing isn’t just about advertising your services — it’s about communicating the value you bring. I created a simple yet effective marketing poster on Photoshop that outlined the value of my services, using it to attract potential clients.
- Tip: Your profile should sell you — highlight your skills, showcase results, and include any certifications that set you apart.
4. Stay Organised to Increase Productivity
Freelancing requires self-discipline and organisation. I use tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and Google Sheets to stay on top of deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously. I learned the importance of time management quickly — not only to ensure I delivered quality work on time but also to balance personal life and avoid burnout.
By staying organised, I could focus on doing what I do best: helping clients grow their businesses through effective digital marketing.
- Tip: Invest in tools that help you stay organised. Time is money, and managing it effectively can increase your productivity and income.
How Freelancing Led to My Own Agency
After a year of freelancing, I had a steady stream of clients and a significant income. The next logical step was to expand my reach, so I started Exo Agency, a digital marketing agency focused on helping businesses increase their online presence.
Running my agency has given me even more freedom. I can work with a team of talented marketers and focus on larger projects while still having the flexibility to pursue my passions.
Why Freelancing Was the Best Decision I Ever Made
The decision to leave Google and corporate life behind was not easy, but it was worth it. Here’s why I’m happier now than I ever was in a corporate job:
- Freedom: I choose when, where, and how I work. I no longer feel tethered to a rigid 9-to-5 schedule.
- Income Potential: With freelancing, there’s no ceiling on how much you can earn. If you put in the work, you can grow your business exponentially.
- Work-Life Balance: Freelancing has allowed me to prioritise my personal life without feeling guilty about missing work. I’m more present and productive when I do work.
Freelancing has been life-changing. It’s not without challenges, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to build a successful, fulfilling career. If you’re thinking about making the switch, remember: Start small, focus on your niche, and market yourself well.
Conclusion: Take the Leap into Freelancing
If you’re stuck in a corporate job and yearning for more freedom, consider freelancing. It’s a path that can lead to more money, more flexibility, and more happiness. The key is to have a plan, identify your niche, market your services, and stay organised.
I’m proof that it’s possible to make a living — and a good one — on your own terms. And after earning over $1 million in five years on Fiverr, I can confidently say that freelancing was the best career decision I ever made.
