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.

After a much-needed hiatus, the podcast is officially BACK, and I’m excited to reintroduce you to my new, revamped show: The Teacher Pivot Podcast! If you’re a former teacher or current educator looking to pivot into a new career, especially in freelancing or working from home, this podcast is for you.

In today’s episode, I’ll explain why we’re back and what’s changing about the podcast moving forward. I’ll share the new focus of the show, who this podcast is really for, and how my journey from teaching to entrepreneurship shaped this next chapter. The goal is to help you make that leap from the classroom and into a career you love.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Reintroduction to the Podcast: The podcast is back with a new name and focus: The Teacher Pivot Podcast. I’ll explain why the change was necessary and how it aligns with where I’m currently at in life and business.
• My Personal Journey: I reflect on my journey from teaching to becoming a full-time freelancer and entrepreneur, and how that experience inspired me to create a resource for other teachers looking to pivot.
• Why I Took a Break: I took a break to reflect and pivot myself. During that time, I gained clarity on what I want to share with you—more personal stories, honest conversations, and practical advice for making the shift from teaching to a new, fulfilling career.
• What You Can Expect Going Forward: Expect more personal stories, relatable moments, and a closer look into what it’s really like to transition from the classroom to freelancing or other career options outside of education.
• For Teachers and Moms: This podcast is perfect for educators or moms who are seeking freedom, flexibility, and a career that aligns with their values and passions outside the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• The podcast has been rebranded to focus on the teacher pivot journey and is now called The Teacher Pivot Podcast.
• You can expect episodes that blend practical advice with personal storytelling. It’s all about helping you take that next step toward working for yourself and embracing a new identity outside of teaching.
• I’ll be sharing my own experiences and lessons learned while transitioning from teacher to freelancer, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.
• This podcast is for you if you're a teacher who’s ready to make a change or if you're a mom looking for more freedom and balance in your life.

Resources Mentioned:

• VA Skills Lab: Learn tangible skills to confidently offer virtual assistance services.
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Follow the Teacher Pivot Podcast:

Don’t miss any episodes—make sure you’re subscribed! If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to let me know how the podcast has helped you. Share this episode with someone who might need the extra push to start their own pivot journey!

Welcome back! It's been a hot minute since I last sat down to chat with you on the podcast. Today, I want to peel back the curtain and share a bit about why I hit the pause button on recording new episodes, and fill you in on what's been happening in my world!

Join me for today’s episode as we talk about:

• My decision to take a break from podcasting to navigate personal challenges and find clarity.
• Balancing personal struggles, raising young kids, and running a business, leading to the need for a hiatus.
• The importance of taking breaks to gain perspective and avoid burnout.

Other Resources:

• Want to learn how to become a virtual assistant? Sign up for my FREE 30 minute VA training. Get your behind-the-scenes peek at how I started my virtual assistant business and replaced my full-time salary with no prior experience, seven months pregnant with a 1.5 year old running around! Get instant access now >> https://aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Join the Freelancer to CEO Podcast Community on Facebook
• If you found value in today's episode, I would love it if you left us a review HERE!
• Connect with me on Instagram: @aubreemalick

Did you know there are two sides to making money as a freelancer? Ready for a deep dive into all things freelancing and finding your financial success? Let's explore both the practical 'how' and the often overlooked 'why' of making money as a freelancer. This episode peels back the layers, exploring the often overlooked expenses tied to the 9-to-5 grind and the balance between income and lifestyle. From setting creative and measurable freelancing goals to figuring out how to know exactly what you should charge based on your current financial situation, we dive into the nitty-gritty of making freelancing work for you. It's not just about the dollars - it's about crafting a life aligned with your values!

Join me for today’s episode as we talk about:

• Hidden costs of NOT Freelancing: Childcare, commute blues, and more!
• Balancing act - Income vs. Lifestyle: Making bank while living your best life.
• Goal setting in Freelancing: Creative, measurable goals as your roadmap.
• Your Freelance Income Equation: Hourly or package, find your sweet spot.
• Investing in yourself: Level up your game and rates.
• Working towards your Freelancing goals: Real talk on timelines and goals.

Other Resources:

• Want to learn how to become a virtual assistant? Sign up for my FREE 30 minute VA training. Get your behind-the-scenes peek at how I started my virtual assistant business and replaced my full-time salary with no prior experience, seven months pregnant with a 1.5 year old running around! Get instant access now >> https://aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Join the Freelancer to CEO Podcast Community on Facebook
• If you found value in today's episode, I would love it if you left us a review HERE!
• Connect with me on Instagram: @aubreemalick

Ever found yourself at the year-end finish line wondering where all your grand plans went? In this podcast episode, I’m spilling the secrets of reflection and goal-setting as we wave goodbye to 2023 and embrace the possibilities of 2024! If you want to learn how to turn past struggles into stepping stones and crafting goals that truly stick, you’ll want to tune in!

Join me in exploring the often-overlooked step of reflecting on the past year's triumphs and tribulations, and learn to set goals that are not just lofty but also achievable. From celebrating small victories to envisioning the growth of your freelancing journey, this episode is your guide to a purposeful 2024!

Join me for today’s episode as we talk about:

• Learn why reflecting on your wins and struggles is the secret sauce to setting achievable goals.
• Ever set goals that felt a bit too ambitious? I spill the tea on setting goals that are not just grand but SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Why celebrating the wins, whether big or small, is the first step for goal setting
• Facing Challenges Head-On: Life isn't all sunshine, and neither is freelancing. Learn how to turn setbacks or obstacle into stepping stones for growth.

Other Resources:

• Want to learn how to become a virtual assistant? Sign up for my FREE 30 minute VA training. Get your behind-the-scenes peek at how I started my virtual assistant business and replaced my full-time salary with no prior experience, seven months pregnant with a 1.5 year old running around! Get instant access now >> https://aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• If you found value in today's episode, I would love it if you left us a review HERE!
• Connect with me on Instagram: @aubreemalick

Ever wondered if you could freelance, but fears and doubts about your skills are holding you back? In this podcast episode, we dive deep into these common concerns and I will show you the potential you already have! From learning on the go, growing your skills, and leveraging your resourcefulness to become a sought-after freelancer.

Join me for today’s episode as we talk about:

• Overcoming the fear of not having "enough" skills – spoiler: you've got more than you think!
• Creating a freelance service from your passions and interests.
• How to embrace new skills and grow as you dive into freelancing.
• The true power lies in your resourcefulness and problem-solving attitude – clients love it!

Other Resources:

• Want to learn how to become a virtual assistant? Sign up for my FREE 30 minute VA training. Get your behind-the-scenes peek at how I started my virtual assistant business and replaced my full-time salary with no prior experience, seven months pregnant with a 1.5 year old running around! Get instant access now >> https://aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• If you found value in today's episode, I would love it if you left us a review HERE!
• Connect with me on Instagram: @aubreemalick

Dreaming of ditching the 9-5 grind for - work from anywhere life? In our latest podcast episode, we spill the beans on how Lesley Pyle, the superhero behind HireMyMom, is turning the game around for work-from-home moms!

Join me for today’s episode as we talk about:

• The mom who made it happen: Meet the powerhouse making remote work dreams come true.
• Inside Scoop on HireMyMom.com : Your go-to platform for snagging remote jobs that fit your mom-life lifestyle.
• Killer cover letters & resumes: Lesley spills the tea on making your application irresistible.
• Remote work rookie: Get insider tips on shining, even if you're just starting out.
• Beyond the application: Tips on acing remote job interviews and game-changing follow-up moves.

Connect with Lesley Pyle

• Connect with her on Instagram!
• Freebie Mentioned: 7 Tips for Standing Out When Applying for Remote Work
• Sign up for HiremyMom - HiremyMom.com
• Grab Road to 1k with BONUS training on HireMyMom: shop.aubreemalick.com/road-to-1k

Other Resources:

• Want to learn how to become a virtual assistant? Sign up for my FREE 30 minute VA training. Get your behind-the-scenes peek at how I started my virtual assistant business and replaced my full-time salary with no prior experience, seven months pregnant with a 1.5 year old running around! Get instant access now >> https://aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Join the Freelancer to CEO Podcast Community on Facebook
• If you found value in today's episode, I would love it if you left us a review HERE!
• Connect with me on Instagram: @aubreemalick

THE BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR! In this podcast episode, I spill the beans on an exclusive Black Friday offer—the VA Starter Pack Bundle! If you've been dragging your feet on starting and you’re finally ready to start your virtual assistant business, this is it! Take advantage of this exclusive offer from now-November 25th!

Curious about what's inside? Here's a sneak peek:

• 30 Day VA Bootcamp: Your step-by-step roadmap to launch your VA business in 30 days.
• Contract Templates: Protect yourself and your business with customizable contract templates.
• Discovery Call Guide: Confidently handle client calls with a complete guide, including a mock discovery call video.
• Email Templates: Never struggle with client emails again with my best-selling templates.
• Portfolio Power Hour: Tips, tricks, and templates to create a standout freelancer portfolio.
• Trello Task Management Board: Stay organized and productive with a Trello board to manage your tasks and clients.

Grab the VA Starter Bundle here: aubreemalick.com/blackfriday

Other Resources:

• Want to learn how to become a virtual assistant? Sign up for my FREE 30 minute VA training. Get your behind-the-scenes peek at how I started my virtual assistant business and replaced my full-time salary with no prior experience, seven months pregnant with a 1.5 year old running around! Get instant access now >> https://aubreemalick.com/freetraining
• Join the Freelancer to CEO Podcast Community on Facebook
• If you found value in today's episode, I would love it if you left us a review HERE!
• Connect with me on Instagram: @aubreemalick