Rural & Remote is about connecting people in rural communities to remote jobs as a way of creating pathways back home and opportunities for those who want to stay in their communities! Below you will find two success stories, from Brittany and Kate, who are now happily employed with remote jobs in beautiful Northwest Kansas.
Brittany Pennington
Brittany Pennington is no stranger to hard work. A woman of many talents, Pennington utilized those talents in a variety of jobs, including working as a school psychologist, financial advisor, a coffee/floral shop manager, and a stay at home mom, all the while simultaneously homeschooling her two children and running the family trucking business.
As her children grew older and thus more independent in their schooling, Pennington felt she could utilize her skills more effectively. “However, their curriculum and extracurriculars, along with the daily running of the household remained my top priority. I knew that I was looking for something very specific, but the interview with Stuart, a fellow Redman, caught my eye and made me think it was possible.”
Pennington explained that she first contacted Rural & Remote in July of 2021 after reading in the Hays Post about the shared work space going into Plainville, and how Rural & Remote was bringing a whole new initiative to the area. She completed the Remote Work Certificate in August 2021.
From Rural & Remote, Pennington says she received, “The Remote Work Certificate, resume and interview support, and lots of encouragement!”
As for the perks of remote work, Pennington states, “The best part of remote work is flexibility of my role. I am able to devote time to my family and still be part of a work team that I love, whether I am driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, sledding in the snow, or at the lake. If there’s internet, I’m in business.”
Pennington explained how, after obtaining her certificate, she used the FlexJobs platform to apply to many different jobs. “Gretchin and FlexJobs helped me learn how to search specifically and find the type of job I was looking for which was something that had a lot of flexibility and could be done while I homeschooled my two children.”
She ultimately found employment with Belay, and now has subsequent work with True Wealth & Company. She describes her current job situation as “better than I ever thought it could be.”
As for her experience with Rural & Remote, Pennington could not be happier. “Rural & Remote was an incredible experience. I was able to learn so much about remote work, refine my interview skills and resume, and believe that I could find the dream job I was looking for. Gretchin was an honest and consistent source of encouragement throughout. She never told me it would be easy, but assured me it would be worth it. And she was right!”
Pennington offered some encouragement to those who may be beginning the program or considering entering the program, acknowledging the fact that it is not always an easy path forward but insisting that they stick with it to get to the other side.
“I would tell them to not give up. What you put in, is what you’ll get out of it. Gretchin is there cheering you on and providing all the resources you need along the way, but at the end of the day, you have to put in the work. And when you’re in that stage of the process, it can feel like you’ll never find what you’re looking for, but given patience and persistence, you will! This has been a life changing experience for myself and my family. It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life and I am so much better for it.”
Kate Bock-Gurka
These days, positivity absolutely radiates from Kate Bock-Gurka. However, she will be the first to admit, that wasn’t always the case.
Bock-Gurka was driving nearly 300 miles back and forth weekly to a job that was causing her stress, anxiety, health issues, and missed time with her family. She knew she was good at what she did, but constantly feeling frustrated in a job where she felt stuck was taking a toll on both her mental and physical health.
When Bock-Gurka heard about Rural & Remote, she decided she had nothing to lose.
“I actually moved to Kansas shortly before I heard this opportunity was coming this way. I thought it was a great theory, but never expected I’d be accepted! I decided to jump and try with Rural & Remote because I couldn’t continue with the current path…and I’m SO incredibly thankful I did,” she stated.
Bock-Gurka began the Rural & Remote program in mid-August 2021, and completed it September 21st. Pre-R&R, she was a mechanic for 16 years, working on a variety of engines such as gasoline, diesel, and propane.
While she found joy in her work and knew she possessed great talent, Bock-Gurka described her work struggles as “Sixteen years in the same spot, never moving up, being told I’m good enough but the world isn’t ready and always missing out on my family events, long hours, weekends and constant body aches.”
Following her training with Rural & Remote, Bock-Gurka landed a remote position with MATCO tools, and has embraced her new role head-on, truly enjoying the look and feel of her new job. “The transition from working outside the home was so much easier than I expected,” she commented.
Bock-Gurka cites a very positive experience with the R&R program, stating, “I have learned so much about scheduling appointments, communication, staying organized and focused and so many different programs I’ve learned to use since the initial class start up. I can reach out for support and Gretchin [Staples, Rural & Remote Regional Coordinator] always answers!”
Feeling empowered in her job has led to a much more positive mindset for Bock-Gurka, contributing to her new, more positive and overall happier outlook on life. “My one regret is that I didn’t find you guys while my kids were small. It’s a parents’ dream job,” she raved. “In the past six months with this company, I’ve already gotten praise. I also got a raise. I can still work on vehicles, but I have so much more free time with my family, projects, and to engage myself in something bigger than the JOB.”
Bock-Gurka offered some of that positivity to anyone who perhaps feels stuck in their current job, or who is dreaming of what else is out there. “What do you have to lose?” she asks. “You are amazing, talented and completely missing from a company who will see you and all your full potential. Get in here, get the class and find the contacts! You CAN have a career that doesn’t cost you your soul!”
Thankful for the guidance and the encouragement she was given, Bock-Gurka only wants to pay it forward and for others to experience the same positive mindset that she has. She doesn’t want anyone to feel that they are stuck in a thankless job, like she once did.
“Take the chance- I believe in you, too!” urged Bock-Gurka. “There are plenty of companies who are looking for someone with the amazing skill set you have!”
