In a world where able-bodied workers seem to be the only ones moving toward a thriving career, Mayrra, a wheelchair user, could only work as an online freelancer, inwardly wishing for a stable job.
However, her physical disability due to a rare genetic illness, which struck her in the second year of college, prevented her from earning a degree and subsequent employment. After medical treatment and therapy, she settled for an online freelancer position. With an unstable income and no employment benefits, Mayrra wondered if office spaces were the only gateway to long-term, progressive, and gainful employment.
Mayrra dreamed of professional success day and night. She applied for many jobs, but all of them required commuting. Travel was not only tricky for Mayrra but also dangerous. With no stable income, a brewing financial distress, and a sense of inability to do anything to remedy her circumstance, Mayrra was at a loss.
One Fine Day in June 2019…
As Mayrra was about to give up on her dream of a proper, decent, and stable job that offers opportunities for career growth, a 100% remote company knocked on her door, offering her a content writer position. Mayrra was overjoyed and immediately accepted the offer. Little did she know that she was about to embark on an incredible, eye-opening, and transformative journey.
The remote-first organization Mayrra worked for had a mission to provide sustainable and gainful employment for disadvantaged groups who experienced difficulties finding jobs. She found many persons with disabilities (PWDs) like her, working from home, becoming financially independent and utilitarian.
Mayrra began to connect with her colleagues with various disabilities who leveraged technology and assistive tools to work from wherever they were. She felt blessed to have like-minded individuals who understood remote work’s unique challenges and advantages for PWDs.
The Enriching Remote Journey
After Mayrra started working from home, her routine and dynamics changed significantly. However, she remained undeterred and enthusiastic as she adapted to her remote work schedule.
After setting up a designated work area tailored to her needs and ensuring a conducive environment for productivity, Mayrra established boundaries for her work hours and moments of self-care and rest. Communication tools bridged the distance and lack of face-to-face interaction, and she utilized them efficiently to collaborate seamlessly with her teammates. She connected with her co-workers through asynchronous and synchronous communication applications, fostering camaraderie that transcended physical boundaries. Through it all, she learned to step out of her comfort zones, viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
Her disability had taught her resilience, and this quality shone brightly as she navigated the remote work landscape. Although she encountered multiple obstacles and hardships and faced impostor syndrome, Mayrra learned to conquer her fears. Managing time effectively became a crucial aspect of her journey, and she applied the power of remote productivity and efficiency hacks.
The organization’s Founder and CEO implemented a Total Flexibility Policy: From Livelihood to Living, allowing employees to take as many leaves as needed, especially those with symptomatic medical conditions and disabilities. Taking regular breaks to rest and recharge became Mayrra’s secret weapon; it boosted her well-being and enhanced her creativity and learning.
Catching up from where she left off, Mayrra resumed studying. Her remote-first company funded many courses designed to upskill and reskill her. As time passed, she gained advanced skills and wisdom at work, spurring her work quality and people skills. Her confidence returned – she no longer met people with downcast eyes – she talked about her job, colleagues, company, and boss who visited her before employing her.
The Groundbreaking Pandemic-proof Business Model
When the pandemic struck, and global lockdowns were enforced, work-from-home came to the rescue. Companies around the world ordered their employees to continue working from home for uninterrupted business operations. Many more companies incurred huge losses as the pandemic raged, threatening humanity.
As for Mayrra and her organization, it was business as usual despite the global lockdown. In fact, the company grew leaps and bounds during the pandemic because people cooped up in their homes went online to learn and study targeted and niche subjects and work. The transient reality worked well for her remote organization’s business development, and its capacity grew manifold, enabling it to train and hire more PWD workers in collaboration with Malaysian governmental bodies.
Naysayers and detractors of remote work moved heaven and earth to make remote work possible to cope with the devastating pandemic. It became a turning point for Mayrra’s organization, with many companies turning to the 100% remote firm’s management to learn about the pandemic-proof remote business model founded 12 years before the pandemic hit.
Gaining Ground, Inspiring Others
As Mayrra’s journey continued, she flourished in her remote career. Her productivity soared, and her commitment to her work flourished.
Through her experience, she encouraged others to believe in themselves and find the courage to begin their remote work journey. Her advice was simple yet profound – embrace the shift in routine, adapt to change with determination, and apply productivity and efficiency hacks to excel in this new landscape.
Mayrra felt proud of working with such an innovative organization with the heart to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged and became a vocal advocate for remote work, personifying her company’s vision and mission.
Home Sweet Office, Ever After
Mayrra experienced how the power of remote work transformed lives and broke barriers. She found her path to professional success through unbridled determination and resilience.
Thankful for the opportunity, Mayrra vowed that she would continue to work remotely and, together with her co-workers and stakeholders, take the company that operates on the cloud to greater heights.
Get Started on Your Remote Work Journey NOW!
Discover a supportive remote community that values diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and environmental preservation. Whether you’re a PWD looking for employment or someone yearning for a work-life balance, JEDI Jobs opens the door to boundless opportunities. Step into the remote world where you can have a thriving career – without leaving your home.
Register with JEDI Jobs today and embark on a journey that promises flexibility, empowerment, and endless possibilities. Our remote work portal caters to individuals from lesser-developed economies and disadvantaged groups like PWDs, senior citizens, women from oppressed environments, and more.
As remote work continues to shape the future of careers, let us remember that with the right support and opportunities, every individual, regardless of ability, can prosper in this new landscape.
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