A Woman's Journey

 

I was the fourth child born into a family of 7, including my parents. My dad was the breadwinner. My mom stayed at home. My parents loved us dearly, and I have fond memories of growing up with my siblings and a few close cousins. I am proud to say that I am the only child in my family that matriculated and obtained a tertiary qualification. Funding my higher education was not easy, however, I have only my mom to thank for it. She somehow managed the household expenses on her small budget and was able to give me the money I needed for college. She lived her dream through me. My mom was uneducated, and all she ever wanted was to see me complete my education and make something of my life.

A Tertiary Education

I did receive my qualification, however, it was very difficult finding a job. Now this was some 30-odd years ago and it's so sad to state that to this date the job situation in our country has not changed. Anyway, after trying everything, through speaking to friends and acquaintances I managed to finally find a job in a field that had a slight familiarity with what I studied. I nevertheless put my shoulder to the grind from day one and worked hard. The pay was terrible but I knew the job situation was such that I had to stick it out until I found something better.  I did apply for many other posts, but each time, I was not as successful as I expected to be. 

An Opportunity Presents Itself

Finally, after 5 years of working, just after my second child was born, there was a major shift in the company, and at this point, there was an opening for a junior post in sales support. I was offered the post, on the grounds that, I had to prove myself before the position was finally mine. After about a year or so, I was the first woman to be employed in my division.

In the Ring

I worked in a male dominant environment and at times, I grew frustrated with never being recognized for my good work. Still, I continued to work harder than my male colleagues and stay in the game. I had to also deal face-to-face with male customers. Some of them were very professional in their dealings with me, however sad to say some men threw their weight around, always expecting me to bow down.

I am A Winner

I remained composed throughout my career, accepted the challenges, and continued to stay committed to the company. I was the only person in the sales team that received 3 awards consecutively from our largest customer for being the best supplier of the year. 

Careers do Come to an End

After 30 years of a successful career, the company decided to hire younger, more educated people with no experience. It is this crowd that undermined the ability of the older experienced members of the team, Shortly after the ruling of the inexperienced lot, the more mature team decided to walk and that was the end of my career.

Goodbye to Corporate Life

Today I enjoy early retirement, however, very often I do question my existence. I feel like I'm back at home doing household chores and wonder if generally, highly qualified women will one day find themselves back into the routine of household chores. Women all their life work so hard juggling family and career, empowering themselves to the peak of their careers, and then one-day corporate life becomes a distant memory.

Leave Behind a Legacy

Work as hard as possible during your prime years and ensure a healthy financial situation so when you decide to quit your corporate life you are still able to give back to the generations to come. During retirement, work on leaving a mark that you existed, that you made a difference, and continue to make a difference even after you have long gone. That is the true meaning of Life.

Love you Lots...