If a biopic was to be made about my life, we would need a lot of shoes, and handkerchiefs for the blood, sweat, and tears.
My career has been nothing short of being positioned - and this is figuratively, and literally. For every obstacle, I have often found myself, I have created the entire cafeteria or restaurants when chairs where pulled under me, or I had been kicked off tables. It's taken several small steps to build a resume like mine. And I continue to seek opportunities for self development, as well as expansion. It dawned on me the year that I got my own office at a prestigious company, that I earned it. To imagine the days that I would get sun burnt so that I could connect to free WiFi so that I share my content. And believe me, there's not much 'free' WiFi to go about within my vicinity, yet I was relentless.
For anyone who lives in Zimbabwe, or is aware of the capital city, Harare, to be precise, there's a residential area close to the central business district called, The Avenues. It's a small area that stretches from Prince Edward Road facing Harare West, all the way to Enterprise Road, facing Harare East. The area is ideal for those looking for accommodation in a central place because as the saying goes, "The Avenues is just one combi." Yet, it's also known for its lack of family-friendliness, and that's a topic for another day. However, as I pondered on today's title, I wondered what perceptions it might evoke from my network and readers. As the French say, "À nous allez!"
I vividly recall the year I finally secured my own office at a prestigious company. It was a moment of realization that I had earned it, that my efforts had paid off. But behind that milestone lie countless days of hardship and determination. Picture me, sunburnt from standing outside, seeking free WiFi just so I could share my content with the world. In my vicinity, free WiFi was a rarity, yet I remained relentless in my pursuit.
There are seasons in every company's journey when rough patches arise. Drastic measures, such as staff reductions and office relocations, become necessary for survival. In my case, the lifeline of my work, the WiFi, was abruptly shut down. It was a choice between having that connection or receiving a decent salary. It was a challenging time, to say the least. This happened towards the end of 2016, when getting mobile data under such constraints proved to be an uphill battle. But in the midst of this connectivity drought, I discovered the perfect corner in the Avenues.
There, tucked away in this bustling area, I found a haven for productivity. I could connect to two or three service provider networks, as well as the open network from nearby buildings. Wisely, I created a schedule that worked around this opportunity. Early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings became my designated office hours. In that corner of the Avenues, I diligently sent out my curriculum vitae, published content for my blogs and social media, and built my portfolio.
And then, in 2017, a life-changing phone call came all the way from South Africa. I was offered a job, and they told me I came highly recommended, thanks to my consistent online presence. This was the turning point that led to a series of opportunities that helped me refine my skills and climb the corporate ladder. In 2019, I finally had my own office space, and in 2021, my name and designation adorned the door. It was a testament to the power of that corner in the Avenues.
As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of embracing the unexpected. Sometimes, the challenges we face can lead us to unexpected places of growth and opportunity. The corner of the Avenues, with its unconventional 'office' setup, became a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
So, dear readers, I leave you with this question: What unexpected corners in your life became the launching pads for your success? Is there an unconventional path or a hidden opportunity waiting for you to seize it? Embrace the uncertainty, and remember that your journey may take you to places you never imagined.
Until next time, keep chasing your dreams, and always be ready to create your own corner of success.