My Employment Journey

I was an accounting professional and privileged to work in a stable government agency for many years and even had the opportunity to travel abroad (which I didn’t take up regrettably).  Anyway years went by and I got better at my job, more confident and transferred to another agency which (unknown to me) was going to be my last.  The job was like sitting in an easy chair – the route to work, my hours, the tasks were all predictable and became less of a challenge. But a regular salary was my comfort blanket, especially with another baby on the way.

Fast-Forward 2009 – Post Baby Number 2

In 2009, redundancy struck and pushed me way out of my comfort zone. I was hurt, resentful and I panicked. Who will employ a mother of two young kids in a busy accounting department? What happens when the baby is unwell and I can’t come to work, what will happen if my train is delayed and I can’t pick up my babies?  I struggled to find a job that will fit round my family life and was partly depressed for a while.  I wanted to be available for my family but at the same time enjoy a fulfilling career.  My situation forced me to look inward at the skills and talents I have been ignoring for so long.  My situation forced me to ‘SWOT’ myself and that is what gave birth to Write2Explain then Business First Steps, Business Next Step and Business Start-up 4 Girls.  I marvel at the things I do now – who knew that I had all that within me, my ex-colleagues are equally amazed too!

The Route to Now

The journey may not have been smooth all the way.  But like any task in life I have learnt to jump over the hurdles and challenge myself to achieve better results.  One of my favourite scriptures from the bible that always gives me comfort is “God makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places.” Psalm 18:33 Amplified.  I have also been privileged to meet some amazing people and mentors on my journey who challenge and encourage me to reach for the stars.

I read this comment in a book I was studying a while back –

“Do not get drawn into the “result trap” – focusing entirely on the destination and losing sight of the flow of the journey.”  There is so much to learn on the journey and if we do not stop once in a while and look around, we will miss out on the lessons we need to learn along the way.

What’s Your Story?

Are you facing redundancy and like me, panicking about the next step? Do not be afraid to look inward and locate all those hidden talents within you.  If you decide to go into another job, at least start by being true to yourself and your core values – this will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.  If you decide like me that entrepreneurship is the way forward, ‘Do it even if you are afraid!’  I wake up most mornings asking myself “why” and go to bed at night knowing exactly the reason “why”.  That is what fulfilment is all about.

So when next a circular goes round the office, do not panic – focus on the opportunities that lie within the change.

Support makes the transition from employment to self-employment a lot easier. If you need a sounding board, Business First Steps can provide the support and services you need to make the transition as smooth as possible.

I wish you good success

Temi Koleowo

If you need the SWOT analysis worksheet and other tools to help you identify your core values, your strengths, weaknesses and your passion then click here

Photos courtesy of sxc.hu ilco and djayo.