Nataliya is a standout in the WorkWhile community

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.

She moved from interpreter to caregiver

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. She helped connect people in critical moments such as medical appointments, government services, and emergencies where accurate communication could make all the difference. Yet while the work was meaningful, it tied her to rigid hours with little room for choice.

When a close family member became seriously ill, her priorities shifted. The inflexible 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 be present for those who needed her most.

“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.”

She embraces flexibility in her own way

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.”

She is redefining what balance looks like

Her adaptability is not just about income. It is about reclaiming control over her time. For Nataliya, flexibility is not an abstract concept. It is the difference between feeling trapped in a system that does not fit and creating a sustainable balance between work and life.

Beyond her shifts, Nataliya enjoys hiking the trails around Seattle and volunteering as a translator at her local church. These activities feed the same values that guide her work: connection, service, and community. Her life is built around intentional choices that align with her priorities, 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.

Her story reflects a broader movement

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.