A sunny disposition, an insatiable zest for life, adventurous, and a special knack for winning friends—these were but a few qualities that described me and suited my chosen life profession to a T, that of being a salesman.
For a greater part of my working years, I had always been involved in sales with some big pharmaceutical firms, local and international. My jobs gave me the chance to meet so many people, both in personal and professional levels. I had been to places here and abroad I never knew I would ever see. Travelling had been one of my dreams and there came a time when I was practically living in a suitcase, busy hopping from one place to another for work or for pleasure.
However, this exhilarating and frenzied life style suddenly changed one fateful night two and a half years ago. I just had my evening snack and I was enjoying a late, late TV show while reclining comfortably on my couch. Suddenly, my right arm fell like a heavy lead from the couch armrest to my side. I did not think much about it but when I tried to get up and reach for the TV remote on the table, my right leg buckled and gave way — I had a stroke without warning or pain! SUDDENLY, everything was snatched away from me.
I felt dejected. I felt my old my old self die in a snap. It was a frightening realization that from then on, I was helplessly on the mercy of others. I could never (or if God wills, would take some time again) do the things I used to do by myself.
For a time, I was inconsolable and deeply depressed. I felt useless to me and to others, especially to my family. Fortunately, my optimistic and naturally sunny disposition took hold of me. I began to slowly pick up whatever was left of my broken life and decided to inch my way back to a semblance of my normal life before the stroke. But where and how do I start?
I took stock of what was left with me: a still intact and sharp comprehension (luckily, my brain was hardly affected), the use of my left hand, a 5-year old laptop, and an indomitable spirit to move on and do something for myself.
Since my mobility was adversely affected, any job that required my leaving the house was out of the question. I had to turn to my computer to search for any job on the internet that met my very limited resources—a sound mind and a left hand to pound on the keyboard. However, I found out that 90% of job opportunities in the internet were either just waste of time or downright scams.
I was starting to lose hope of ever being useful again until a kind relative came to my rescue, my niece. She asked if I would l like to write articles for her online outsourcing company. She arranged a meeting for me and Mr. Outsource himself, Erlend Bakke via the Skype. The chance I was given to work again on a job which I am passionate about- writing, changed my life. It slowly helped me regain my self confidence and sense of my usefulness. I have been very grateful that my virtual job has given me back my real life!
Notes: Bob is currently working for Mr. Outsource, doing excellent job in content writing and blog management. Mr. Outsource approves.