Read Part 2 Here
I was a small girl by many standards but my brain was big. Not from anyone or any favours but just from having a problem-solving mindset. Working late in the office was my normal mode. I like work, ask anyone who knows me.
To date, I don’t have any designer bags. Ok I lie, I have one bag now. In fact, the first one I ever had my sister bought for my 40th birthday. Human hair hmmmm I never even knew what that was then. I only bought some more recently when I decided I will stop throwing away money on salons every week. I have a few but to be honest, I have got more than my money’s worth from them. A 100k wig worn 300 times cost approximately 2k per week. 5k spent weekly at the salon is 260k. Who won? I have even left wigs now as I chopped off my hair a few months ago. I am very low maintenance.
Anyway, I try to spend money on investments not on frivolities. The only people that chop my money are travel agents because I do travel at least twice a year and I won’t even say shopping because when I travel I don’t buy much of anything. My main purchases are food and clothing for my children.
If I continue this story it will never finish.
Anyway, why am I telling you all this?
- You need to be deliberate about your career and spend your own money developing yourself. You need to have uncommon skills. You need to know what the average person doesn’t know, as that is how value is created. You are the CEO of the company called you, no organisation can invest in you more than you invest in yourself. Organisations will choose to develop what suits them if at all they do. You have to decide your own trajectory and work towards it.
- You can earn well, you can earn well in HR or any profession, but mostly if you are really good. Sure, there will always be exceptions but what I notice is whenever a senior HR vacancy comes up, we keep suggesting the same people in the field. Everyone knows the high performers and they keep getting recommended for the best jobs. It is possible to earn well, but less likely if you are mediocre.
Sure, money isn’t everything and the truth is money comes at a price. You can also choose to work part time or work in an NGO or small business. Of course this means you won’t earn as much, but we all deserve a decent income that pays the bills. We need more to survive these harsh climes.
- Money gives you options and frees you. Because I had some money due to a frugal lifestyle, I was often able to fund my professional development without relying on anyone or organisation. It is also ok to not follow your passion if it does not earn you a decent income. Your passion should not cause you to be a liability. You can go back to it later when you are financially stable.
Your career must provide you with 3 things: Fulfilment, growth, and financial stability. You do not have to be financially stable in the beginning, but if after 5 years you cannot pay your bills then it is time to rethink.
Money was important to me to start off with but it is not anymore. Maybe because I invested early so I am not pressured to earn much now. Had I not made the decisions I made then, I would definitely be in trouble now as I do not earn as much today.
- People evolve. Labels are just labels. It does not matter what you are tagged.
You are who you know you are.
I am who God says I am.
I hope you learned a thing or two.
See you at the top!
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