A family member recently had to go to the hospital. I needed to be with my family, and I also needed to keep work moving where I could.
I was able to do both because I work at Aiven.
Remote work meant I could work from wherever I needed to be. I did not have to choose between being present for my family and disappearing from work. I could take calls, keep people updated, and handle what I could while staying close to the people who needed me.
The flexibility was important, but it was not the whole story. My manager and the people above him made it clear that I did not need to defend putting family first. They gave me the space to deal with what was happening.
Then my manager sent flowers to the hospital.
Mom, my sister, and I cried when they arrived. It was a simple, kind thing to do, but it meant a lot to all of us.
My mom and sister both said the same thing: I chose the right place to work.
I agree.
I am grateful for the ability to work remotely, and even more grateful for the people who made it possible to put my family first when I needed to.