Category: Business

Business isn’t about numbers — it’s about your voice. We share real stories from entrepreneurs, professionals, job seekers, and career changers. From interviews to resignations, work wins to burnout — your journey matters, and we’re here to spotlight it. Work-life balance and everything in between — because behind every job title is a human story worth telling. Share yours with us.

Quit This Job to Keep That Dream

Posted on by Jonathan

I am staring at a beautiful sunset over the Puglian shoreline, with a singer passionately belting out his heart. His voice echoes throughout the resort where I am staying. Sono contento.

This moment feels perfect, filled with a profound sense of oneness. It’s one of those full-circle moments where you understand why you made the choices you did.

Standing on the roof of this Adriatic resort, I have just finished my last day of teaching English to 18 students from across Italy for over 14 days. This unforgettable experience was the culmination of decisions for a trajectory I set myself on over six years ago. At the end of 2017, I decided to leave teaching, feeling I had reached my limit and believing it was better to end on a high note. 

Teaching had been good to me, with wonderful co-workers who changed my life and, of course, the students, who were always great, even when they were difficult. Teaching was my world, and I was good at it. It was a calling, like being a nun, monk, or firefighter. You do it not for praise or money, but because you believe you can positively influence the next generation, helping them find their dreams and true happiness so they can serve society beneficially. Grazie.

Reading and writing and filming

Around this time, I rediscovered my passion for screenwriting and filmmaking. I began writing scripts and TV pilots for fun. Friends insisted my writing was funny and enjoyable, which made me think I could pursue this career. I had tried before but was always scared of continuing, opting instead for a steady route that could secure a safe and stable life. However, the dream of becoming a screenwriter had been with me since I was eight years old. I loved movies more than anyone else I knew.

As I got older, I would go to the library and rent 15 to 20 films a week in the summer. I read every film book available, from André Bazin and Jean-Luc Godard, to Federico Fellini, Yasujiro Ozu, and Akira Kurosawa. I paid special attention to books on editing by Walter Murch and screenplays by Woody Allen. This was my world, and anyone who knew me knew this.

When I was 13, instead of having posters of athletes, girls, or bands on the wall (though there were some), I had big, beautiful film posters. Every night as I lay in bed, I would look at these posters, dreaming of the day my own film’s poster would be on the wall. A huge wooden poster of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” stood across from “L.A. Confidential,” and over my bed was Atom Egoyan’s “The Sweet Hereafter,” a film that changed me as a young writer. Over the years, I collected posters, from the original print of “Return of the Jedi” to Fellini’s “Otto e mezzo” and many Sergio Leone films. 

(Image courtesy of Chris Murray via Unsplash)

As I grew older, my love for film became just that — a love. No matter what, film will remain with me forever. During this phase, I was fortunate to work as a crew member on several big movies, learning from wonderful filmmakers who became great teachers. One of my fondest memories was working on a Spike Lee film, an experience that taught me so much. However, unlike many, I was not interested in working in Hollywood; I wanted to work in Europe and make films like my heroes. Soon enough, I finished my master’s degree in cinema and directed music videos in Europe. 

Success came early, and I felt I was too young to understand what was happening. I changed my career path and took courses to become an English teacher. Throughout this career change, I managed to integrate my love of cinema, making English films in class and writing screenplays or plays on particular English topics. In the background, I kept writing screenplays for an audience of no one, believing my time in cinema was over.

By 2017, I hit a wall in my life. I was engaged and had a great job, but I wanted more money for a secure future. Stupid worries raced through my mind like; “How was I going to afford that Maserati with the V8 Ferrari engine that I had on my vision board?” 

Making money

I looked at the job market and saw where I could make more money. I started postgraduate courses in digital marketing, digital product management, platform design, and data analytics. I studied hard and got good grades. Slowly, clients started to come in, and soon I was building my first websites with consulting flowing in. What happened next changed me forever. I took on the role of director of marketing and communications in a startup in Italy. I was successful, and the bosses promised more money, often dangling small rewards in front of me to lure me into working harder to drive their bottom line. 

(Image courtesy of Duren Williams via Pexels)

It started with fancy trips to Vienna, then expensive clothes, lavish yacht cruises, and expensive dinners with famous people. I believed I was getting everything I wanted. Every day I came home exhausted, used, and spent. I had no time for my wife, family, or my hobby, screenwriting. I started to get worse, angry, and hungry to prove myself in front of the rich bosses and investors. 

Just when I was about to give it up, they bought a Maserati, to which I was one of the few to have access. The first day I drove it, the V8 Ferrari engine roared, reminding me of the picture of the Maserati I had always wanted on my vision board. Now it was here. But after an hour of driving with all eyes on me on the highway, I felt empty. How could this not give me the joy I expected? 

I was confused and lost

Then COVID happened, slowing down business and forcing us all to retreat home. With so much time on my hands, I decided to write again. It started with finishing one screenplay, then another and another, and then a book. My wife pushed me to send my work to screenwriting festivals. What happened next was shocking: I started to win, and win a lot, at festivals all over the world. I didn’t need the recognition; I was just having fun writing. 

After COVID and a return to some normalcy, I began to reevaluate everything in my life. This job did not fill me with joy, and the bosses never cared about my well-being or even my relationship with my family. I missed the time I had writing; it made me happier and gave my life purpose.

I started to prioritize my family, my writing, my health, and my mental well-being. The company was shocked because I started to care less about the job. 

(Image courtesy of Duren Williams via Pexels)

It wasn’t really that I cared less; I was simply doing the work I was hired to do. I still met all deadlines and achieved results. But after 5:00 PM, I left the office and shut my phone off. No late nights answering emails. I started to take holidays and my legal two days off. Of course, they tried to guilt-trip me about my priorities. It was at a yoga retreat in the mountains that I made an ultimatum: I would stay one more year, then quit and focus on writing again.

Aiming higher

It’s been over three months since I quit the job that did not serve my higher purpose. I have had more fulfilling, life-affirming experiences than in six years in a job where I did not matter. During this time, I have sold two screenplays, one of which will be in production in February 2025. I have been to amazing concerts, reconnected with my brother in Barcelona, hiked mountains, surfed, ziplined, gone to waterparks, reconnected with God on a deeper level, joined an American football team, and had the best work experience of my life in Puglia, teaching English to 18 amazing students across Italy who have changed my life. 

There are lessons to be learned from chasing money, wealth, and prestige. I learned a lot from all that. For six years, I was on a mission to prove people wrong, to show them how many things I could acquire. This material solace instead created a life devoid of anything meaningful. I failed to see that truly rich people live their purpose. 

Purpose, I came to understand, is doing what you love, which serves your higher self and improves the world around you. The joy I now have for life is incomparable to the six years of boredom I experienced while waiting for my profit share. Or the sailboat I was promised. In the end, none of those things materialized, as they were used as false idols to take me away from myself. I realized I always had the most valuable thing in the world within me: my happiness and my freedom. 

And so do you. Prego. 

(Image courtesy of Massimo Virgilio via Unsplash)

Educated Through Chaos

Posted on by Jonathan

My name is Tiessouma Pare and this is my education through chaos. 

It all started that October of 2009. I had just joined my first year at the University of Norbert Zongo, located in the north-central part of Burkina Faso, in the Faculty of Economics and Management. At that time, I admit that my university studies were not really easy with all the instability my country was constantly going through. While many classmates were giving up their studies as soon as they started, I chose not to follow them but to move forward and pursue my ambitions. It was a harder route. Or that was me. 

By October 2012, despite the difficulties and obstacles during my studies, I obtained my Bachelor’s in Economic Analysis and Policy. Nobody thought I could manage to.  At last, I made my family proud of me. Everything I had aimed for was not accomplished yet.  I still had one more year of hard work waiting ahead, to complete my studies and move on to the next steps I had dreamt of. 

One year later, I obtained my Master’s in Economic Analysis and Policy. During this period, I started a practical internship ending in Dec 2013 within a financial institution responsible for supporting beneficiaries in obtaining housing. 

Enough school

Following my internship, the Spring of 2014 saw my integration period within Coris Bourse. That financial institution specialized in portfolio management in the stock market of the BRVM, the regional stock exchange. 

It was March 2014, I had  barely joined SOFIOR, a company specializing in consulting on gold trading and mining methods, when my country entered a succession of socio-political crises that unfortunately put me out of work before I could even complete a year of living my dreams.  I was almost depressed, my very being was in absolute turmoil, just as my country was.  Despite the despair that I was going through, I felt I had no other way forward but to find a way to get out of it and pursue my ambitions. I never wanted the chaos within me to succeed. Times were bad, and finding a job seemed impossible. I was desperate but nothing seemed to work.  

After a year there was some hope, some welcoming news. I got an offer from a telecommunications company as a “customer success” representative. Not what I was looking for, but I had no choice then. With no job at hand, I even signed a contract for three months. The customer success job came as a lucky charm, for at the end of the contract I felt  overwhelmed to be offered a different job for another company specializing in consulting on gold trading and mining methods, SCOR Burkina. 

However, coinciding with a succession of sociopolitical crises, thanks to the unrest, I found myself unemployed once again. It was June 2016. It was not even a year since I had started living again, and things seemed to get seriously worse since I was going through a financial impasse. 

Time for a leap abroad 

It was now September 2016, seven years after I had decided not to give in to the sociopolitical unrest. Enough was enough. After being persecuted for legal claims, I decided to leave my land, not easy but I had to live. I traveled to the USA for new adventures, while remaining focused on my goals. There was little to lose in the mess of Burkina Faso.

In February 2017, I signed my first contract with Uber to recover financially. Yes, I started in the US as an Uber driver. I did not stop here.  I invested whatever I earned in obtaining certificates — yes — particularly in the humanitarian and technological fields. 

Still pushing through chaos

Five years passed and I decided to start my own company, as I had enough experience in logistics and transportation.  This thrived.  My logistics and transportation firm is still running at a profit. 

In October 2023, I received my credential from World Education Services (WES) in “International Academic Qualification.” 

Back to school starting September 2023,  I am in an apprenticeship with New York’s Cooper Union in Java programming and Android development.  I am now a macroeconomist,  with skills in financial analysis, development economics and sustainable economy. I have also developed skills through many certificates: global health, mediation, and cross-cultural negotiation. 

These skills  boosted a great sense of responsibility, leadership, and communication. I also learned how to be patient, create values, and build rapport. The list is long and flooding my life with learning that never ends. 

Still pushing through chaos, is courage and perseverance ever enough?

Always arm yourself. 

(Image courtesy of Brandi Alexandra via Unsplash) 

Gobsmacked By Environmental Consciousness: How COVID Recycled My Values & Priorities

Posted on by Jonathan

We learn valuable life lessons the hard way. In 2018, as I proudly stepped out of my final year of high school, little did I know that the journey ahead would teach me valuable life lessons. My post-school life began with an unexpected jab that forever altered my perspective on managing personal finances and also a surprising consideration – environmental sustainability. Who knew?

Gobsmacked by freedom

(Image courtesy of Ady April via pexels)

After completing school, I was convinced that higher education was beyond my grasp. Underestimating my academic record, I decided to take up any job I got. 

Independence looked more appealing than education. 

I managed to find a job as an Administrative Clerk at a wholesale and supply store. I had no clue that this decision would become the root of my deeper sense of understanding of the economy and money management. As a teenager, my salary, which was more than my pocket money, seemed a luxury. I spent whichever way I wanted. No restrictions. I was so happy I worked there for three years, even during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. It became a necessity then. And why would I leave my newfound independence?

That period was dreadful for those who worked in stores, given the merciless looting that took place in our country. Our lives were at risk of being infected and also due to our workplaces being looted, we were in danger of being killed by store looters — the new breed of looters formed during the pandemic.

Gobsmacked by threats

(Image Courtesy of Eri Mclean via pexels)

As an administrative clerk, my interactions with an array of people — drivers, suppliers, and customers — every encounter was almost life-threatening.  Implementing stringent safety protocols seemed just mental solace. The threat of the store being looted and in the process of safeguarding it being killed was also scaring me. Striking a delicate balance between upholding professional obligations and safeguarding personal health and life became paramount. 

Despite the inherent risks, I approached each interaction with diligence, ensuring that essential business operations continued smoothly, focused on both profit and safety. This added layer of complexity was not for a teen like me. For me, it was a heavy dose of challenges . My goal was just to have a job and safeguard my independence. 

Balancing the demands of the job while managing personal anxieties about health and safety became a daily struggle. I grew up to be an adult, a real adult. Despite the hardships, I remained resilient, adapting to new protocols, mastering remote collaboration tools, and maintaining open lines of communication with my superiors.

Witnessing the destruction of businesses and the financial fallout reinforced the fragility of economic stability in me. Something too hard to take in as an independent teenager was the idea of financial insecurity. The very thought of losing my job sent a chill down my spine. 

Gobsmacked by finances

(Image courtesy of Joslyn Pickens via pexels)

It was during these days of instability that I realized the need for financial stability, and that only a college degree paved the route to a better job and hence stronger finances. Determined, I applied for a Bachelor of Commerce in Law degree. Much to my surprise, the institution acknowledged my academic results and cast away the doubts I had about myself. Despite the financial struggles that would accompany. me, I was determined. I joined the college.

But once independent, always independent. As I alone shouldered the burden of college fees and other monthly expenses,  I could not afford to quit my job as clerk. However, this challenge served as a stepping stone for my personal growth, growth towards adulthood, towards worldly maturity. I transitioned from a spendthrift teen and learned how to budget and save. I turned my financial burden into my financial awareness. 

Juggling work and studies, I found gratitude in the fact that my employment not only fueled my educational pursuits, but also provided a way to help my family financially. I understood the value of taking care of the needs of my family.

My job allowed me to review the ever-changing prices from suppliers for an extensive array of household products, from hardware to appliances to food. It was during this time that I witnessed the harsh reality of economic instability. The instability that affected me and everybody else around me. The price of essential food items such as corn, wheat, and rice increased significantly as the months passed.

Occasionally, the company’s suppliers used to send out letters notifying us of shortages of certain products or informing us of inflation due to the scarcity of raw materials.  My education continued, I started noticing the interconnectedness of our economic systems with environmental sustainability. Our actions, both as individuals and as a society, have far-reaching consequences. 

When many saw the scarcity of raw materials exploding the prices, I saw the importance of taking care of our natural resources. 

I felt the need to prioritize environmental responsibility.

I stopped running after wants. In a world where our choices are impacted by availability and price tags, the importance of the modest consumer takes on a broader perspective. It extends beyond financial stability to encompass the conservation of resources and the preservation of our environment. 

Experiencing the economic instability due to pandemic effects, with looting and its aftermath, stirred in me the need for a mindful and sustainable approach to life. These challenges forced my family and me to adapt to be more resourceful and wise with our spending. We cut our expenses wherever possible, and managed with whatever we already had.

Gobsmacked by environmental sustainability

(Image courtesy of MS Uppy via unsplash)

Saving, reusing, and recycling are not just environmentally friendly actions. In moments of uncertainty, I turned to those simple yet profound acts as a source of empowerment and resilience. Whether it was finding new ways to repurpose household items or diligently sorting recyclables, each action felt like a small but meaningful contribution to a larger cause. Beyond just environmental conservation, these practices turned into my values to become a source of personal fulfillment even during a difficult time. I embraced a commitment to sustainability by prioritizing the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. 

Actually, the pandemic recycled my values and priorities.

Recognizing the importance of minimizing waste and conserving resources, I did my bit for the environment and drew my own satisfaction. Reducing unnecessary consumption, carefully assessing my needs, and opting for eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible became my motto. 

Additionally, I actively sought out opportunities to extend the lifespan of things and reduce landfill. My small yet humble step towards embracing sustainability.

Embracing the recycling ethos, I diligently sorted waste materials and ensured proper disposal in recycling facilities, contributing to the circular economy and promoting a positive chain reaction that influences the availability of resources, the stability of economies, and the well-being of our planet. 

As we navigate through the uncertainties of life, a pandemic that hit the entire world, tragic and devastating for millions, left a never-fading print of horror in our lives.  Its effects changed how we view life, and I was no exception.  A commitment to responsible living can create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

My journey taught me that being financially aware is important because anything similar could knock us out again, leaving us in limbo and facing inflated prices. The choices we make today in response to the environment will  have a big impact tomorrow. 

Midlife Crisis @ 18

Posted on by Jonathan

I believe I’m going through a midlife crisis at the age of 18. Whenever I make a mistake, I think to myself, “I shouldn’t have done that; I’m practically an adult.”

But I’m not an adult, not really. I mean, legally I am, but that doesn’t count. I still live with my mom. I’m still working at my one and only job. I don’t pay bills. I don’t have my driver’s license.

The other day I probably would’ve fallen for a scam call if it weren’t for my mom intervening, and my heart still drops to my stomach whenever I think back to it. That was so stupid of me. I think the reason they almost got me is because my phone always says “Possible Scam” as the contact when scammers call me, so I immediately deny the call. But that wasn’t the case that time. 

Who’s a smoothie?

Okay now, I’m speaking from the future here. I had to take a break because I didn’t really have anything else to say. But now I do. I have been fired from my job, and my biggest concern is that I didn’t get the last word in.

The reason I got fired was getting into one too many arguments with the owner of the place, Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Two arguments to be exact. 

In my defense, the first time we got into it, I didn’t know he was the owner. I just thought he was my manager. Also, in my defense, it was my first job. Lastly in my defense, I was in the right both times. 

Unfortunately, I learned too late that whoever’s in the wrong doesn’t matter when you’re an employee and your opponent’s your boss. I blocked his number and deleted his contact. Then deleted two of the apps that had anything to do with the job.

But that leaves me with two coworker numbers. What do I do with them? Should I send them a final farewell before blocking and deleting their numbers as well? They’re not necessarily my friends, but they were kind. The best part about all of this is that my shyness (and the opinion that there’s little to no point in talking to my co-workers about anything but work) made it so I didn’t form any close bonds at the workplace. That and I’m pretty sure I get to keep both shirts and my visor since he didn’t say anything about returning them. I did give him a chance to do so.

This all happened around 1:00 in the afternoon yesterday, and today I blocked him sometime around 6:00 pm. He either forgot or was too angry with me to talk any further (which I highly doubt. Firing one employee shouldn’t cause any anger. Nor should a ten-minute argument over text). Or he allowed me to keep them? Regardless, I’m keeping them. 

Back home

Although they do hold some bad memories, maybe over time, they will go away.

(Image courtesy of AcrylicArtist via Morguefile)

Like the time I ran my mom’s car into the garage. That happened sometime during the end of February. And all the stupidity and embarrassment I felt have mostly subsided. 

Maybe that’s me. My favorite color is red, but I have very few red belongings. 

I am still a teen. My hobbies consist of learning languages, playing video games, reading, writing, and watching movies. My favorite movie at the moment is Call Me by Your Name, and my least favorite is Ten Things I Hate About You.

I want to be a famous writer in the near future, so I can see what people have to say about my characters, and maybe one day have them end up on the big screen. I really enjoy the idea of being known by a lot of people.

Career Twizzled: 123 … ABC … SEO

Posted on by Jonathan

Back in high school, if someone said I’d end up as an SEO content writer, I’d have hesitated. Search engine optimization, or SEO, wasn’t on my radar then — I barely had a simple mobile phone, let alone the devices every high schooler has today.  My favorite subject then was mathematics, hence my interest in financial accounting. And, of course, math always got me the best grades. I felt I was set on becoming an accountant.

Fast forward a few years, my interest started taking an altogether different direction. I found myself navigating the world of SEO content writing. I had hardly thought of it in high school.

Life has a funny way of surprising you. Who knew my journey would lead me from crunching numbers to crafting words for SEO? Sometimes, the unexpected can turn out to be the most fulfilling.

Hopping in and out

My failure in getting into university landed me in one of the best teacher-training colleges in Nigeria. The course I ended up studying was Accounting Education. Not getting admitted into a university troubled me – I was confused. At first, I wasn’t too sure about accepting the offer, but eventually, I started liking it and felt happy about my decision. 

During my three years in college, I learned both theory and practice in education and accounting. I gained a solid foundation. My dad’s support played a great role. It was the sole reason I was ready to finish my studies in three years. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2013. I missed my dad and his guidance. I was once again confused about what to do next – take a job or continue with my studies.

I continued my education at the university through the direct entry mode, by taking admission in the university in Nigeria directly in the second year. I got the benefit of skipping the first year because I had a certificate in teacher education, a certificate higher than secondary education. 

Now, you might be wondering how I transitioned to SEO writing. 

Discovering and diving into the world of SEO

In late 2014, I started university after finishing my national certificate in education program. That’s when I stumbled into my newfound love: writing. I even started drafting an accounting book, thinking it could help high school students and maybe even seeing it as a bestseller. Sadly, I somehow lost the file. Despite this setback, I began my newly-minted writing journey.

As an undergrad, I created mini-articles on motivation, inspiration, life, and spirituality, sharing them on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. My friends and loved ones liked them. Their positive comments encouraged me to write more and more.  

Thus, started my journey in content creation and article writing. It was a journey I could not have anticipated a few years earlier. 

During my university days, I quenched my thirst for writing by helping my classmates with their writing and research, and by proofreading their work, all for free. As I neared my final year, I began pondering how to turn my passion for writing into a profession. It took a few years to materialize my thoughts. After finishing my degree, I realized that the internet offered opportunities. To me, the opportunities seemed endless.

I began searching for freelance jobs in order to earn money, but I had to avoid scams. That’s when I stumbled upon SEO. At first, it sounded complicated, like one of those course codes at university. But I knew that if I wanted more writing opportunities, I had to learn about this SEO thing, whatever it turned out to be.

Every writer is a teacher

In the past, I taught in school from primary to secondary levels. But in 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I shifted to the corporate world. Now, my main gig is teaching and educating through my writing.  

(Image courtesy of Marcus Silva via Pexels)

In the writing world, the teacher in me was useful. Simply understanding SEO is not enough to spread a message. Effective communication and organizing information, the skills of a teacher, helped me a lot. 

The essence is that being a good teacher makes a better writer.

To put it simply, I strongly believe that every writer is a teacher. You might not agree, and that’s okay. But I think this way because, as a content writer, your job is not just to entertain. Every piece of content you create should also educate your audience.

So, it’s like this: back when I was teaching in schools, I learned how to communicate well and present information. Now, as a content writer, I’m using those skills to ensure my writing entertains but also educates. It’s all about passing on relevant information to the folks reading my content.

Accounting has a story

Obviously, accounting is all about numbers and involves analyzing numbers. My experience in accounting has shaped how I create content, especially in the data and analysis part of writing for search engines.

Because of my education in accounting, I know how numbers tell a story.  When I write for the web, I carry that analytical mindset rooted in me. It helps me create content that is not just words, but also backed by data and analysis.

Back when I was studying accounting, I didn’t think I would use it in my writing. However, those skills influenced the way I approach SEO writing. I learned to pay attention to every detail, and that helps me create informative content that is well-optimized for search engines. In the world of writing for the web, the ability to understand and utilize data is crucial. My accounting background has been like a secret weapon. It’s like having a special tool that helps make my content more effective and visible online.

My journey from accounting to content creation might seem like a big leap, but the analytical skills that I gained and nurtured in the past make my writing stand out today. It’s not just about putting words together; it’s about using numbers and analysis to make the content more valuable for the readers and the online world.

Delve into techniques

When I decided to learn about SEO, I figured that the best path to learning is by doing. At first, it seemed a little difficult, but I knew that taking action was key. 

While still working my regular 9-5 job, I created my own blog without hiring a web developer. You might not want to build your site, but doing so (on a budget) was a must for me.

I also spent hours watching tutorial videos and learning search engine optimization from SEO experts like Brian Dean and Koray Tugberk Gubur. I applied what I learned to my website and noticed some better page rankings on Google. If you want to succeed, learn from the already-experienced.

Networking – key to success

If you’ve heard “Your network is your net worth,” you know that building connections is like investing in your professional success. Whether you’re into SEO, teaching, or accounting, a strong network helps you grow faster in your career.

For a long time, because I didn’t pay attention to LinkedIn, I was missing out on opportunities. To fill that gap, I started connecting with other professionals in and out of SEO.

Last year, I got invited by a brand owner to speak about SEO at a live event on LinkedIn. That talk is just one example of the many opportunities coming from deliberately building a strong network.

Every story is right

For the record, my story is no more exceptional than others. Everyone has a unique story to tell, right? 

We all have our paths and can achieve whatever we set our minds to. Whether you’re trying something new or making a career change, it pays to believe in your potential and put the work in. As Henry Ford wisely predicted, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” 

(Image courtesy of Johnathan Ciarrocca via Unsplash)

I Can Fly, Even with Clipped Wings

Posted on by Jonathan

I was born into a middle-class family, and studying at the university is not considered good for a girl. In more conservative rural Pakistan, girls might not get an education past sixth grade, because society says it. 

Stupid and aggressive in Fort Abbas

Five hours from Lahore is a small town, Fort Abbas, in the Cholistan desert of Punjab. I was born and grew up in this small town. Opposing the social norms here, grew my biggest dreams of being educated. 

But my father is a teacher. He supported me and my sister and did everything to encourage our college admission. Because I wanted to study, my relatives considered me a “stupid and aggressive” girl. They still consider me stupid. When I got admitted to the university, they taunted me every time. Education was not for girls. To be a girl is to aim for marriage and family.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 came, and classes shifted into online mode. Two semesters were completed smoothly at home. During the third semester, my sister and I returned to the hostel near our school, almost a dormitory – so many of them together in one large room. 

My Dad was not strong economically. He managed a side business, but due to the virus, it stopped.   That fixed passive-income amount which came from his teaching job, it became difficult to manage both our household and our education expenses.

 I decided to start a job as a content writer. This was my first experience, and I worked for eight months, during which time I got harassed several times and then I quit the job. After facing personal taunts, I wouldn’t say I like to work on-site, but all my education and hostel expenses were on me now. So, I applied for new jobs but there was no positive response. 

Instead,  I started my own business as a freelancer with a laptop that I bought from the savings of my previous job. I joined a digital marketing course at my university.  After three months, when the course ended, I created my freelancing profile on Fiverr. Four months passed and there were no orders. My profile on Fiverr was automatically blocked. 

I was so desperate, I created another profile — things seemed to work now — I started to get “clients”: one was fake, and the other one didn’t pay me. He blocked me after receiving his work. This hit me hard. I went into depression and skipped everything I was supposed to do — or dreamt of doing. 

A year passes, but a huge motivation

(Image courtesy of Cottonbro Studio via pexels)

After a year again, I motivated myself to restart — to come back to work. I created my profile on Upwork, wherein I got four orders. These orders were not big projects, but they gave me a huge boost. I spent all my money on Upwork applying for orders, but I got no more orders. 

Now, it was my eighth semester, and the most challenging one for me. Problems seemed to pour in from all directions —both at the university and at home. My Dad got a paralytic attack. It was nearly impossible to see him in that condition, totally bedridden. For the first time, I saw my strong Dad, my Dad who went against the society to educate us, crying. 

After a month of struggle and hardship, I got another on-site job, as a proposal writer. It was a great relief for my family — our finances would be handled now. But this job gave me the worst experience ever. I was insulted without any reason. I was warned thrice for no real reason, and at the end of the month, they dismissed me. Maybe because I was a girl. 

I was hopeless, and then my mom talked to one of her cousins. He hired me to work remotely. After just 15 days, he handed my job to someone else.

Trading, sales, marketing, challenges

But something else was in store for me. One of my friends gave me the idea of stock trading. I started trading, investing 10,000 Pakistani Rupee (around $35US), and I lost the trade. I ended up as a loser, with not a single penny in hand. 

No more savings, very hopeless and jobless. The eighth semester ended, and I managed to graduate, a mathematics graduate now — fortunately, the semester fees were paid in advance. After graduation, I  started a job in the sales and marketing department. So far so good, but looking back at all my failures in the past makes me skeptical of my success in the future. 

It seems so uncertain. It scares me with the thought of more failures. Coming from the kind of patriarchal society, where women do not go for higher studies, I am still living a dream with my degree and my potential. 

You have to marry someone

I know I am a brave girl. No one will come to motivate me and no one will come to support me. No one can hear my heart and no one can heal me. I will do everything for myself and change my lifestyle one day. This is my sole goal in life — I will create success out of many failures. 

Now that I am more accomplished on the educational side, I decided to focus not on what people speak of me, but solely on myself.

My family has lent me only two more years to run after and catch my dreams. Given my failures to succeed in this time limit — seems impossible. Else at the end of two years, my destiny will be — marrying someone they choose.  

This is my last opportunity to prove my potential. My father went against societal norms by sending his girls into higher education. It is now my turn to make my failures into my steps toward success.

Now, it’s my turn to prove that my father’s sacrifices were well-spent, for him and for me. 

(Image courtesy of Moaid Mefleh via Pexels)

From Fishing Village to SEO Wiz

Posted on by Jonathan

I believe in the power of education and self-education. 

Buckle up, for this journey isn’t just about SEO; it’s about defying limitations, embracing the unknown, and proving that, with unwavering will, anything is within reach.

My journey started in a small village called Mbita Point.  I grew up in this little Kenyan hamlet that sits on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria. 

(Image courtesy of Evan Dims via Unsplash)

It is a remote fishing village where computers did not exist, let alone the internet. I knew nothing about them, but I was always curious and eager to learn new things.

My first steps

This is how it all began. When I was 18, I moved to our Kenyan capital, Nairobi, to attend college. I was majoring in business and was interested in learning more about marketing and advertising. One day, while browsing the internet, I came across the term “SEO.” I had never heard of SEO before, but I was intrigued by the idea of being able to help businesses grow their audience by ranking higher in website search results.

I started doing some research on  this fascinating  topic. I read books, articles, and blog posts, and also watched online tutorials. I quickly realized that SEO was a complex and ever-changing field, but I was determined to learn as much as possible. 

I began playing around with what I was learning on a friend’s website. I optimized the website by including relevant keywords and wrote blog posts that were informative and engaging. Within a few months, I began to see results. This website started to rank higher in search engine results, and more people were visiting it. 

I dared launch my own turbine
I was so motivated and excited by my success that I launched my own SEO consulting business. I started by helping my friends and family with their businesses. I also offered my services to local businesses and owners who needed traffic on their websites.

(Image Courtesy of Jacek Dylag via Unsplash)

Quickly, word spread about the new magician in town, someone who could make potential buyers “walk” into your website and make purchases. My clientele list grew rapidly. I helped businesses of all sizes improve their online visibility. I also started writing articles and blog posts about SEO. I evolved into a well-known expert in the field.

Today, I am a successful SEO consultant. I have helped dozens of businesses boost their online visibility and I am now a regular speaker at industry events. I am passionate about helping businesses succeed online, and I am always looking for new ways to improve my skills. 

My takeaways for you

How did I overcome the challenges of self-education? I will share that self-educating is not easy. It requires a lot of motivation, discipline, and perseverance. Along the way, I faced many difficulties and pitfalls that tested my resolve and my confidence.

Take the inevitable challenges in stride. One big challenge was finding reliable and up-to-date sources of information. SEO is a dynamic and competitive field, and the best practices and strategies change frequently. I had to constantly update my knowledge and skills to keep up with the latest trends and developments. I also had to be careful about the quality and credibility of the information that I found online. There are many sources of misinformation and outdated advice that can harm your SEO efforts.

To overcome this, I used a mix of tools and methods to find and verify the information that I needed. I used Bing to search for relevant and authoritative websites, blogs, and articles. I used Google Scholar to find academic and scientific papers on SEO. I subscribed to newsletters and podcasts from reputable SEO experts and SEO agencies. I also joined online communities and forums where I could ask questions and learn from other SEO professionals and enthusiasts. 

Another challenge for me was balancing my time and energy between self-education and other aspects of my life. Self-education can be exhausting, especially when you must juggle it with work, family, and social obligations. I often felt overwhelmed and stressed by the amount of work that I had to do and the deadlines that I had to meet. 

(Image courtesy of Ann Poan via pexels)

With time, I learned to prioritize and manage my time and energy more effectively. I used a calendar and a to-do list to plan and schedule my tasks. I set realistic and specific goals and deadlines for myself. I also used a time-management app to break down my work into manageable chunks and intervals.

I made sure to take breaks and reward myself for completing my tasks. I also outsourced some of the work that I could not do or did not enjoy doing.

Who wants to learn?
Anyone who wants to learn needs to have a passion for learning. I started with no knowledge of computers or the internet, but I learned the nuts and bolts of SEO and turned my understanding of it into a successful business. I believe that if I can do it, probably anyone can. 

To all those interested in embarking on their educational journey, you could stop worrying about where to start. Multiple resources are available: books, articles, blog posts, and online tutorials. You can also find more knowledge through workshops and seminars. The most important things are to start learning and never give up. Education is a complex but rewarding journey. Once you start traveling on its roadway you will achieve your goals. For this, you must be willing to harness and sustain your relentless effort. 

So what are you waiting for?

From Greasy Shop Floor To  Cushy Office

Posted on by Jonathan

Careers in the rough terrain of the automobile industry frequently scale amazing heights. In this dynamic industry, my journey encapsulates the spirit of growth and success – from a machine operator to an office administrator in new product development. 

(Image courtesy of Lenny Kuhne via Unsplash)


Stuck on the shop floor

My story begins in 2002 when I joined the shop floor of an automobile company as a machine operator. Back then, the automobile sector in India was undergoing substantial technical advances. Working hands-on with machinery and production processes allowed me to gain a thorough understanding of the industry’s operations, sharpening my skills and boosting my industry knowledge. This experience provided me with a comprehensive view of our company’s cohesive functions.

(Image courtesy of Lenny Kuhne via Unsplash)

As the years went by, I became more interested in the subtleties of office administration, and  in heading away from the greasy shop floor and on towards a more interesting challenge. That was when I knew I had to pursue a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

My metamorphosis

Fast forward to 2015 when armed with a newly-minted MBA, I embraced the opportunity to go up from the shop floor to the office; a dynamic shift just like I wanted.

My journey from a machine operator to earning an MBA degree had required a remarkable combination of energy and psychological strengths. My energy levels were fueled by my determination to pursue higher education while working in an altogether different field. My self-motivation strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and aspiration for going up the corporate ladder. It also played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges and staying focused on my goals throughout my MBA journey. This transformation paved the way for growth and success. It also demonstrated my ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities for expansion, critical in an industry constantly disrupted by innovation. 

Pursuing an MBA alongside a full-time job, came with the significant stress of balancing my time effectively. During my self-actualization process, I experienced a mix of emotions ranging from excitement and pride to moments of doubt and anxiety. Juggling professional responsibilities with academic demands tested my time management skills and flexibility too. I believe that  my commitment to self-improvement and career advancement fueled my determination to push myself through the pressures. I thus became who I wanted to be through the struggle of work and study.

(Image courtesy of Kanhaiya Sharma via Unsplash)

Unsurprisingly, I faced opposition, jibes, and taunts from both previous shopfloor and new colleagues in the office. It was not easy. Building resilience in the face of such challenges required me to have an unshakable inner strength and determination. Despite these demotivating reactions to my promotion, I chose not to engage in or get distracted by any discussions about it. Rather I decided to remain focused on my professional growth. I put it down to my inner strength of character, and real commitment to my career advancement.

The transition from machine operator to office administrator represented more than just a change in jobs; it also represented a skill metamorphosis; a process in which I drew on strengths that I probably already had within me. 

My transition wasn’t just oiled by my linguistic abilities, though these were vital. My attention to detail, honed as a machine operator, schooled me, and then established me as a crusader for precision. Furthermore, my time management abilities, which I had cultivated over the years, guaranteed that assignments were completed swiftly, without sacrificing quality. 

After my MBA, I felt like my transition to office administration could have been worse if I had not had a knack for languages. It was my saving grace and allowed me to rise above the taunts from the shop floor colleagues I left behind. As an innovative company, we are expected to excel at international liaison, so I took it upon myself to learn multiple languages earlier. In new product development, this was definitely an asset to me. 

I was pleased that my skills in proofreading, article writing, and foreign language translation were recognized. My fluency in English, Japanese, German, Korean, and Chinese helped me to easily overcome linguistic divides for cross-cultural collaboration and global relationships. 

I’ve managed to communicate industry ideas, addressed varied audiences, and contributed to knowledge dissemination through my writing. This skill has not only expanded my professional career, it has also established me as a trustworthy creator of quality material. 

In essence, my skill set bridged the gap between the technical complexities of the automotive sector and the need to communicate information adequately to stakeholders. 

I grasped that adaptability is essential in a field as dynamic as the automotive industry. I worked on shaping myself as a professional who accepted but also flourished in periods of change. My professional progression highlights the potential inherent in skill development, education, and seizing chances — from the spinning machinery of the shop floor to the edginess of developing new products — an  all-new world.

Finally, my diverse abilities have been crucial in paving my career and the projects I’ve handled. I have been involved in developing new automotive products and this role has demanded all my creative strengths.

It has been challenging to move up from the greasy shop floor to the comfortably air-conditioned office. But from language translation to time management, my commitment to quality remains unwavering as the industry evolves. I eagerly await the opportunities and challenges of the road ahead on this high-gear journey. 

Millennial Customers Are Prickly, But I’ve Adapted!

Posted on by Jonathan

I have spent 38 years in the business of owning and running operations. 

Since 1987,  I have seen people of all shapes and sizes coming to buy from all walks of life. I have experienced people’s tastes rise and fall, change and change again. I have seen people’s attitudes change and reshape themselves both positively, negatively and emotionally. As a businessperson, I either had to adapt to the changing environment or fade into obscurity. I chose to adapt. It is an essential part of business. 

In the small business world, I have few or no employees, so my experience in an ever-changing environment stems directly from dealing with customers — experience in how to deal with them during each and every sale of the day. 

(Image Courtesy of Monstera Production via Pexels)

Customers were courteous

In the early part of my business venture, customers exhibited a welcoming social grace. Customers were courteous, they used words like please and thank you. A customer would hand me the money and thank me for serving their needs and being there for them. Customers then knew what they wanted when they shopped, and they were grateful for the experience — appreciative  that you were providing a service. They would hold a light or humorous conversation and give you a laugh, a smile, a wave when they left. No agenda, political hatred, or need to voice opinions in spite. They dressed with style, enjoyed the community experience around them, and cared that others experienced shopping as a joy, alongside them. 

Then. 

(Image Courtesy of Ludvig Hedenborg via Pexels)

In 2016, the customer atmosphere changed. It became stormy. The change came in the customers’ attitudes. This generation of customers was no longer interested in the community experience or in savoring the experience of shopping. They now shopped with a “me” mentality. 

It’s not all about me, but it is about me

Open for me, serve me, order this item for me, serve me the quantity I want. The unwritten rules and social graces were no longer honored or followed. Customers felt entitled to be entitled and to bluntly let you know.

 If I want my stuff at 6:30 AM, who cares if you open at 8 AM, serve me! 

Customers now dressed in slippers and pajamas. Bras were suddenly not socially awkward. Shirts with the words “One, Two, F^^% You” and “If You Stomp on My Flag, I’ll Stomp on Your Face” are okay for children to see. Arrogance and outrageousness are badges of patriotism. Now, when I wish them a nice day, they grunt or spit out, “Who the hell do you think you are!” As a business owner, this is a shock to the system, both emotionally and physically. 

(Image Courtesy of Rachel Claire via Pexels)

The customer is always right, even when wrong

These days, a business owner must adapt to the mentality and attitude of every customer. I held my tongue and did just that. I have adapted to the ever-changing attitude of what is “important” to every single customer. I have applied my knowledge of conflict resolution, psychology, and psychoanalysis to customer service. One customer is happy and enjoying their shopping experience, the very next customer tells you you’re an asshole and to f^^% off. The question of “What would you like today?” turns into a nasty political conversation where the customer is always right. 

I must be quick on my feet to be able to deal with today’s customer atmosphere. I am. I must treat each customer with an outward respect — and inwardly store the knowledge of what to do differently next time. I must be thick skinned and let go of past gripes and grievances. 

For me, the knowledge of understanding has come from my training in conflict resolution, psychology, and anger management. Empathy over the years led to continuing success in my little business. And otherwise. 

Procrastinate Enough? Let Me Help — Tomorrow

Posted on by Jonathan

A signature feature of my own lifestyle is Procrastination with a capital P. That is how much influence the word holds in my life. 

I can now help others. 

Procrastinate by honoring distractions — Instead of reading on, for example, you may want to daydream on the sleepy head of a unicorn implicit in the pools of color in the nearby photo.

Then let me show you other ways you, too, can introduce this complex, lay-back, and artful element in your life.

Procrastinate by replacing alarm clocks and structure with hope — I often go to sleep hoping to wake up early and finish my tasks. And the early morning never appears. 

The clock strikes 8: a.m. and I am left to mope in sorrow. Because my work meeting will start right at 8:30 a.m. 

Procrastinate by overstating your goals — On the work front, I have been constantly thinking about finishing my brand plan. It’s a grand plan. Still thinking. 

Most of the day of some damsel in distress is spent idly waiting for her Prince Charming. 

Procrastinate by freezing up in idleness, chaos or both — Damsel or prince, most of my day goes about dreading work. The problem is, more work piles up before the pending gets taken care of. And the chaos intensifies.

Anyways, the influence of the moon also brings some much-needed clarity. Numerology says I am an excellent creator. And so I believe myself to be a creator of finesse much more than an analyst of facts and figures. Right brain versus left brain. Sounds counterintuitive, right?

Procrastinate by collecting worries — It all stems from my habit of overthinking—what ifs and what nots. And this peculiar habit has landed me in trouble time and again, with unnecessary bouts of anxiety and tension.

In the end, will it be all worth it if I lay everything on the line to make this one task a success?

Not really. The universe does not operate per the whims and fancies of an individual. It is us, we assign notional importance to events and elevate them to grandiosely to earth-shaking. What is gold for one is pebbles for another. 

(Photo courtesy of Nico Smit via Unsplash)

So the gist of my take is not to over-credit the importance of any single task you have on your agenda. 

Procrastinate by overrating each detail, or your own importance — Well yes, your presentation might save the company. The single dot you put at the end of the sentence might protect an orator from years of public shame. And the one step you did not take by the pavement changed the course of history for a homeless man. It might have.

But, it is also okay to enjoy the triviality of our endeavors. Saves us the pain.

This brings me to the end of this short, sweet homily about the many trials and tribulations of distilling my personal skills in procrastinating, all captured and crafted to tutor my readers.

(Photo courtesy of Anni Roenkae via Pexels.com)

Slowly and steadily, I am mending my ways, isolating work and life, and learning the art of letting go. Tomorrow.