BRIEF RETIREMENT
“Akinola, Congratulations! I know it is well. I have gone for Apara’s daughter’s wedding and will be back on Saturday evening. Stay blessed! – B.K. Akinrin”
She believes in my dream more than I do, or so it seems. She wanted me to complete my Masters programme, get a PhD almost immediately and explore opportunities in the UK. Without doubt, she admonished ‘Make sure you invite Bisola overseas and get married – once you realize you’ll be staying over a year. I don’t want an oyinbo daughter-in-law’.
I have always believed that career is selfish and man must pursue his goal without recourse to what people think or feel, but she gave me a rethink. Perhaps there is something in it for her (just as there is something for God and humanity in my success). I was dazed when she handed me 4 sets of kampala, saying ‘you must represent a true African in the white man’s land’. She also got some Nigerian staples, secretly announced my departure to all who care to listen and silently boasted to be the mum of a daring adventurer.
She was going to sacrifice her late husband’s estate for a worthy course and in so doing – she earned an everlasting memorial from me. My mother just became immortalized and a Foundation has been initiated in her memory while she lives. Wouldn’t you do the same for a woman left with 42 kobo (Nigerian equivalent of $0.42) in 1984, paltry salary as a primary school teacher and 3 kids? Now, she has successfully raised me, another budding careerist in NYSC Camp at Delta State and a first-class IT undergraduate in a Nigerian private university. You can appreciate her plight when her son was refused UK Visa to undertake an MSc study in Mgt & Investment Strategy. She was heart-broken, so was I.
I realized that the pain of defeat we often feel is not so much about the defeat, but the pain of what others feel or think about our disappointments. It can hurt to have quit a good employment in anticipation of a secured Masters degree. Although the deed is done – yet I’m at peace with Akinola! There is no wisdom in expending energy on a defeated course. I suddenly realized that underemployment is better than unemployment and for every major project in my life – I will have an exit strategy (or a Plan B). I have learnt that success is best achieved when you are clear about your goals but flexible on how to achieve them. Nonetheless, my experience was a soul-searching one for which I harbor no regrets!
My ‘brief retirement’ afforded me the opportunity to devote quality time to my espoused lady-friend. We had a record-breaking 4-meets-in-a-month and that had some emotional profit. I have judged that I am no longer motivated by what to eat and drink (as most employees are) but by a higher purpose to live and be alive!
Suddenly I realized that I have made my first million by 28 (what a revelation?) and could deploy my banking experience to create multiplier effect. My inability to go for my Masters this September has turned on the possibility of corporate funding for my academic venture. Moreover, I just realized how free my Spirit is. You will never be free until you take your risks! And I am so glad – there’s gonna be another day. Today!
“Akinola, Congratulations! I know it is well. I have gone for Apara’s daughter’s wedding and will be back on Saturday evening. Stay blessed! – B.K. Akinrin”
She believes in my dream more than I do, or so it seems. She wanted me to complete my Masters programme, get a PhD almost immediately and explore opportunities in the UK. Without doubt, she admonished ‘Make sure you invite Bisola overseas and get married – once you realize you’ll be staying over a year. I don’t want an oyinbo daughter-in-law’.
I have always believed that career is selfish and man must pursue his goal without recourse to what people think or feel, but she gave me a rethink. Perhaps there is something in it for her (just as there is something for God and humanity in my success). I was dazed when she handed me 4 sets of kampala, saying ‘you must represent a true African in the white man’s land’. She also got some Nigerian staples, secretly announced my departure to all who care to listen and silently boasted to be the mum of a daring adventurer.
She was going to sacrifice her late husband’s estate for a worthy course and in so doing – she earned an everlasting memorial from me. My mother just became immortalized and a Foundation has been initiated in her memory while she lives. Wouldn’t you do the same for a woman left with 42 kobo (Nigerian equivalent of $0.42) in 1984, paltry salary as a primary school teacher and 3 kids? Now, she has successfully raised me, another budding careerist in NYSC Camp at Delta State and a first-class IT undergraduate in a Nigerian private university. You can appreciate her plight when her son was refused UK Visa to undertake an MSc study in Mgt & Investment Strategy. She was heart-broken, so was I.
I realized that the pain of defeat we often feel is not so much about the defeat, but the pain of what others feel or think about our disappointments. It can hurt to have quit a good employment in anticipation of a secured Masters degree. Although the deed is done – yet I’m at peace with Akinola! There is no wisdom in expending energy on a defeated course. I suddenly realized that underemployment is better than unemployment and for every major project in my life – I will have an exit strategy (or a Plan B). I have learnt that success is best achieved when you are clear about your goals but flexible on how to achieve them. Nonetheless, my experience was a soul-searching one for which I harbor no regrets!
My ‘brief retirement’ afforded me the opportunity to devote quality time to my espoused lady-friend. We had a record-breaking 4-meets-in-a-month and that had some emotional profit. I have judged that I am no longer motivated by what to eat and drink (as most employees are) but by a higher purpose to live and be alive!
Suddenly I realized that I have made my first million by 28 (what a revelation?) and could deploy my banking experience to create multiplier effect. My inability to go for my Masters this September has turned on the possibility of corporate funding for my academic venture. Moreover, I just realized how free my Spirit is. You will never be free until you take your risks! And I am so glad – there’s gonna be another day. Today!
posted by Akin's Thoughts @ 3:05 AM
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