Like many of you, I experience chronic illness that impacts my life in a variety of different ways.
My symptoms vary from day to day and season to season. I have good days, okay days, and “I don’t know how I will ever get out of bed” days.
For those who suffer from chronic illnesses, employment can be a challenge and career advancement can seem as difficult as a human landing on Mars. There are the obvious challenges of attendance and punctuality.
But, there are also the less obvious challenges like constant pain, low energy, brain fog, mood swings and other “invisible” symptoms that inhibit performance and, when discussed, are easily perceived as excuses.
Unfortunately, many employers don’t understand or are unwilling to accommodate people with chronic illnesses.
I’m with you! I’ve been where you are!
I know what it feels like to muster up every last ounce of energy to get out of bed and go to work because you’ve already called in sick twice this month. I know what it’s like to explain to someone that you are sick when they can’t see any obvious symptoms.
I totally get it! And, I’ll tell you my secret for how to care for your body AND advance your career.
Stop working for someone else! Start working for yourself!
When I became a Virtual Assistant 3 years ago my primary motivation was to spend more time with my family.
However, I quickly realized the HEALTH BENEFITS of working from home.
I could engage my day at my own pace, working within the hours that suited my body best. I could work on a deadline instead of a clock. I could stay in my yoga pants on days when I needed the extra 20 minutes of rest.
I no longer needed to explain to a boss why I was late or apologize for calling in again. I could take on work that served me and my needs rather than building a life around the expectations of others.
Working from home has allowed me to BUILD MY CAREER and care for my body in ways I never thought possible. If I need to take a break, I do. If I need 15 minutes of restorative yoga, I roll out my mat.
I no longer succumb to the break room goodies that wreaked havoc on my body but eat nutritious meals at home every day.
Working from home actually SAVED MY CAREER. I am able to grow and scale my business from the comfort of my bed on the days I need to. I can plan my day around what is ideal for me.
I can be present for my family in amazing ways because I haven’t depleted my energy by forcing myself to go work out of guilt or shame.
I am actually MORE productive because I can create a schedule that works entirely for my needs and the needs of my family.
While chronic illness can be a pain (literally and metaphorically) without this external push for a different way of life, I may never have searched out alternate career paths.
I may never have encountered Abbey Ashley – The Virtual Savvy – and her amazing system. Working from home has not only helped me become a better version of myself physically and emotionally, but it has helped me build a life that I could only dream of before!
If you are suffering from chronic illness and what to learn more about how working from home can help you AND your career, talk to me! Sign up for the step-by-step checklist to start your virtual assistant business from scratch.
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