How I bought a house in Ho Chi Minh City by working as a freelance Windows installer

Back in the 2000s, when most computers struggled sluggishly with Windows XP, virus infections were an everyday nuisance. Anyone who regularly used USB drives during that era knows the anxiety of plugging one into a computer, especially with the dreaded autorun viruses lurking everywhere. The fastest, most effective solution was usually to reinstall Windows.

That’s how I became a "freelance Windows installer" as a university student—a job taught to me by a fourth-year dorm mate. While my friends were waiting tables in cafés or student canteens for modest pay, I was earning comfortably by carrying around nothing more than a basic toolkit: Windows installation disks, some common software, a multi-purpose screwdriver, and a simple cleaning kit.

Even months after graduating without landing a formal job, I wasn’t worried. The "golden age" of installing Windows provided me with a stable income and flexible hours. All I needed was the know-how: reinstalling Windows, ghosting computers, and installing essential software. If I planned carefully, handling 3-4 computers simultaneously could easily double or triple my earnings.

A laptop's system update is being processed. Illustration photo by Unsplash

Many of my customers were teachers, as PowerPoint presentations had become standard in classrooms. They prepared lessons at home, then transferred files via USB drives, which constantly became infected with viruses. At one point, I was maintaining up to five machines at once. Although my standard rate was VND100,000 per computer, I often lowered prices and included complimentary computer cleaning to build goodwill. My customer base expanded beyond virus removal to assisting with issues like freezing or Windows errors.

Yet, the money wasn't the most valuable thing I gained. Each Windows installation job was an opportunity to meet new people—some becoming regular customers or even close acquaintances. These relationships turned into further opportunities, such as installing network systems or advising parents on purchasing laptops for their children.

From street-side Windows installation, I gradually expanded my services, saved money, and opened a small computer shop. Later, when the retail computer business slowed, I pivoted to installing security camera systems.

Thanks to the savings accumulated from countless Windows installations and computer repairs, I was eventually able to buy land in the suburbs and build my own modest house. It's not luxurious, but it’s mine—a home built from the sweat and dedication of a time when no job felt too small.

Saigon, to me, has always been a city of opportunity. If you're honest, hardworking, and unafraid to start with humble tasks, luck will eventually find you. When you’re young, never underestimate "small" jobs. Had I dismissed installing Windows as trivial, I might still be sending out resumes, waiting for responses.

Starting small taught me valuable skills, how to communicate effectively, provide great customer service, and most importantly, how to build meaningful relationships—the true foundation of success, regardless of your career.