Even these Type of People Need to Earn

The other day, I was buying 2 coconut juice bottles from a sales attendant who was manning the coconut juice store.

I was asking her how much is one bottle then I pointed at the bottle. Instead of replying, she showed me a calculator showing the price of P100.

Then I realized I was talking to a deaf person because her name tag reads, Hi, I am Anne (for example). I AM A DEAF PERSON.

I appreciate this company who employs marginalized people like the deaf people. 

When government cannot do something about it, the Private sector must do its part… to help the marginalized people.

I’ve also seen some food chain stores in Manila employing senior citizens. Hats off to Mayor Isko. They don’t have to do the hardest part. All they have to do is to provide assistance. 

I tell you, it’s a game changer if all private companies will employ marginalized people. 

Because let’s face it, marginalized people also need to earn a living so that they won’t become a burden to their family.

Truth be told, I have a soft spot for the marginalized sector because I can relate somehow. Not sure, if I can be considered a part of the group because of my hearing loss since childhood. I was rejected because of it. One foreign company who claims to be an equal opportunity employer did not make me a permanent employee because of this handicap. A big church did not employ me because of it. I was not promoted in this big company because it was a factor. I know. I have friends who told me the real score. My gut tells me so as well. But that’s past and I have moved on.

In the end? I went the self-employment route because nobody wants to promote me or hire me some twenty years ago. And in hindsight, I am better off now than being in a 9-5 workplace environment.

That’s why I consider the marginalized sector these days “more fortunate” because some companies are “open to employing them”. 20 years ago, you won’t see small and big companies doing the same.

My condition, ie., “hearing loss” is one of the most misunderstood conditions but I have learned to adapt and use my wisdom, knowledge and writing skills to compensate for my hearing disability.

With what I have, I learned to communicate and sell effectively to my clients without them noticing my “handicap”.

Why else will I sell myself “short”? 

As long as I can provide good products and services to my clients, I also deserve to earn a living. #marginalized #hearingloss

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Ronnie Reyes has been named one of the Top 100 Filipinos to follow on LinkedIn for inspiration and learning from 2018 to 2020. 

Follow him at Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter: @iamronniereyes