Here’s the Trick to Finding a Job You’re Excited to Commute to

When Ayesha Shahulhameed, a senior director of application development and mom of two, got her job offer from ADP, she was initially “terrified” to take the job. 

“I used to work at a place that was just 15 minutes from my home, so I could drop off and pick up my kids and make dinner every day,” Shahulhameed explained. This particular position at ADP, however, would involve commuting for an hour and a half into the New York City office, a major change in lifestyle. Figuring it was too good of a career opportunity to pass up, she took the position, but feared she “wouldn’t last even three months.” 

Four years later, Shahulhameed calls accepting ADP’s offer the best career decision she’s made.

ADP Is Hiring! Browse Opportunities.

 It’s not surprising she feels this way. Out of the over 450 women who have reviewed ADP on Fairygodboss, an incredible 93% would recommend the company to other women, and all-caps words like “AMAZING,” “VALUES,” and “APPRECIATES” figure heavily among the reviews. 

For Shahulhameed’s part, ADP has been a place to both advance and feel supported in her career — and she shared what exactly has made it that way with Fairygodboss below! 

How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously?

I have been in my role for four years. Previously, I was with Microsoft & Prometric as a developer.

What’s the most unique or interesting aspect of your job or company?

Leadership cares about making their people comfortable even if it means discomfort for themselves. For example, I work in ADP’s NYC office, and space in NYC is like gold. Leaders are usually the first ones to give up their nice adjustable savvy desk to a report.

What’s something you think most people (perhaps even current employees) don’t know about your company that you think they should?

When you say ADP, people think of payroll and great service. What a lot don’t know is that ADP invests heavily in bleeding-edge technology to build its next generation of products. ADP is not just payroll. We are a technology company.

What’s something you’re especially good at work?

Breaking down complex topics to a language that can be easily understood.

What about outside of work? 

Same. I break computer science into a language that three-year-olds can understand. I have written a bunch of kids books that teach computer science concepts to kids 3+ in age.

I am also a great cook, attested by my kids. 

What are you trying to improve on? 

Being savvily assertive.

What’s the one career move you’ve made that you’re most proud of?

Moving to ADP. Not because it is my current company. There is a deep reason behind it.

I have two young children. I used to work at a place that was just 15 minutes from my home, so I was able to drop / pickup my kids and make dinner every day. 

When I got an opportunity in ADP, in NYC, 1 ½ hours away, I was terrified to take the job. I thought I won’t last even three months. Here I am – going strong at four years.

ADP also recognized my potential and grew me from Tech Lead, where I was responsible for the development quality of one team, to Sr. Director, where I am responsible for talent management, execution and delivery of three domains spanning seven teams. 

What do you love most about your job or your company?

Adrenaline. Not the one from stress. But the one from getting challenged. 

Reading: The Subtle Art Of Not Giving a F*ck

What’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are looking for jobs right now?

This is for moms: Please don’t turn away from an opportunity fearing that you won’t be able to manage the needs at home. Once you pass the initial settling phase, you will figure out how to manage work and home needs.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life and why?

My Father. He is a feminist.  I come from a conservative background where no woman has ever worked outside the house.  Against the advice of several friends and family, my father encouraged me to focus on my education and build a career. 

What’s the most memorable piece of career advice you’ve received?

Internalize and believe that you deserve more.

What was the best quality of the best boss you’ve ever had?