This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of the countless nights spent scrolling through social media, comparing my life to others. The curated highlight reels of friends and acquaintances made me feel like I was falling behind.
My first internship after university paid a meager Sh200 a day, barely enough to cover petrol and matchsticks. I had to take on side jobs to make ends meet, parking cars for events and doing menial tasks to gain experience. It was a humbling experience, but one that taught me the value of hard work.
My mum's words of wisdom still resonate with me: 'You'll make more money as a manual laborer at a construction site.' She was right, but I scoffed at the idea, convinced that I was destined for greater things. The 8-4-4 syllabus had promised me a degree, a job, and success, but reality was far from it.
As I navigated the challenges of young adulthood, I felt like I was stuck in a rut. Friends who had graduated before me seemed to have it all together, with well-paying jobs and comfortable lifestyles. What were they doing that I wasn't?
It wasn't until I watched a YouTube video on millennials that things started to fall into perspective. Studies showed that the typical millennial's net worth was 40% lower than that of Gen Xers and 20% lower than boomers in 1989. It seemed that young people all over the world were going through the same struggles.
So, why do we feel like we need to be successful right now? Is it because of the awards and recognition given to young people, or because the online world presents a carefully curated version of others' lives, hiding their day-to-day struggles? Whatever the reason, it's essential to remember that success is a journey, not a destination.
My cousin, who's also in the consulting path, once told me, 'I used to think 30 was the age. So, why am I still wondering where rent for next month will come from? But I'm happy. There's nowhere else I'd rather be.'
Things do look up eventually. After the 5-year mark, experience and branding start to pay off, and people begin to take notice. It's essential to keep going, celebrating small wins, and giving yourself a break when needed.
