With 213 shifts under her belt and a stellar 4.9 rating, Nataliya has become a standout in the WorkWhile community. Her path to flexible work has been shaped by life experiences, family responsibilities, and a strong desire for autonomy.

For years, Nataliya worked in a specialized call center, using her multilingual skills as an interpreter. Fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, she thrived in roles that demanded both clarity and compassion. However, when a close family member became seriously ill, her priorities shifted. The rigid structure of traditional employment no longer supported the demands of her personal life. She needed a way to earn a reliable income without sacrificing her ability to care for those who needed her.

“I tried a few job apps and even worked for Amazon for a short time,” Nataliya shared. “But most platforms felt so transactional. WorkWhile stood out by offering real, human support that made me feel seen and respected.”

‍

‍

Since joining WorkWhile, Nataliya has embraced the full spectrum of opportunities available to her. Some weeks she prefers consistency, regularly picking up shifts at large retail locations where she feels like part of the extended team. Other times, she chooses a more varied schedule, signing up for different roles to keep her work fresh and energizing. When she needs a quiet day, she opts for driving shifts, giving herself space to think and recharge.

“Sometimes I just want to be alone with my thoughts. Driving gives me that reset I need.”

Beyond her shifts, Nataliya enjoys hiking the trails around Seattle and volunteering as a translator at her local church. Her life is built around intentional choices that align with her values, not just a paycheck. She embodies the spirit of today’s flexible workforce, motivated, self-directed, and committed to meaningful work on her own terms.

In an economy where 78 percent of platform users say next-day pay is essential and more than half prefer flexibility over a traditional nine-to-five schedule, Nataliya represents a broader shift. Workers are increasingly seeking roles that fit into their lives, not the other way around. Her story is a powerful reminder that flexibility is more than a benefit. For many, it is a way of life that brings purpose, balance, and the freedom to thrive.

From Interpreter to Flex All-Star: Nataliya’s Story of Adaptability and Resilience was originally published in WorkWhile on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.