Kerry knows what burnout feels like. After spending over a decade in special education, the demands of the job, the endless paperwork, and the emotional toll of trying to be everything for everyone finally caught up with her.
She didn’t leave teaching because she didn’t care — she left because she cared too much, and it was taking a toll on her health, her family, and her peace of mind.
In this episode, Kerry shares how she went from a full-time special education teacher to stay-at-home mom to successful freelancer — replacing her income as a virtual assistant and online business manager and building a life she actually loves
Kerry’s Story:
Why Kerry Stepped Away from the Classroom
Kerry made the decision to leave teaching without a backup plan. She knew she couldn’t continue down the same path. After a year at home, she started to feel the pull to do something for herself again — something that allowed her to contribute financially but also preserve the balance and boundaries she had worked so hard to create.
She came across freelancing in the same way a lot of us do — online, through other women’s stories. What started as a curiosity quickly became a serious pursuit. She enrolled in the Live Free Academy and decided to go all in.
What Freelancing Made Possible for Kerry
In less than a year, Kerry fully replaced her income from teaching. She’s now working in her zone of genius — helping business owners get organized, manage operations, and move their businesses forward — and she’s doing it all while working fewer hours and protecting her time.
But even more than the income, freelancing gave Kerry her life back. She can be present with her kids. She no longer wakes up anxious about the day ahead — instead, she’s building a business that aligns with her priorities.
Kerry’s Encouragement to Anyone Starting Out
During our conversation, Kerry shared some wisdom for anyone on the fence about freelancing:
- You don’t have to have it all figured out. Kerry didn’t have a perfect plan, but she took the next right step and trusted the process.
- Get clear on what matters most. For Kerry, that meant time, health, and presence — and freelancing made all of that possible.
- Treat it like a business. Once she committed and started showing up consistently, things shifted quickly. Confidence followed action.
Learn how to earn $3K a month+ as a freelancer working less than 25 hours a week even if you think you have no experience.
This FREE crash course will teach you all about the freelance industry, so you can finally end the family vs. finances battle.
Kerry is Proof of What is Possible
Kerry’s story is proof that it’s possible to rewrite your career — and your life — without sacrificing what matters most. By stepping away from burnout and into a business built on her terms, she’s found freedom, fulfillment, and the flexibility to be present in every part of her life. Whether you’re feeling the pull for something different or simply curious about what’s possible, let Kerry’s journey be a reminder: you have permission to choose a path that protects your peace, fuels your passions, and supports the life you want to live
You don’t have to choose between work and family. You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to make an income. Freelancing might just be the path that gives you both.
The Live Free Academy
If you have read Kerry’s story and feel inspired to learn more about freelancing and how it can help you make a flexible, stable income from home. Please reach out, and ask me any questions about getting started or what it could look like for you to become a freelancer!
Send me a message on Instagram @micala.quinn, I’m happy to chat through that with you!
As always, if you want to become a freelancer and are ready to get started, the most hands-on way I can help you is through my program, The Live Free Academy!
LFA will walk you through the exact steps to build your business and land clients. There are templates and tools to help you implement every step of the process. Plus, it comes with my trifecta of support–weekly coaching calls with me, monthly challenges to help you land clients, and the student community to connect with and build relationships with other women building their businesses!
There are job leads and skills training in the top freelance services businesses are hiring for as well. Sign up for The Live Free Academy course here!
