How one Australian mum ditched her desk job to make $70/hour cleaning

In a world where the corporate grind can often feel like a relentless and soul-sucking force, one Queensland mum has broken free from the shackles of her desk job and swept her way to success with a cleaning business that’s not only lucrative but also allows her the work-life balance many of us dream of.

Meet Bree O’Connor, a 30-year-old mother of two, who took the bold step of leaving her nine-year corporate career in customer service to start her own venture, Flourish Cleaning Co. Her decision came at a time when the demands of her job were clashing with the joys of motherhood. After the birth of her son Hudson, the thought of returning to a job that left her ‘drained’ was unbearable. She craved a change that would allow her to be present for her children and regain her zest for life.

With the seeds of entrepreneurship planted during her maternity leave, Bree began her journey into the world of professional cleaning, focusing on weekly and fortnightly residential properties. Utilising local community pages to find her initial clientele, she quickly turned her business idea into a fully booked schedule by January 22, just over a month after securing her first regular client on December 9.

The financial rewards of her new career path are nothing short of impressive. Bree now earns between $65 to $70 an hour, a rate that has seen her annual turnover reach about $58,000, surpassing her previous income of $45,000. What’s more, she’s achieved this by working just three days a week, six hours a day, which perfectly aligns with her responsibilities as a mum.

The secret to her success? A combination of strategic pricing, effective branding, and a commitment to providing a service that goes beyond the standard clean. Bree’s clients come home to a ‘hotel clean’ experience, complete with streak-free finishes and those extra touches of luxury, like the iconic toilet paper fold, that makes all the difference.

Starting a cleaning business, as Bree discovered, doesn’t require a hefty upfront investment. With as little as $850, one can cover the essentials like a vacuum, basic chemicals, and equipment. Bree, however, chose to invest a bit more in her branding and website, understanding the importance of a professional image in attracting the right clients and growing her business.

The response to Bree’s career switch has been overwhelmingly positive, with many Australians taking to social media to praise her initiative and share their excitement for her future prospects. Her story is an inspiration to others, proving that with the right mindset and a willingness to take a leap of faith, it’s possible to find success in an industry that’s often overlooked.

Bree’s advice to those considering a similar path is clear: set your prices right from the start, maintain a professional online presence, and don’t be afraid to enter the cleaning industry. There’s plenty of room for growth, and the demand for quality cleaning services is ever-present.

As for Bree, she plans to expand Flourish Cleaning Co to six staff by the end of the year and eventually transition from cleaning to managing the business full-time. Her story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best way to clean up in life is to start with the literal act of cleaning itself. It’s a reminder that success can come from the most unexpected places and that sometimes, the key to unlocking it is to simply take control of your own destiny, one sparkling clean home at a time.

What do you think of Bree’s decision to leave her desk job and start her own business? Have you ever considered taking a similar leap into entrepreneurship? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

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