“The long commute can be tough on my health. Working from home lets me save energy for the work itself.”

I’ve moved around a bit in my career, but coming back to ING truly felt like coming home. I split my work between the office and home, which helps me balance my health and productivity. Because of my disability I can no longer drive. My husband takes me to the office in the mornings; we leave before seven to avoid the heaviest of Manila’s chaotic traffic. In the evenings I travel alone, sometimes not reaching home before eleven. The long commute, bright lights, and pollution can be tough on my health, so weekends are for recovery and rest. Working from home lets me save that energy for the work itself.

“My team trusts me to manage my own time and health.”

I have a visual impairment. It’s the result of a subarachnoid haemorrhage* that caused the loss of my upper field of vision. Bright daylight is harsh, and the glare of headlights at night makes it hard to see. My work involves a lot of reading and research, so it can be tiring. If I push too long, I get migraines. I keep my medicine close and take short breaks when I need to recover. I manage my time carefully to make sure everything gets done properly.

What helps most is understanding and respect. My team is very supportive. They know my situation, but they don’t treat me differently. They trust me to manage my own time and health, which allows me to make sure my work is delivered, while supporting them in return. That balance means a lot to me.

“Health is never guaranteed for anyone.”

After the stroke that affected my vision, it was not easy to find work again. Some employers changed their minds once they learned about my medical history. They told me they were worried I might not cope or might collapse at work. I told them straight they were discriminating. No one can say they are sure of tomorrow; health is never guaranteed for anyone. What I appreciate about ING is that they saw my capabilities and expertise, not my disability.

“Don’t decide what someone else can or can’t do. Just ask. That shows respect.”

I believe inclusion is not only about giving opportunities but also about how we talk to each other. I hope we can create more guidance for how to interview and work with people who have disabilities, including invisible ones. It’s not about avoiding the topic. It’s about asking respectfully. And don’t decide for someone else what they can or can’t do. Just ask. That shows respect.

My disability has taught me patience and perspective. I don’t take health, time, or people for granted. My faith helps me care for the life I’ve been given, and to remember that work will always be there, but life and health are not guaranteed.

We work to live, not the other way around. Taking care of yourself and being honest about what you need makes you stronger for others too. As the saying goes: we can’t control the wind, but we can always adjust the sail. If my story has touched you in any way, may it inspire you to be the reason someone feels truly seen, genuinely supported, and empowered to thrive.

* A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a medical emergency involving bleeding into the space between the brain and its protective membranes.