Comments on: Stuff African People Like: Employment

By: What are Marriages for Papers a.k.a. Paper Marriages? - The Displaced African

What are Marriages for Papers a.k.a. Paper Marriages? - The Displaced African — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:07:46 +0000

[...] When Billy is finished with high school, his parents decide it is in Billy and his family’s best interests if he flies over to the West to study something that will get him solid office job. [...]

By: Mwangi

Mwangi — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:43:25 +0000

@akiey: As I said to Mzeiya, I am so far on the side of entrepreneurship that it’s quite difficult for me to contemplate going back to employment unless I am working to save up money to start my own business. For that reason me thinks that I am quite possibly the worst person to give opinions on employment, I am a spy from an enemy land

By: Mwangi

Mwangi — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:40:54 +0000

@Mzeiya: In my experience the psychology of employers and employees is so remarkably different: employers tend to be very unreasonable, tenacious people who seem to have an obsession with control and taking responsibility whereas employees tend to be people who work very well with other people, have empathy and abhor risk.
So far I have met quite a few folks who go to University, get out and end up doing something completely different from their degree. Employment definitely has its advantages, but I am definitely the wrong person to ask about them, I am way too much on the other side of the fence.

By: akiey

akiey — Sat, 31 May 2008 06:13:19 +0000

That’s something we have in common then. I too grew up watching my parents learn the ropes of entrepreneurship to a point where they mastered it. Saw the ups and downs that come with owning & operating a business and as you you pointed out, you learn to react to them. I think with time you realize they are but common necessary hazards that also present challenges to make owning your entreprise an interesting experience in itself.

As Mzeiya puts it, acquiring skills through school or formal training makes sense that one seek employment in their field, something a good number of entrepreneurs have done and yep, when employed and you see things from that side of the desk/counter/street etc you learn the dos and donts of being an employer too, even if it means you become your own employer & employee.

Personally, I apply the formula of getting a good education with as much diff skills as possible, get into the “working world” and with time use your formal skills to help establish and advance your entreprise that way you come close to a win-win situation.

By: Mzeiya

Mzeiya — Sat, 31 May 2008 05:20:19 +0000

Well I guess it all depends on which side of the proverbial coin you are looking at. I tend to think that if you have gone through the rigours of higher learning, the endless assignments, re-sits, burning midnight oil then its more appropriate you seek employment in your field. It again depends on the discipline you studied. If you are trained as a teacher, nurse, accountant etc you should first look for employment in organisations. As time passes by then you can choose whether to go it alone.

However some people choosee never to be employed at all. I guess you need to be an employee to become an effective employer.

By: Mwangi

Mwangi — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:34:33 +0000

@akiey: I think that makes two of us who are atypical in that respect. Ever since I was a child I never wanted anyone to be in control or responsible for my destiny and always wanted a job where I was free to chose when and how I work.
I grew up in a household full of business owners and I have compared it with employed life……to entrepreneurship, personally, I don’t even see it as the more risky option if you experiment with it while you are young and have access to greater safety nets which tend to minimize as you get older (and come right back in retirement age)

By: akiey

akiey — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:27:55 +0000

I think Acolyte explained it way better than I would have myself. The notion of those middle classes being more comfy in employment holds true.

From the looks of how you describe it, it seems like I may not be typical African for once as I really dislike anything that even pretends to be employment. I tip my hat off to all entrepreneurs for they are some of the biggest risk takers and being one you take risks every day.

A regular paycheck is fine but it comes with it’s share of balaaz such as some unreasonable boss or a board of directors that has over ambitious goals & expectations that tend to put pressure on those below them.

By: Mwangi

Mwangi — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:01:30 +0000

@Kelly: And that’s why an entrepreneurship magazine would be so great, so we can learn how to leverage and go through or around all these issues to build an entrepreneurial society from the grassroots up.
I haven’t heard Wahu’s newest songs though I have heard they are pretty good? What do you expect, they are married, they probably hum the same songs in the shower……….

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:44:50 +0000

@Mwangi, Kenyans are really trying, but it’s sad that our policies are so unfriendly to the small businesses. Punitive taxation, unfair competition, not to mention the political issues that just mess up.

All in all, there is hope. Nameless is doing a great job. I don’t know if it’s me, but these days his songs and Wahu’s sound alike.

By: Mwangi

Mwangi — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:15:42 +0000

@Carol: It’s such a beautiful inspirational track with a beautiful inspirational video…..whoever did the cinematography for Salari and Sinzia by Nameless has my endless respect.