Comfort Zone OR Danger Zone? Learn From My Story

On this #MondayDoseOfInspiration, I’d like to share a little about how I started out in the media market.

When I returned from Yola, Adamawa State, where I served as an ‘otondo‘, I stayed at home for about a month. Well, not really at home. I was helping my mom out at her boutique.

Then, thanks to Dad, I got a spot at a TV station (name withheld) based in Lagos and even though I wasn’t enthusiastic about the place but I resumed work. At least, I would get a taste of the 9-5 syndrome.

I did a few weeks there, even though there was no contract and no serious position offered. Plus, I was told there wouldn’t be pay until my first 3 months was completed. WHAT?!?! Anyway, I continued working…

Until, I got a mail. The position was for an INTERN and it would only last for a month. It gets worse, they was no promise of pay! Ah! They would only cover my fare and airtime used in the course of working with them.

I was faced with making a decision. Playing safe in a place that would give me a job and steady income or ditch that and apply for internship that would not pay.

Crazy right?! But you see, this was no ordinary internship position. I reasoned it would look good on my CV and then I would be working with people who are excellent in their craft, for a stage play (4ColoredGirls Nigeria).

My mom doubted but I was convinced it was the way to go, so she supported. My dad? Well, you can imagine how he took it, especially since he played a part in my getting the job at the station.

Long story cut short, I had an amazing time working as assistant to the producer of the stage play. I enjoyed every bit of it but I got to connect with the all-star cast of the play (google it to know who).

This was November/December 2012. At the end of the sold out show, I got paid what my superiors at the TV station did not get. (My jaws separated when I got the bar, lol).  That wasn’t all, they introduced me to someone who needed a website manager/content provider. That’s how I got introduced to web/social media management.

Few months later, I was working two jobs, managing two websites, from the comfort of my house and making 6 digits. 6 DIGITS!!! God is awesome. That phase of my life paved the way for my Channels TV phase (story for another day).

So what message am I preaching here… 

Your comfort zone is a danger zone! Your life is too precious to be wasted in a place that brings no joy! Find courage and STEP OUT, because that’s where you’ll find the sunshine.

Life is about risks. Not taking them is more dangerous.

I could have stayed safe at that TV station and ended up miserable just because the labour market is an unfriendly place. However, I knew that to be successful, I had/have to be happy and if a job is not making me happy… it’s time to move it!

Has this inspired you? Let me know in the comments box.

XoXo-

MY