I Left My Full-Time Analyst Job To Become a Freelancer: 2 Ways I Use AI To Make Money
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra was working full-time as an analyst at a prestigious firm when she decided to take the leap to become a freelancer.
“I decided to leave my full-time gig at PwC and dive into freelancing on Upwork because I wanted to take full control over my work and really push the boundaries of what I could do with my skills,” she told GOBankingRates. “After seven years at PwC working on financial audits and AI projects, I felt boxed in by the corporate structure, knowing what I was capable of.”
DeStefano-Tangorra was able to utilize AI to boost her earnings as a freelancer, and is now an AI expert — she is among the top 1% of AI consultants on the Upwork platform.
“Starting [my company Omni Business Intelligence Solutions] on Upwork gave me the freedom to innovate and create impactful solutions for both big enterprises and smaller businesses,” she said. “This change has been amazing for scaling my business and building long-lasting relationships with clients. Plus, being my own boss really suits my personal style and how I manage my time. I wouldn’t go back to traditional employment now — this life is beyond challenging, but it is far too rewarding now.”
Here’s a closer look at how DeStefano-Tangorra has used AI to grow her business and boost her earnings.
Automating Sales and Marketing
“AI has been pivotal for my business,” DeStefano-Tangorra said. “I started by setting up smart automations that perfectly fit the sales funnels and market needs I was targeting.”
Scaling Her Services
As DeStefano-Tangorra learned more about AI, she was able to better use AI-powered tools to grow her business.
“My coding and product development skills have leveled up thanks to AI, and now I’ve been integrating advanced AI agentic features that boost my ability to deliver top-notch, scalable solutions to my clients,” she said. “In three years, I’ve earned half a million on Upwork alone, and expertly vetted top 1% status within my first year.”
How You Can Use AI To Make More Money
If you’re currently working as a freelancer, or hope to quit your full-time gig to go the freelance route, there are a number of ways you can use AI to boost your earnings.
“Kick off with a 30-day AI challenge,” DeStefano-Tangorra said. “Try out a new tool every day, just getting the basics down. Then, pick three to five of the best ones and really get to know them inside out. Use those tools to solve actual problems in your industry, making sure your solutions hit right where your clients need them.”
While AI can be a useful tool, it’s most effective when combined with old-fashioned networking, DeStefano-Tangorra said.
“Join groups, go to meetups and talk to people,” she said. “Listening and learning from others, combined with solid AI skills, can really help ramp up your earnings and growth as a freelancer.”
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