I have entered the eighth month of my relocation to the motherland, and reflecting back on the positives, negatives, triumphs and regrets on my months in South Africa so far, I am still left with the resolute knowledge that my move back to Africa is one of the best decisions I have ever made
CAREER PERSPECTIVE The Positives • Excitement – After graduation last year, I was sitting on two job offers. One in NJ, but lacked the excitement and sense of purpose I was looking for in my career. The second, was my current job which offered a move to South Africa, and promised to be a boat load of excitement. Well it was excitement I wanted, and that I have gotten, working in Africa is never a dull moment. From random acts of kindness by clients, to blatant bribery and corruption by officials, to seeing government ministries stand up against the might of foreign companies wanting to exploit a country’s resources….we see it all. So if you are contemplating a possible move to the motherland for work, and it is excitement that you seek – rest assured, for you will have it plenty.
• Exposure – Working in Africa as a foreign trained professional exposes you to working relationships with the upper echelons of corporations, businesses, government bureaucracies, etc. From a personal perspective, I would be the first to admit that if I had stayed put in the West, it would take me a good number of years to form the relationships with, CEOs, Managing Directors, Government officials, etc, who are all so much more accessible when one works in Africa. So folks, if you are thinking about relocating to Africa, be assured that your career would still be on the fast track, as living and working here allows you to mingle from a professional and/or personal perspective with the Who’s Who…on the continent.
• Sense of Purpose – last year, I reached a juncture in my life where I was determined to not just “talk the talk, but walk the walk”. If I really wanted to see Africa take its rightful place on the world stage, then I wanted to be part of the movement that was fostering the change. So here I am, 8 months later, and I can see/feel the positive changes taking place on the continent. For example, when I started work in January covering the West African zone, my case load comprised of work from Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal only. However, fast track to today, and I now oversee work for eight (8) countries in West Africa. (From Senegal to Cameroon). Yep folks…..this is the sort of exponential growth occurring within African economies. It is indeed an exciting time to be working here…..we are slowly but surely going places.
The Negatives • Sexism/Ageism – Working in Africa without a doubt has its challenges. One of the most annoying ones I have come across is the issue of people judging you unjustly in the work environment due to your gender or your supposed inexperience due to age. Many a times I have been faced with situations where a client would prefer speaking with a “male colleague”, because for some twisted reason they believe he may be more knowledgeable. Other times my boss has been summoned instead of me, because I appear young, and therefore must be inexperienced. These are all grievances which occur while working here. So if you’re considering a move to work in Africa, and happen to be young – or female- chances are you may run into these sorts of instances. However, I am sure you are mentally tough enough to move past them 🙂
• Pay-Cut: Ha yes! The main reason that prevents a lot of people from wanting to return back to Africa. From what I’m seeing on the ground, it really depends. Yes you might take a slight pay cut, because most companies determine your salary based on the cost of living in the country, etc. However, there are other perks which working “abroad”, as in Africa allows……benefits such as Danger Allowances, Per Diem, Travel Allowances, Housing, etc….all add up. In the end, you may actually end up saving more by living in Africa.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE The Positives
What can I say! Living and working in Africa has been rewarding in every way imaginable. Less stressful, a more balanced work-life approach, I feel closer to my family since I have ample time on my hands to give them the up to date tid-bits on my life, I feel closer to God, since I have more time to meditate and worship him, and most importantly I feel like I am doing meaningful work and in my own little way, being part of the solution to Africa’s skills-shortage problem.
The Negatives
Not been able to share this new experience with close friends and family is a constant drag. Almost every day, I experience something new, crazy, exciting, sad, funny, to share. But Hey…that’s where Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, Facebook and the like come in 🙂
So folks – I hope I have in some little way inspired you, and not scared you off. If your goal is to work in Africa, then go for it. It is an amazing experience and you won’t regret it. Good Luck!!!
Taken in June……six months into my relocation to the motherland
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