Diary of a Very Tired Employee – Episode 3

I sincerely believe that most small business owners have a fear of rejection. The way some of them react to people quitting almost feels like a divorce.

One once asked me if I “felt it was the right thing to do” because I resigned with immediate effect. Mind you, she had cut my pay by ₦60,000 the previous month because she felt I was being “too slow with the building of a website.” A website I wasn’t even building.

I wasn’t in charge of development. I was only overseeing the outsourced companies’ operations. They got paid in full. I got a pay cut.

Ironic.

Actually, I do not think resigned is the right word. I wasn’t an employee, I was a contractor. Brand management and social media were my side hustle. A girl must defeat capitalism.

Running a business and having a hectic 9-5 is no walk in the park. It’s draining. I can’t count the number of nights I cried myself to sleep, rolled my eyes at my buzzing phone, or prayed before picking up a call and then faked an excited voice.

I can’t wait for the day I finally do what I actually want to do

Fashion.

Well, fashion and tech. 

It’s in the works and soon I’d be able to quit. I am counting down the days. 

Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful. Truly grateful for my job and for every business owner who trusted me to help manage their brand. But sometimes, the condescension is so loud I wish I could reach through the phone and pull out a few braids.

I remember the first time I told a client, “I need to increase the pay for my staff.” She told me I was lying. She said I didn’t have staff.

It is well. All will be well eventually.

I guess this is me ‘paying my dues’ and soon all of these would be stories I’d share on stages whilst motivating youth to never give up. 

I feel like giving up every day . But I’d be damned if I let 10 year old me down. Got to go to sleep now. 

Tomorrow is another day to wipe tears, fake smile and say ‘’no worries’’ – even when I really am worrying. 

You can read episode 1 here