It all started with a choice I never thought I’d have to make: accept a significant salary deferment or take a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) and leave my fully remote job. The news, especially after a townhall meeting, sent a wave of anxiety through me, making me question every career decision, every debt, and every choice I had ever made.

The Ticking Clock and a Spiritual Awakening

Just after the townhall where the salary deferment was announced, the reality of the situation hit hard. The pressure was immense, and the deadline to make a choice loomed large. This period was incredibly challenging; I battled insomnia, lost my appetite, and found myself in a deep state of introspection. It was during this time of profound uncertainty that I channeled my energy not just into finding my next career move, but also into finding my way back to Allah, seeking solace and guidance.

With a heavy heart, on the final day, October 30th, I chose the VSS. It felt like stepping off a cliff without a safety net, but it was also a profound act of faith and the first step towards something new.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Crossroads

My renewed focus, ignited just after the townhall, helped me channel my energy into an intense job search. This led me to a fascinating crossroads, with two compelling offers that represented two very different futures. Having worked remotely for the last five years since 2020, transitioning through various industries from smart parking to BPO, health tech, and now proptech, I had grown accustomed to the flexibility and autonomy it offered.

The first offer, from a dynamic company for a senior role in a traditional, fully onsite position, arrived a week before the VSS deadline. It was the familiar path, but a stark contrast to the remote work I had grown accustomed to.

The second offer, for a developer role at a forward-thinking, fully remote company, arrived on the very day of the VSS deadline, October 30th. This was the path of autonomy, flexibility, and a new way of working that resonated deeply with my recent experiences and established work style.

The Decision: Choosing a New Way of Working

The choice wasn’t just about a job; it was about a lifestyle and a renewed sense of purpose. The memory of my recent anxiety, the questioning of my choices, and the desire for a more stable and empowering work environment made the decision clearer. Considering my five years of remote work experience, the prospect of transitioning back to an onsite role felt like a difficult adjustment. I chose the fully remote position. It was a leap of faith, a bet on myself, and a modern approach to work that felt like a natural progression.

From Doubt to Dream Job: Life as a Remote Developer

Today, I’m a fully remote developer, and I can confidently say that the turmoil led me to a better place. The anxiety has been replaced by autonomy, and the questioning of my life choices has transformed into a celebration of resilience and faith. The flexibility and trust my new role provides have been life-changing.

That difficult period taught me that our greatest challenges often lead to our most significant growth. It’s a powerful reminder that even when things seem to be falling apart, they might just be falling into place, guiding us towards a path we were always meant to take.

Here’s to embracing the unexpected, finding strength in the face of uncertainty, and trusting the journey.