THE depths of a husband’s love have no limits, and this adage rings true for a devoted partner who toils tirelessly to provide for his cherished family.
Revanlon Brodie, a 30-year-old, Iban Bidayuh, has defied conventions and wholeheartedly chose a vocation that bestowed him with the gift of treasured moments alongside his cherished partner and beloved children.
“If one were to inquire about the secret behind my triumphs in my present occupation, I could simply summarise it as an unyielding dedication to toil, despite the nascent stages of my career, coupled with the necessity of wielding uncommon patience while navigating the intricacies enshrined within the realms of my professional domain.
“My position in this industry is as a full time delivery rider,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune.
Commencing his job as a Grabfood courier since 2021, he gracefully orchestrates the delivery of up to 30 orders on a bustling day, his tireless efforts ensuring happiness and sustenance for his beloved family.
“During the initial stage of my venture into the world of food delivery, each passing day posed numerous challenges and obstacles that tested my resilience and determination. The demanding nature of this role required me to optimise my time management skills while navigating through a multitude of difficulties.
“My triumphant journey in this role can be attributed to the unwavering support and camaraderie bestowed upon me by the incredible team at Grab,” he said.
Revanlon emphasises the allure of the fluid timetable as a captivating enticement and asserts that he relishes an enhanced sense of authority over his professional trajectory.
“During my time in this job, I have faced various challenges that tested my ability to bounce back and adjust. These challenges include navigating through the unpredictable weather during the rainy season is just one of the many hurdles I encounter in my line of work.
“Riding a motorcycle requires an extra level of caution, as I must remain vigilant and ensure the safety of not only myself but also others who may have acted carelessly. Although not all road users fit into this category, there are a handful of those who prioritise chasing orders at all costs, fearing negative feedback from customers due to late deliveries.
“Unfortunately, I have found myself in situations where my life was put in jeopardy twice due to someone else’s negligence, resulting in a significant cut to my daily wage. And that’s not even mentioning the additional setbacks caused by a flat tire or a broken chain on a remote stretch of road, particularly when I’m far away from the delivery location,” he said.
Moreover, he often has to sacrifice his own health and well-being, pushing through illnesses like colds, coughs and fevers just to be able to work.
“Through various trials, I have gained invaluable experience in serving customers with dedication. I have learned to handle demanding situations with poise and professionalism, providing top-notch service despite any obstacles. This has improved my ability to think quickly and find innovative solutions to keep our operations running smoothly.
“One challenge I always face is the pressure to complete tasks and be punctual. Time management has become a crucial skill for me in this job,” he explained.
He explained that he has acquired resilience as a result of his experiences and is continuously determined to overcome obstacles. He considers each challenge as a chance for personal growth and development, which has enhanced his ability to confront future difficulties.
“In regards to my daily routine, I have developed a habit of beginning my work early during the day and often returning home late, sometimes even at night. This work schedule that I have established holds significant importance to me, as it allows me to have the flexibility and autonomy to manage my time and hours according to my personal preferences and obligations.
“I want to work as a Grab rider because it gives me the freedom to control my own time and schedule, allowing me to balance my personal life and work. This flexibility helps me accommodate my personal commitments and responsibilities, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. I can choose when to work based on my needs and preferences,” he said.
Being a Grab rider offers convenient work arrangements. This job allows individuals to easily integrate work into their daily routines. They can fit in work hours before, after, or in between other commitments. This flexibility makes it easier to balance personal and professional responsibilities, promoting a better work-life equilibrium.
Revanlon also advocates personal safety and to further exemplify his commitment, he discusses how he takes necessary measures even during motorcycle rides, such as wearing safety gear and carrying sufficient cash for unexpected situations.
He expressed that the aspect he enjoys most about working as a food delivery personnel is the opportunity to enrich his experience, acquaint himself with diverse individuals, establish new friendships, and ultimately satisfy customers by ensuring prompt delivery of their orders.
“Whether I have prior commitments during the day or prefer to work during specific hours when there is high demand, I have the freedom to design my schedule accordingly. This level of control over my time provides me with the ability to strike a balance between work and personal life, allowing me to fulfil various responsibilities and pursuits outside of my professional realm.
“In essence, the reason why I aspire to be a Grabfood rider is multifaceted. Not only does it enable me to maintain my established daily routine of commencing work early and concluding late, but it also allows me to work autonomously, according to my own hours and timeframes. This career choice grants me the independence, flexibility, and freedom to navigate my professional journey while accommodating my personal preferences and obligations.
“Moreover, I am also capable of activating and deactivating the Grabfood driver application as necessary, particularly during emergencies or when escorting my spouse to and from her workplace or our residence,” he said.
He added that the rationale behind his desire to pursue full-time employment in the Grabfood sector stems from his longstanding familiarity with independent work, which began during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“In regard to the reception of gratuities from gracious clientele, such occurrences are a rarity in my daily activities. Throughout my tenure as a Grabfood courier from 2021 amidst the adversity of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been scarce instances wherein I have been the beneficiary of monetary tips,” he shared.
