There's this feature article on CNN about turning an illness into an asset, which reminds me of how an insomniac can earn well as a call center agent in the Philippines or other countries with time zones that benefit those companies needing night owls as employees.
Someone with the pseudonym of Tom Foyer, diagnosed to have attention deficiency/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, did not do good in school and almost lived a disastrous life. But upon discovery of this disorder and learning that it can be treated,
perseverance helped him turn this health problem into a business advantage allowing hime to start a disaster recovery business. However, as expected, there's the presence of pros and cons while operating his business and dealing with ADHD:
Foyer says his condition has affected his business both negatively and positively. On the upside, he is expert at extreme multitasking, is not frazzled by crisis situations, and can see his way through an avalanche of logistical challenges. In wide-scale disasters like Hurricane Katrina, he must marshal and direct an army of helpers and interface with a cadre of responding agencies. At such times, his staff quickly swells to as many as 150 workers. His dynamic personality is an asset in such chaotic situations.
More trying for Foyer is managing his business and staff between alarm calls. Working at his desk, he says he is like a gantry-locked rocket waiting for launch.
But if you're wondering if he managed to turn his illness into something beneficial all by himself - support from his wife and psychotherapist helped a great deal.
Indeed, many problems, no matter how daunting they are, can be solved as long there's enough determination and a good dose of support from people around us.
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