Here is what Dena Stilwell shares about remote work.
After those soured freelance experiences, I decided to take a work break and focus on gaining additional marketing skills and certifications while I came up with a new plan. I admit at first I felt uneasy, I had no income for the first time and wasn't pursuing one.
My husband told me to relax, it would work out. So I took a deep breath and let it go. That's when something great happened.
I started sleeping better. I enjoyed more time outdoors. I enjoyed researching and reading about health again. I had time to plan and prepare home-cooked, nutrient dense meals. And I was able to take up hobbies that had been sitting on the backburner for years.
Most importantly - I no longer felt the "need" to unwind after a long day because I was no longer wound up.
But after several months, reality set in and living on one income wasn't fair to my husband, we were still building a healthy retirement fund that we could both enjoy in the future.
I initially looked for remote work in my field but the more I applied and interviewed, the more anxious I felt. Before long, a cloud of dread settled in as I felt the peace that I had found start to slip away.
My husband also noticed the change and he initiated a discussion about what was best for my mental wellbeing and the future we were planning. That led to us downsizing our expenses and me pursuing a less demanding career in an industry I love. Travel!
It must have been a meant-to-be moment because I was referred to an opening where I get to do three things I've always enjoyed - researching, helping people, and writing.
The short story - I recently joined the Customer Relations remote work team with American Airlines. And when I step away from my desk at the end of the day, work is over.
I don't need to unwind. I'm not drained or stressed like before. I have both energy and time to do the things I love.
