I never thought that I would be sitting in the classroom again at age 44. What would you do if you had one year to change your life? This is a story of how I turned my lemons into lemonades by pursuing my academic and professional career dreams in one year.
My story began sometime in December 2022, a time when everyone was bothered about the upcoming year, as economic and political turmoil had paralyzed the country. The cash crunch and the new Naira redesign caused confusion and frustration among the citizens, while the exorbitant price of diesel forced many businesses to close down or reduce their operational hours.
In addition to the economic brouhaha, I had suspicions about what loomed. My fears heightened when I received an email from the Head Office, calling for an emergency meeting with the management to discuss the plans for the upcoming year.
As I approached “The Hatchery,” a popular place in my company where very important discussions took place, I overheard the Human Capital Director’s conversation with the Head of Operations: “If you do not desire, aspire, inspire, or perspire, you will expire!” The statement resonated with me as I pondered about it.
The meeting with my management was brief. My company, in response to the economic downturn and uncertainty, placed a hold on business expansion. As the Business Development Manager, my major role was to spearhead the expansion drive in West Africa and this would mean redundancy.
As I drove home after the meeting, I pondered about a few lines – “Perspire otherwise you would expire.” Although I had achieved three major awards and two recognitions in the last three years, my professional advancement and personal development had stalled. Am I expiring?
My stomach tightened, as I remembered that my subordinate in the office recently bagged a Ph.D. award and was also elected as a fellow of the professional body I belonged to. The last certificate I obtained was a professional master’s degree over a decade ago.
Cold sweat trickled down my forehead stinging my eyes and blurring my vision as I pondered about this. I clenched my teeth and swore to myself: “I would fight to take back my life.”
To achieve my academic and professional goals, I set myself a deadline of one year to obtain two professional qualifications and enrol for an EMBA in a reputable institution. So, I contacted a friend to enquire about the best school where I can learn business. The Lagos Business School came highly recommended.
On 18 May 2023, I wrote and defended a critical analysis, one of the requirements to be elected into Associate Membership of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. A month later, I passed the professional interview and was registered by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria. These certifications are the climax of my profession.
As I write the piece, I am currently a student at The Lagos Business School. A redundant year has become a fulfilling year; I was promoted to senior management, completed two professional certifications, and was admitted into the prestigious Lagos Business School to study business.
Everything in life begins with a thought which metamorphoses into words. The act of contemplating the words births an intuition that calls for a purpose.
Through this journey, I learnt that life is full of opportunities and challenges, but it is up to us to seize and overcome them.
As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ I hope my story inspires you to chase your dreams and overcome any obstacles that come your way. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and make some lemonades!
