From 9-5 Burnout to Freelance Freedom: How Shruti Built a 5-Figure Online Business from Scratch

Are you stuck in a 9-5, dreaming of building a profitable online business—but not sure where to start? In this powerful episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Shruti, the founder of Thriving Mondays and a Certified Online Business Manager, to share how she left her corporate job with zero experience and built a 5-figure freelancing business from her bedroom in India.

With over 100 clients and a Top-Rated Plus badge on Upwork, Shruti spills the secrets to growing a successful freelance business without relying on social media followers, a YouTube channel, or going viral.

Whether you're a virtual assistant, aspiring freelancer, or overwhelmed CEO wondering if it’s time to hire an OBM—this episode is packed with practical tips and real-life inspiration.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Shruti quit her corporate job with no backup plan

• Her exact steps to landing clients on Upwork with zero experience

• What a Certified Online Business Manager (OBM) actually does

• How to scale a freelance business into consistent 5-figure months

• Tips to avoid burnout, set boundaries, and stay motivated

• The difference between hiring a VA vs. OBM for sustainable business growth

Guest Info:

Shruti – Founder of Thriving Mondays

• Website: https://thrivingmondays.com

• Upwork Profile: View Here

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hello-shruti

Episode Quote to Share:

"You don’t need to go viral to make money online—you just need the right skills and the courage to start." – Shruti

• how to start freelancing

• freelance business tips

• Upwork success strategy

• how to find clients on Upwork

• virtual assistant vs online business manager

• building a business from home

• quitting your job to freelance

• OBM for entrepreneurs

• online business systems and strategy

🎧 Listen + Subscribe:

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Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere you listen.