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As the sole provider for her two children and parents, Diane H. carries a heavy weight of responsibility. Yet her voice brims with joy when she speaks about 12-year-old Rain and 4-year-old Princess Diane.
"My eldest son, Rain, he's into outdoor activities, like cycling, swimming, playing basketball, and some online games as well," she said. "In class, he likes science and history. While my baby girl, Diane, loves to explore things. In school, she's into writing and drawing."
She adds, "Both of them love to play together."
For over two years, Diane has worked as an accounting virtual assistant for a U.S. property management client through HireSmart Virtual Employees. As the director of financial operations' right hand, she manages bank reconciliations, monthly reports, and various bookkeeping duties — all from her home in the Philippines.
"I've been in HireSmart and in this company for over two years now, and it's been valuable working alongside this professional and supportive team," she said.
Diane said public schools in her area are severely overcrowded, with teachers unable to give students the attention they need.
"The public setup here is really overcrowded," she explains. "Now he will be in grade seven, junior high school, so we have to move into a different school. High school here has three different classes in a day, and the teachers cannot really accommodate all of them."
A private school education seemed the only viable option for Rain's continued academic success, but as a single mother supporting not only her children but also her parents, the financial strain weighed heavily on her.
"I am a single mom, and I don't have any financial support from anyone, especially their father," she shares. "I am also living with my parents and helping them financially. And there are also the bills in the house."
Then came news that HireSmart selected her son Rain to receive an educational scholarship, covering his private school tuition for the year.
"I actually just jumped for joy at that time, because I was really not expecting that," she recalls, emotion evident in her voice. "I was praying, but there are a lot of other candidates that could get the spot. When I got it, it was really timely."
The impact of this scholarship extends far beyond the financial relief.
"Having this scholarship means I can move forward without having to carry that heavy load every day," she said.
The virtual work arrangement through HireSmart has been transformative for her family life as well.
"My client is great. I'm able to manage my time well, and I have enough time for the kids," she said. "Even though I'm working at night here in the Philippines, every morning, I don't have to worry about having to get a leave from work just to attend school meetings."
She contrasts her experience with HireSmart against other work arrangements.
"Being with an agency, I can focus on working with the client. At the same time, there are benefits as well. Working privately, directly with a client, most of them don't have any benefits like what we have in HireSmart, like the healthcare and this scholarship."
Diane expressed gratitude toward Anne and the HireSmart experience.
"For Anne, I'm really happy. I'm really grateful that she chose me to give this scholarship, and being in HireSmart from the very first day is really a blessing for me."
When asked what makes her happiest, her answer is simple.
"I'm happiest when we are together with the family. Eating together... We love to go to malls or go to beaches together with the family. And I'm also happiest knowing that everyone is healthy."
For those considering a similar career path, she offers this wisdom.
"My advice would be, don't stop learning. That's one thing that we will be doing in our everyday life. There's no limit in learning for as long as you are willing to learn as well. Skills can be taught, but willingness comes from within."
HireSmart Cares, the philanthropic branch of HireSmart Virtual Employees, provides educational scholarships for the children of its virtual employees and also funds workforce development initiatives in the U.S. HireSmart provides health and dental benefits, creating a support system that allows parents like Diane to build careers while being present for their children.
Her story is just one example of how HireSmart is changing lives — not just for its employees, but for their families and communities as well.
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