43: Why I Quit My $120,000 Job to Blog

43: Why I Quit My $120,000 Job to Blog

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach January 6, 2020 Duration: 18:29

In this episode, I take listeners back to the beginning and share my journey from being an unhappy 9-5 employee to becoming a part-time blogger and then finally now a full-time freelance writer. 

I felt like it was important to share this journey as often when you see people online making money, it appears easy and that success happens overnight. Most people, though, don't make money right out of the gate! For me, it was discovering first that I wanted to help people learn about finances. That developed into writing a blog part-time, but that came with its own set of challenges due to lack of commitment and time. I discovered though that where there is a will there is a way.

After I left my 9 to 5 job to pursue what I thought would be blogging full time, I discovered that actually freelance writing about topics I was interested in and then getting paid for them was actually more of my niche. I have learned so many lessons since then about writing, about growing a business and becoming an entrepreneur. 

All along the way though, I have never lost my firstmost desire to help others learn, apply and then experience success in life. I truly believe everyone has something unique to offer, and if you are stuck in a 9 to 5 job that despite the great pay or benefits, leaves you unfulfilled, then it might be time to explore a new career path in freelance writing. 

I am really excited to share more of my journey with listeners during Monday's with Michael and then dive even more into the details of freelancing on Writing Wednesdays.


Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inspire Your Success
Podcast Episodes
58. Why You Need a Writing Website in 2020 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:57
In this Writing Wednesday episode, we are talking about why as a writer you need a website. This is the first thing I tell my writing coaching clients that they need to do, because it is very important to have a home bas…
57: How to Work a 9-5 and Write on the Side [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
In this episode, I talk about a strategy to work your 9 – 5 job while building your freelance writing business. Whether you want to freelance so you can earn extra money or scale your writing business to leave your 9 – 5…
56: How to Build Confidence as a Writer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:55
In this Writing Wednesday episode, I share five simple actionable tips that will give you more confidence as a writer. I used these same tips to scale my freelance writing into a thriving business. 5 Confidence Building…
55: Broke Blogger to Wealthy Writer - 5 Easy Steps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:11
In this Monday with Michael episode, I share my story of going from broke blogger to wealthy writer. In this day and age, there is actually no excuse to just be an aspiring writer or aspiring blogger. You can be a succes…
54: Do THIS to Start Landing Freelance Writing Clients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:37
In this writing Wednesday episode, I go over four simple steps so you can make more money writing so you can land your dream clients and you can build that momentum to not only get started but scaled your freelance writi…
53: How Starting a Blog Changed My Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:53
In this Monday with Michael episode, I share how starting a blog four years ago had a domino effect and led me to be a successful freelance writer. I Failed at Blogging, But Found Success as a Freelance Writer When I sta…
52: Should You Write on Medium.com? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:19
In this episode, I go over what Medium.com is, how it works and how you can get started writing on this platform. Medium is a no-fuss content platform where writers can publish their content. There is both a free version…
51: New To Freelancing? 10 Tips to Help You Succeed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:45
In this episode, I go over 10 tips to help you succeed as a new freelance writer! I wish someone had told me these tips when I first started my career as an entrepreneur. Going from a structured 9 to 5 to making your own…
50: How I 10X'd My Writing Income in 12 Months [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
In this episode, I go over 10 strategies to 10x your income in one year. I used these tactics to scale my freelance writing business while only working part time and I was able to double my income year over year. If you…
49: Blogging vs. Freelance Writing in 2020 (How to Choose) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:04
During this episode of Monday's with Michael, I dive into the main differences between blogging and freelance writing. I am frequently asked this question and I wish someone had explained to me at the start of my entrepr…