Freelancer to CEO - Simplify, Streamline & Scale Your Freelancing Business

When you hear people talk about what they would’ve done differently in their business… it’s usually a long list of regrets and mistakes. But if I’m being honest? There’s actually a lot I’d do the exact same if I were starting over as a virtual assistant.

In this episode, I’m sharing the things I wouldn’t change a bit — the things that actually helped me gain traction fast, replace my teaching income quickly, and build a business that worked for my life as a mom. I’m also calling out a few things I’d skip this time around (so you don’t waste your time like I did).

Whether you’re just getting started or wondering if you’re focusing on the right things, this episode will give you clarity on what really matters when launching your VA business.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The first move I made that set everything else in motion (no, it wasn’t building a website)
• What I’d absolutely do again to get clients quickly
• Why skipping the “fancy stuff” in the beginning helped me move faster
• The mistake that slowed me down more than I expected — and how to avoid it
• What I’d tell my past self to stop wasting time on (hint: it involved a lot of second-guessing)

RESOURCES + LINKS

• Take the quiz to find out what VA service is right for you – aubreemalick.com/quiz
• Watch the free training – aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Book a 1:1 coaching call with me
• Follow me on TikTok & Instagram

You don’t always get a big flashing sign when it’s time for something new—sometimes it’s a whisper, a gut feeling, or a quiet moment when you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this for another year.” I’ve been there. I tried to ignore those nudges, rationalize my way through the burnout, and tell myself I should be grateful. But the truth is, those early signs were the biggest clues that something needed to shift. In this episode, I’m sharing the five subtle (and not so subtle) signs that you might already be ready for a pivot even if you’re scared to admit it.

Whether you’ve been thinking about a change for a while or you’re just starting to feel the nudge, this one will help you recognize what’s coming up and know you’re not alone in the process.

HIGHLIGHTS

• What the Sunday Scaries really mean (and why they’re not just about Mondays)
• Why jealousy isn't always a bad thing
• Why your search history might be trying to tell you something
• The internal tug-of-war between “safe and secure” vs. “I need something different”

RESOURCES + LINKS

• Take the quiz to find out what VA service is right for you – aubreemalick.com/quiz
• Watch the free training – aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Book a 1:1 coaching call with me
• Follow me on TikTok & Instagram

If you’ve been holding off on getting started because you haven’t nailed down your niche… this episode is for you. I get it—there’s so much talk about “niching down” and “ideal clients” that it can feel like you need a 10-page business plan before you even send your first pitch. But I’m here to tell you: you don’t. In this quick episode, I’ll walk you through how to start taking action even if you’re still figuring things out.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Why you don’t need a niche to land your first client
• What to focus on instead of “finding your niche”
• How your niche will naturally become clear as you gain experience
• Permission to start messy and learn as you go

RESOURCES + LINKS

• Take the quiz to find out what VA service is right for you – aubreemalick.com/quiz
• Watch the free training – aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Book a 1:1 coaching call with me
• Follow me on TikTok & Instagram

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on why I chose virtual assistance as my path into online business. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t because I dreamed of working in admin tasks forever. But VA work was the stepping stone I needed to get my foot in the door, make real money quickly, and build a business that fit around my life (not the other way around). If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the online options out there, start here!

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Why I didn’t want to be an influencer or product seller
• How VA work helped me replace my teaching income quickly
• The skills I already had that made this path a no-brainer
• The freedom and flexibility that made VA work the perfect fit

RESOURCES + LINKS

• Take the quiz to find out what VA service is right for you – aubreemalick.com/quiz
• Watch the free training – aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Book a 1:1 coaching call with me
• Follow me on TikTok & Instagram

In this episode, I’m taking you back to the very beginning to when I had zero clients, zero business cards (because I thought I needed those), and barely a clue what I was doing. I’m walking you through how I landed my first client, what I charged, the work I did, and the moment I realized, “Wait… I can really make money doing this?” Whether you’re just starting out or curious how this whole VA thing works in real life, this is the behind the scenes breakdown of my first $1K and how it set everything in motion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Where I found my very first client (spoiler: it wasn’t fancy).
• What services I offered (and how I figured that out without overthinking).
• How I set my rates in the beginning (and how I’d price it differently now).
• What I wish I knew before starting and how it built my confidence fast

RESOURCES + LINKS

• Take the quiz to find out what VA service is right for you – aubreemalick.com/quiz
• Watch the free training – aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Book a 1:1 coaching call with me
• Follow me on TikTok & Instagram

This episode has been a long time coming. After stepping away from the mic for a bit, I’m back and this time with more clarity, honesty, and real-life stories to share. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of what’s next, you’re not alone. I’m pulling back the curtain on why I took a break from podcasting, what’s changed behind the scenes in my life and business, and why now feels like the exact right time to start recording again. This is a reset, a fresh start, and an invitation to come along for the ride.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Why I needed to step back from the podcast (and what was really going on behind the scenes).
• The pressure I felt to “keep it all going” and how I finally let go of that.
• What made me hit record again and how I’m doing things differently now.
• A sneak peek at the new vibe of the podcast and the kinds of episodes you can expect moving forward.

RESOURCES + LINKS

• Take the quiz to find out what VA service is right for you – aubreemalick.com/quiz
• Watch the free training – aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Book a 1:1 coaching call with me
• Follow me on TikTok & Instagram

In this episode, we discuss how your teaching experience is packed with valuable, transferable skills that can open doors to new career opportunities. Whether you're looking to move into freelancing, virtual assistance, or corporate roles, we'll show you how skills like classroom management and lesson planning are exactly what many industries are looking for. Learn how to highlight these strengths in your résumé and interviews to make a successful career pivot.

Key Takeaways:

• Teachers possess many transferable skills valuable in other industries.
• Skills like classroom management and lesson planning are equivalent to leadership and project management.
• Teaching experience aligns well with jobs like virtual assistance, project management, and customer support.
• Tailor your résumé language to match the industry you're transitioning into.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ready to learn how to launch a successful virtual assistant business? Check out my completely free training: aubreemalick.com/freetraining

Where to Connect:

• Website: aubreemalick.com
• Instagram: @aubreemalick

In this episode, I’m taking you back to one of the most pivotal moments in my life—the moment I handed in my resignation letter and officially left teaching. I walk you through the process that led me to this decision, from my various teaching experiences to the breaking point that changed everything—my son’s eye surgery. I also dive into how starting my online business played a huge role in this transition and the emotional rollercoaster that came with leaving teaching halfway through the school year.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that no longer aligns with your values, if you’re considering making a big change, or if you’re a teacher wondering what life looks like outside the classroom, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Challenges and demands of the job that weighed on my mental health.
• How my son’s eye surgery made me realize I needed more flexibility.
• The role my virtual assistant business played in my decision.
• How my discussion with my principal went and the reactions I received.
• The reactions I got from colleagues and how I navigated them.
• Tips for trusting yourself and preparing for a big change.

Resources Mentioned:

Check out my free resources for teachers looking to start their own virtual assistant or freelance business: aubreemalick.com/freetraining

Thank you for listening!

Subscribe to The Teacher Pivot for more episodes where I share personal stories and tips for transitioning out of the classroom and into the online business world.

In this episode, I share my entire experience of undergoing breast reduction surgery back in January. From start to finish, I take you through the decision-making process, how I navigated the insurance system, the steps I took to prepare for the surgery, what aftercare looked like, and the emotional and physical changes I’ve experienced since. I also discuss the pros and cons of the procedure and why, for me, it’s been such a life-changing experience.

Whether you're considering breast reduction surgery or are just curious about what it involves, I’m giving you all the details and answering some of the most common questions about the procedure. This episode is for anyone who’s been in a similar position, or who just wants to hear about the incredible impact this surgery has had on my life.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why I decided to get breast reduction surgery.
• How I approached insurance and what the approval process was like.
• My personal pre-op preparations.
• What the surgery day was like.
• The aftercare process: healing, recovery, and what I wish I’d known.
• My biggest pros and cons of the surgery.
• How this surgery has impacted my day-to-day life and how I feel now, months later.
• The emotional journey: what it’s meant to me, both mentally and physically.