After graduating college, I began my career in IT support, transitioning from intern to full-time employee. For three years, I followed a conventional path but eventually felt stifled and resigned, sparking a significant shift in my perspective on work.
My mother, like many in my African community, envisioned a traditional life for me: stable employment, marriage, and family. My decision to freelance was met with concern and confusion. In my culture, stable employment is paramount, making freelancing a dissonant choice. Relatives offered job leads at established companies, but I yearned for something different: a borderless career.
Venturing into freelancing was challenging. With no role models in my family and no savings, I faced months of struggle. A year later, seeking a smoother transition to a new country, I accepted a junior web developer position. However, the demanding hours and relentless pressure led to burnout and frustration, prompting my second resignation.
When my managing director asked, "Where are you going?", I gave a vague answer, concealing my return to freelancing. This time, I had a stronger client base. My second freelance endeavor proved far more successful, encompassing roles like web designer, content marketer, copyeditor, and technical writer. Currently, I work as a content marketer and digital career coach. This diverse experience has broadened my skillset and allowed me to serve international clients.
Despite the challenges, I’ve built a rewarding and flexible career. My family, however, still struggles to understand my work. In Africa, where economic stability is fragile, their preference for traditional employment is understandable. While I’ve found stability in freelancing, bridging this generational divide will take time.
The nature of work is changing. In a world of downsizing and restructuring, freelancers with diverse clients are often more adaptable than those tied to a single employer. I feel more secure now than ever and hope my family will eventually recognize this.
The future is borderless. My generation is becoming global citizens, working across time zones and cultures in ways our parents never imagined. The relevant question is no longer "Where are you going?" but "How far can you reach?"