Riding the Career Bus: Detours, Speed Bumps, and Scenic Routes on My Professional Journey

In the heart of a bustling office, under the glaring lights of the conference room, a tale unfolded not just of strategy and statistics, but of curiosity, conflict, and the quest for understanding. The stage was set for an ordinary meeting about impact evaluation, but what transpired was anything but ordinary. The protagonist of our story, Irene, a dedicated project manager with a vision for change, found herself amidst a sea of skeptical faces. A consultancy firm hired, renowned for their analytical prowess, had cast doubts upon the very interventions our hero had so painstakingly designed, with the project team. As the discussion ebbed and flowed, a burning question ignited within her, fueled by a relentless curiosity that could no longer be contained. "What is informing the sampling methodology?" she inquired, her voice a beacon of inquiry in the dim room. "How is my opinion as the project manager influencing the sampling methodology?" It was as if she had unlock...

Irene's morning begins not with the sun's gentle kiss but with a burden of dread, as the familiar specters of unending tasks and suffocating deadlines loom ominously. Lying immobilized, she confronts the daunting vista of her responsibilities, each more demanding than the last, a veritable mountain range of professional challenges. The seductive call of sleep beckons, promising escape from this relentless siege on her peace. Yet, beneath the surface of this tumultuous sea of worry, a resilient spark of determination endures, defiant against the dark tides of despondency. Irene recognizes the critical nature of her role; she is the keystone, the anchor point for her team's aspirations and endeavors. She stands as the guiding beacon for her staff and partners, an embodiment of strength and direction in the face of adversity. Rising from the depths of her despair, Irene crafts a strategy of survival and triumph. She vows to safeguard her health, to carve sanctuaries of calm wi...

Once upon a time in the wacky world of Geraldine's career, she found herself embroiled in yet another hilarious chapter of her professional life. Picture this: Geraldine stumbled upon an external vendor whose ego was bigger than an elephant on a diet of donuts. Little did she know that this vendor's recruitment process had been a hot mess, and somehow, they ended up with a contract for a job they had zero experience in. Talk about a comedy of errors! The situation quickly spiraled into a dispute resolution meeting, where all the parties involved gathered to sort out the mess. But, hold onto your hats, folks! Instead of addressing their own shortcomings, the vendor took a detour straight into the realm of personal attacks. It was like watching a squirrel trying to perform Shakespeare—totally unexpected and utterly ridiculous. Now, imagine you were a lowly junior in the hierarchy, caught in the midst of this circus. How would you handle such a sideshow? Well, unfortunately for mo...

Picture this: Meet Jomo, a hardworking Kenyan taxi driver who calls Nairobi his home and his cab, his castle. Every day, he wakes up early, greets the sun, and hits the roads, never knowing what the day will bring. Lately, however, Kenya's economy seems to be playing out like a comedy sketch on SNL, with Jomo as the reluctant star. Imagine having the Kenyan Shilling as a fickle best friend who's perpetually on a diet, losing value faster than a melting ice cream cone in the hot Nairobi sun. That's the reality Jomo grapples with daily. He laughs and says, "You know, the Shilling is like that friend who owes you money but instead goes on vacation!" Living in Kenya has become an expensive joke, where avocados are the new status symbol. Jomo jests, "If I can buy an avocado without selling my taxi, I'll consider myself Kenya's Bill Gates!" Last Friday, he joined the street demonstrations, leaving his cab behind. On his homemade placard, a witty quip ...

To the dedicated followers of my life's thrilling saga (you know who you are), you know that I harbor an unapologetic love for culinary adventures. This past weekend, my gastronomical journey took an exciting detour to one of our humble local supermarkets. There, in a moment of bold resolve, I decided to don the top hat and monocle of the bourgeoisie. I shelled out a royal sum of Kshs 450 (3.2$) for less than half a kilogram of the ruby red delight - the pomegranate. Oh, how I revel in the symphony of crunch as I sink my teeth into those jewel-like seeds, each bursting with vibrant color. It's like eating garnets, but less of a dental hazard! In the aftermath, however, my mind started its usual hamster-wheel routine (a charming trait of mine, or so I tell myself). I found myself journeying back to my salad days of 'Nutrition 101.' Now, our little crowned jewel of a fruit here, the pomegranate, isn't just an accessory for a lavish Sunday brunch. It's a veritable ...

Ever felt like a pancake because a colleague or friend tossed you under the metaphorical bus?  You're left flattened under a mound of unjust responsibilities, criticisms, and almost comical accusations. Here's a classic, from my "Best of Betrayals" album. Back at Embu PGH, my chums accused me of being stubborn and spying from behind patient curtains during ward rounds. Who does that? I wasn't planning a surprise party! The comedy of errors didn't stop there. This debacle reached the hospital administrator, who then zoomed up to the Provincial Director of Medical Services with the bright idea of shipping me off to Moyale. Feeling like a marked spy, I was a cocktail of resentment and disenchantment. But wait for the twist! In what felt like a speed-dating round, the director resolved my case in 15 minutes flat, promoting me to Provincial Nutritionist instead. Who's laughing now? Riding this career bus has been no walk in the park! I've had more mornings ...