Several months ago, we interviewed a woman for a sales manager position at our company. She was a nursing mother and made a strong impression on our interview panel, providing clear and confident answers to every question. However, when asked why she had left her previous job, her demeanor changed. She took a deep breath, fell silent for a few seconds, and then said, “I didn’t leave; I was sacked.” Further questioning revealed that she was terminated after requesting indefinite remote work to care for her newborn, who required special attention.
Given that she had her first child after eight years of marriage, her devotion and attachment to her child were understandable. Just four months after losing her job, she was searching for a new one, recognizing that her husband’s salary alone couldn’t cover their family’s expenses. However, most job opportunities required her to be physically present in the office at least three times a week, with additional fieldwork.
Despite her circumstances, she was a smart, experienced, and ambitious woman who aspired to build a career in sales. But the conventional work environment, with its strict demands, posed a significant challenge for someone balancing work and family life. We felt sympathy for her, but in a competitive labor market, empathy doesn’t always lead to employment. We needed a sales manager who could lead, inspire, and consistently deliver results. Given her current situation, we had doubts about whether she could meet those requirements.
Nevertheless, I saw the determination in her eyes—the spirit of a person unwilling to let her circumstances define her. I instructed our HR team to schedule a second interview, this time focusing on how she planned to balance work with her family commitments. During this interview, she outlined her strategy to do 80% of her work remotely, ensuring she could meet her targets. She even described how she had created a dedicated office space in her home to work without interruptions.
Impressed by her resolve, we offered her a position as a sales executive, allowing for flexibility in her work schedule so she could also care for her child. A few months into the role, she became one of our most productive employees. Despite working mostly from home, she utilized technology to generate more leads than her in-office counterparts. She was proactive in virtual sales meetings via Google Meet and Zoom, maintained excellent customer relationships, and successfully closed deals without needing to be physically present at client sites.
Her success story highlights the importance of workplace flexibility, especially for parents with special needs at home. Even with her child requiring special care, she never let her circumstances hinder her from excelling in her career. At our company, we provide the support she needs to grow, recognizing her incredible talent and dedication.
This story isn’t just about one remarkable woman; it’s about a changing work culture. Many women face career interruptions after marriage and childbirth, often finding it challenging to re-enter the workforce. In 2016, a friend asked his wife to resign from her job because it was too stressful while she was nursing. Since then, she’s struggled to find suitable employment. There are countless women in similar situations, whose careers were cut short due to family obligations.
However, with the advent of remote work and flexible arrangements, it’s possible to build successful careers without being physically tied to an office. Jobs in ICT, sales, marketing, flight booking, and FX trading are prime examples of roles that offer this flexibility.
At our company, we have salespeople who never set foot in the office, yet excel in their roles. We train them to work independently, providing them the freedom to operate from anywhere with internet access. This flexible approach to sales and marketing attracts talent looking for a work-life balance.
We’re always open to engaging with applicants interested in freelance sales positions or those who prefer a hybrid working style. We understand that productivity doesn’t always require an office presence, and we’re committed to supporting professionals seeking a balanced approach to work and family life.
