kimmib
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Aug 16, 2004, 12:41 PM
Post #1 of 1
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Here's How I Work, even with my disability...
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Just a little bit about me. Three years ago, I fell and shattered my coccyx and several vertebrae. Because of that, I can no longer sit on my bum for any extended period of time. And because my gait is so unsteady and my balance all but gone (did you know the coccyx is the pendulum for your body) I am in a wheelchair except for in the house (and I should be inside, but its just so hard for me to manuver and I spent all my cash on an outside scooter.) and I have to work from home and from my bed. So, I thought my options were limited to increase my income. Before, when we needed extra money, I signed on as a temp for Holiday business, joined a direct sales company, took extra jobs. But now that I am not mobile, those things aren't really an option for me.
Then, I had a candle party. I thought it would be cool to have some friends over (a rare treat) and get a lot of stuff for free. But then the consultant offered me the opportunity and I sadly told her that it wasn't for me, that I was not capable of doing direct sales. It was a really good opportunity, but alas, not for me.
After a few days, I got mad. Here was something I wanted to do, but felt limited because of my disability. But the only thing that limited me was my perceptions of what needed to do this kind of work.
So, I called back the consultant, told her I'd give it a try and then told her that I would just be able to do book parties. I was already limiting myself.
When I got my kit, I kind of half-heartedly opened it since all I knew I was going to use was the catalogues.
So, in setting up the catalogues, I started seeing things that would fit into my home and that would be fun to purchase. So, I started taking things out of the kit and playing with them and i started having fun! Yes, fun! Then it hit me!
When I travel, I have no problem because my suitcase fits on the running board of my scooter. So, what if my kit would fit in that suitcase? It even had running wheels. It was portable! And my kit did fit! All of a sudden, I was portable! And so was my business. As long as the parties were in the general area of disabled transportation, then transportation wasn't an issue. So, I booked my first show.
Sure, I had to make accomodations and the planning took longer than it would without being disabled, but I did it and I made good money! 25% on sales up to $1800 and if I sold $1800 or more, my total commission went to 32%! Since I wasn't carrying a lot in my kit (like some candle ladies do) then, it wasn't a problem or burden financially.
Now, I am excited! And I want to develop a team of disabled consultants. What a coup to be able to participate in an industry previously not thought of by those wheelchair bound.
Finally, I feel like I can contribute to my family's financial picture instead of just sitting around. Even when my sales are low, just taking care of paperwork is enough to make me feel more usefull and in a capacity that I can function in. For all those of you who are in the same position as I, you know how wonderful it is to feel needed. I am one step closer to feeling like me.
So, what are your experiences with accomodating work to your disability.
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