Gina Horkey is a freelancer and millennial mama to two toddlers. Her husband and Gina have both escaped the 9-5 in the last few years – him first to become a SAHD after their second child was born. Gina left work behind at the end of 2014 after building up her freelance writing and virtual assisting side hustle. At the same time she continued with her full-time job as a financial advisor and support person to a large financial planning firm.
Gina had been in the financial sector for almost a decade before planning her escape. “I’m a number’s gal and a people person, but investing in the stock market didn’t really rev my engine. Instead of trying to “stick it out” for the next ~30 years, I gave myself permission to look at alternative options”.
Getting Started
She came across the right resources and started freelance writing for the web in May, 2014. She added virtual assistant and business coaching services towards the end of that same year. Gina was able to build up her business enough that she put in her notice and escaped the 9 to 5 just in time for Christmas of 2014.
My writing and VA business has evolved into a diversified freelance enterprise. I still do both, but I also teach others how to start and build similar businesses through my blog https://fullybookedva.com/ and two courses: *30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success*and *30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success. In 2015 Gina was able to gross over $120,000 with nothing but her Chromebook, an internet connection and sheer drive. “Currently my young family and I are spending a month wintering in South Padre Island, TX. We escaped the frozen tundra of Minnesota and my flexible work schedule allowed us to do this. I like being the boss – I work harder than ever before, but I really enjoy it too!”
Gina is about to launch her third course, The Course Course. In it she teaches others how to build, launch and market their own courses in order to diversify and increase their online income by teaching others valuable skills and lessons. If you’re interested in starting a freelance career, Gina offers a free writing course.
