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: Don’t miss this episode! Subscribe to Social Media Decoded and leave a review to help more people discover inspiring stories like Shruti’s. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere you listen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.