Summary

In this episode of Level Up with Jevi, we sit down with Kuys Mark Bahala, a former call center agent and Grab driver who successfully transitioned into the freelancing world as a Technical Virtual Assistant (Tech VA). Mark shares his inspiring journey—how he navigated career shifts, overcame financial struggles, and ultimately built a sustainable freelancing career through persistence and smart decision-making.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job or struggled to make ends meet, this episode will give you the motivation to take charge of your future.

Highlights

🚗 From Call Center to Grab Driver

Mark spent 8 years in the BPO industry before transitioning to Grab driving to increase his income. He shares the challenges of juggling two jobs and why he ultimately left his corporate career.

⚡ The Pandemic Shift: Taking the Leap to Freelancing

When the pandemic hit, Mark faced a tough choice: return to the office or take a risk in freelancing. Learn how he decided to invest in himself and join Kuys RJ’s Technical VA course.

💻 Building a Career in Tech VA

Mark walks us through his struggles of finding clients, dealing with financial instability, and the lessons he learned in the process. From almost being scammed by a client to finally landing high-paying freelance projects, his story is packed with insights for aspiring freelancers.

🛠 Overcoming Challenges & Learning New Skills

Discover the automation tools Mark specializes in—Zapier, Make.com, GoHighLevel, and Power Automate—and how he continuously improves his skills to stay ahead in freelancing.

💰 From Struggles to Earning 6 Figures

Mark’s freelancing career skyrocketed in just a few months, going from zero clients to earning over PHP 100,000 monthly. He shares his tips on closing deals, refining his proposals, and attracting premium clients.

🌱 The Importance of Community and Giving Back

Mark credits his success to the supportive freelancing community and now finds joy in helping new freelancers. He emphasizes the value of mentorship and why showing up consistently is key to growth.

🛤 Defining Success & Future Goals

For Mark, success means achieving financial stability, having a flexible work schedule, and eventually being debt-free. He dreams of working with just one high-paying client while having the freedom to travel.

Key Takeaways

✔️ If you’re stuck in a job you don’t like, start exploring other options—invest in learning new skills.

✔️ Freelancing isn’t easy, but with persistence and the right mindset, you can succeed.

✔️ Showing up daily, even when you’re struggling, is the key to long-term success.

✔️ Surround yourself with a supportive community that pushes you to grow.

✔️ Giving back and helping others can be a fulfilling part of your journey.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction: Meet Kuys Mark Bahala

1:17 - Mark’s life before freelancing: Call center and Grab driving

3:00 - The decision to leave corporate work during the pandemic

6:30 - Enrolling in the Tech VA course & transitioning to freelancing

10:46 - First client struggles and financial challenges

15:13 - Hitting six-figure earnings in freelancing

18:02 - The power of continuous learning & refining skills

21:34 - What success means to Mark

24:11 - Advice for aspiring freelancers

27:53 - The value of community and giving back

29:14 - Closing thoughts & final advice

Connect with Mark Bahala

📌 Interested in becoming a Tech VA? Check out the course by Kuys RJ!

Connect with Jevi 💪😁

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