Woman Finds Remote Job, Eliminates Her Extreme Commute

By Rachel Pelta

Of the many disadvantages of commuting—the time, the cost, the environmental impact—one of the lesser-mentioned disadvantages is the impact commuting has on our mental health. From the stress of being far away from home and our loved ones to the anxiety that stems from running late due to circumstances we can’t control, commuting can impact how we feel— sometimes more than we realize.

Courtney T. realized the impact her extreme commute was having on her. Between the stress, anxiety, and even fear commuting caused her, Courtney knew that a flexible and remote job was the only way to improve her situation.

Searching For a Change

“I had lost my job due to COVID-19,” Courtney explains. “But, honestly, I had already wanted a change. I was losing two to three precious hours a day in commuting that took me away from my toddler and husband.”

Beyond losing time, though, Courtney’s mental health was suffering too. “I developed anxiety about driving due to numerous daily accidents in Atlanta, as well as being an hour away from my toddler at daycare.”

Investing in Herself

Courtney joined FlexJobs hoping to find a remote opportunity that would eliminate her commute and immediately changed how she searched for and applied to jobs, thanks to the expert advice she received.

“I heavily tailored my resume using Jobscan every single time I applied. It was truly helpful in getting my resume to a level that ensured I’d be seen by the recruiters. Getting past the applicant tracking system is a key component I think most don’t know enough about.”

In addition to customizing her resume, Courtney also set up regular notifications to ensure she stayed on top of new opportunities. “I set up email alerts for any category of work I was interested in and always applied immediately.”

Finally, Courtney promised herself she would only apply to the roles she was genuinely interested in and would be a good match for, knowing that would save her time in the long run. “I never gave up on the promise I made to myself to only apply to roles that truly met my needs so that I was focusing my energy in the best direction. I knew that if I got any responses for interview requests, they were with a company that would provide me not just a job but a better overall lifestyle.”

The Payoff

Courtney’s diligence paid off. She landed a 100% remote, full-time job with eXp Realty as an administrative assistant, and it’s made a huge difference in her life.

“This flexible job removes the stress, fear, and worry from my life in relation to work. Now I can solely focus on being productive at work. And when work is done, I can focus on being a wife and mom.”

Thanks to remote work, Courtney finally feels like she can have it all and will only work flexible jobs for the rest of her career. “Not that I know it’s out there and that my skills are needed and appreciated even in a remote setting, I have a new outlook on life. I can actually have it all: a family, a career, and work-life balance. I never intend to return to a job that isn’t flexible because it isn’t realistic for these days and times, and flexibility is truly the future.”

Take the Plunge

Courtney urges others to think of their FlexJobs membership as an investment with immeasurable returns. “Trust that your investment in FlexJobs is truly an investment in yourself, that you’re worthy and worth it, and you can find a job or be found by the right company. Take the plunge, leave out the doubt, and find your future flexible dream job here.”

Related Jobs:

If you’re ready to take the plunge, join FlexJobs today. You’ll get instant access to our full jobs database, discounted coaching rates, and so much more. Take the tour and learn all about the benefits of a Flexjobs membership.

Take the Tour

Don't forget to share this article with friends!