How Muse Management Services Is Creating New Paths – An Interview with Diogenes Muse-Cleveland

Diogenes Muse-Cleveland is a pioneer in his field. Raised in Flint, Michigan, he suffered a catastrophic injury at the age of 21, leaving him with tetraplegia. Despite the difficulties that came along with his condition, Diogenes has always strived to forge a path forward through intense willpower and determination. Through the establishment of Muse Management Services, Diogenes hopes to improve his life and the lives of all those like him for generations to come.

Diogenes Muse-Cleveland, CEO and Founder of Muse Management Services

What inspired you to create Muse Management Services, and what problem were you determined to solve from the beginning?

In the beginning, the one problem that I was most determined to solve was "How do I afford the equipment I need to make life easier?" Obviously, I knew I needed to make more income, but the question of how to make income without putting my Social Security benefits at risk made the former question seem all the more impossible to answer. Then, I obtained a job working from home. When I began working from home as an independent contractor, I found out I was eligible for the PPP loan offered by the S.B.A., which I spoke about in my last article. I applied and was approved for 3000 dollars. This was a great moment for me, coming from a perspective of dire prospects regarding job availability. This encouraged me to do more research regarding grants, loans, etc. Shortly after that, I became aware of, and applied for, the EIDL grant and earned 10,000 dollars! That's more money than I've ever made at one time during any job I've ever worked as an employee. This was a monumental moment for me. Honestly, disabled or not, I think anybody in my position at that time would have been jumping for joy. Ten thousand dollars is ten thousand dollars no matter what condition you're in. The best thing about these awards was that because they were classified as "unearned income", they had no effect on my Social Security income. Which meant I was able to keep the money as well as all the benefits of being on social security. This solidified my viewpoint that it is more beneficial to be an independent contractor than an employee. Eventually, I desired a way to share this information with others in my condition. This, in turn, led to the creation of Muse Management Services.

Do you only accept applications from those with disabilities?

Although we are geared toward offering jobs to those with mobility-related disabilities, we do hire those without them as well. So, don't be afraid to apply for a job because you don't have a disability.

How did your own experience with paralysis change the way you think about employment and opportunity?

Before becoming paralyzed, I looked at employment as synonymous with opportunity. In life, the type of job one holds is definitely correlated with the opportunity for growth and freedom that one considers possible. Don't misunderstand, I still believe that this is true for the most part. However, after working as an independent contractor myself, I realize that being an employee is not always the most beneficial opportunity available.

What have you learned about helping people find legitimate work from home opportunities that most businesses overlook?

I have learned a lot on the path of life down which I now travel. In my opinion, the most important thing I have learned is to "think outside the box", so to speak. I realize now that disability does not mean inability. This has allowed me to see opportunity and promise where others see only disappointment and hopelessness.

Why do you believe flexible independent contractor work can be especially valuable for people with disabilities or other life challenges?

Well, besides the ability to earn income without the hassle of having to jump through the million hoops that those with paralysis have to jump through just to leave the house (if you know you know), and the possibility of obtaining lump sums of money without it having an effect on your social security income, there is the ability to schedule the hours that you wish to work yourself, versus having to adhere to the schedule someone else set for you who has absolutely no idea what it's like to live a day in your position. This allows you to incorporate things like pressure relief, physical therapy, doctor's appointments, etc. into your work routine. On top of that, it helps you to change your mindset from that of an employee to one more similar to a business man/woman. This is beneficial because it opens your perception up to the possibility for growth. You need that if you've been in a time of stagnation regarding job opportunities.

What misconceptions about remote work would you most like to challenge?

The most common misconception I have come across is that most work-from-home opportunities are a scam. Especially if the opportunity is not attached to a well-known company. While you should always be cautious and do your research thoroughly on any opportunity to which you might desire to apply, you do yourself a disservice by blanket labeling all but the most well-known as scams.

What practical advice would you give someone who wants to build a sustainable income from home but does not know where to start?

The most practical thing I could say is to start with Muse Management Services. Everything you need to know can be found on our website. You can visit our frequently asked questions page and ask any other questions you may have via our email address found on our Apply Now webpage. If it does turn out that Muse Management Services is not for you, then you will at least leave with the benefit of experience working with a reputable work-from-home company.

How can someone decide whether independent contracting is a better fit than a traditional job?

In my opinion, the best way to know whether something is good for you or not is to experience it for yourself.

Your mother's belief in entrepreneurship shaped your journey long before Muse Management Services existed. How does her influence continue to guide the way you lead your business today?

Besides the fact that without my mother's influence I would definitely not have become the CEO of a company, it is also her influence that encourages me to continue forward in all of my endeavors. She taught me to push through obstacles no matter what, and not to quit until the goal I have in mind is realized. She was the embodiment of tough. I hope one day my children will be able to say that about me.

If readers could leave this conversation with one new perspective about resilience, work, and creating opportunity, what would you hope it would be?

I would hope that one new perspective would be this. There's always another way. You just have to open your eyes up to it. You have no idea how many times I've dropped my head in despair thinking there was no way to change/fix something, only for my mom to point out a way that was right in front of me the whole time. It's all about your mindset. I'm grateful that she was able to pass this mindset down to me before she passed away.

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