9-5 & A mind-shift

I have been opportune to work in a 9-5 actually an 8-5 job and I had my fair share of its pros and cons. Moving from that I currently manage my own restaurant and it has been quite an experience running a start-up.

Source

My 9 to 5 Experience

My very first real full-time experience in an 8 to 5 was one for the books. I was opportune to be one of the few to get a really good job during my National youth service year. I worked with a multinational Oil & Gas servicing company with branches in over 52 countries worldwide. My major role focused on Administrative and Logistics functions for the West African region with emphasis on Nigeria and Ghana. I carried out supporting functions across finance, HSSE, Sales departments.

My role came with a lot of pressure, attention to detail, time demand, and so on. Work-life balance was tossed out the door as I had so much I had to deliver on. I realized that the result of being an exceptional performing staff was more work and the expectations keep getting higher.

In my 18th month, I was already considering what I wanted to do next with my life. Although I excelled in the role I was in charge of, I was not fulfilled and wanted to switch career paths to what I originally had an interest in.

The company had a particular role opened when I applied and at the time, I needed a job, so I did not really mind so much about it but as time went on, I got used to the job. There was no more excitement, challenge, or thrill. It seemed like I showed up and just did the same routine task every day. I got bored and needed something new.

I suffered regular burn out and I had to carry out self-motivating talks every morning to remind myself why I should go to work once again. Coronavirus hit my location, the office shut down and I had to work from home. In those moments, I had more time to reflect and question certain things in my life.

The funny thing is regardless of how burnt out I was, I still prioritized helping others feel better. I was termed the office stress ball because a lot of my colleagues would always come to my workstation feeling stressed and overwhelmed but somehow they claimed there was something comforting and reassuring about discussing with me that helped them go through the remaining part of the day feeling better at least.

Part of me wanted to remain in the job because I was helping others which meant so much to me. Also, the income was good and stable. My expenses were super low and I could save up to 70% of my salary without being stranded. Although I did not get fulfillment working in the role, I vividly excelled in my performance. This seemed like a comfortable position.

Why should I leave that comfort and put myself in a state of uncertainty?

My Mind Shift

After my thought, I finally decided I would resign my job and take that time to focus on myself- building my portfolio, developing my skills, and harnessing my talents. I had my eyes on certain dream opportunities and I realized comfort would not afford them to me.

I had saved funds to last me a year without a new job and I did not mind relocating back home to further slash my expenses. So with this in mind, I took a leap of faith and decided to leave what everyone thought was a dream job to many.

The shift in mindset came from just knowing the following:

• Nobody got a new result doing the same old thing
• The killer of progress is remaining in a state of comfort
• The job does not give me essence but I give it essence with the unique touch I bring to the role
• I am my only limitation
• Where there is a will, there is a way.

With these realizations, I took the risk against all odds and at a time when people who even had jobs were losing them and others were HODL the ones they had.

I am glad to say I have a business I am currently managing and it is growing daily with more in the pipeline to come. I am also open to a flexible 9-5 with job fulfillment.

The journey is not always comfortable nor smooth but trust your guts, know who you are, focus on the goal, and remain consistent, Success is lurking around!

Till I come your way again…

Thank you for your precious time!

Photo Cred: By Verne Ho on Unsplash

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