Achieving Financial Freedom and Confidence in the Face of Adversity
Roszana Ali, 30, was born with cerebral palsy and faced years of job rejections after completing her education in 2011. Despite multiple interviews, no one would give her a chance. After nearly four years of frustration, her best friend, Juni Syafiqah Jumat, who also has cerebral palsy, suggested she try becoming a GrabFood delivery-partner in 2018.
Initially hesitant due to her fear of interacting with strangers, Roszana decided to take the leap. Four and a half years later, she reflects on how the job has transformed her life, granting her both financial independence and a newfound sense of purpose.
“Being a GrabFood delivery-partner has helped me step out of my comfort zone and meet people. Before, I was extremely shy and spent most of my time at home. Now, I’m more confident and engage with different people every day,” she shared.
The pandemic, which kept many indoors, saw Roszana helping others by delivering food, and she felt proud to contribute during such challenging times.
Overcoming Challenges with Strategic Planning
Living in Boon Lay, Roszana’s delivery routes mostly cover the Jurong Point area, known for its wide range of food outlets. Since she uses an electric wheelchair, she has adapted to the job by selecting only those deliveries that are accessible to her.
The Grab app’s “Manual Accept” feature allows her to filter orders based on route accessibility. Even though orders come in regularly, it sometimes takes Roszana up to 20 minutes to find one that suits her needs.
She recounted a memorable experience early on when she had to deliver to an old flat in Taman Jurong, only to find the lift didn’t stop at her destination floor. Thankfully, the customer came down to collect the food.
Roszana’s intimate knowledge of the area, especially wheelchair-friendly routes, has made her an expert in navigating Jurong-Boon Lay. However, challenges still arise, like cars failing to yield at zebra crossings or roadworks that force detours. Despite these hurdles, Roszana remains unfazed and continues her deliveries with determination.
Work Flexibility and a Sense of Accomplishment
Roszana works three to four days a week, usually between 12 pm and 7:30 pm, delivering up to 12 orders and earning about $250 a week. On her off-days, she assists her parents with household chores. She values the job’s flexibility, especially since her parents are no longer working.
“The money I earn is very helpful. I’m proud to contribute to the household and support myself,” she said, her eyes gleaming with pride after completing each order.
For Roszana, every order completed brings satisfaction, no matter the amount. She credits Grab for offering her opportunities when others had turned her away. Her parents are incredibly proud of her, and Roszana expresses deep gratitude to Grab for helping her turn her life around.
Inspired by Resilience and Determination
Roszana’s journey is a testament to her strength and perseverance. Despite the added challenges of her physical disability, she boldly embraced a new and unfamiliar role, refusing to let rejection define her. Supported by her family, friends, and Grab, she continues to find purpose and fulfilment through her work.
Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with resilience, determination, and the right support, one can overcome any obstacle and redefine success.
