When its time to quit that job

It is not always true that one has to make good living through white collar jobs only. Traditionally, white collar jobs were named as such because these jobs originally required the worker to wear a shirt that is colored white either with a tie or without one. These jobs often require the employee to wear a tie and work within the safe confines of the four walls of their offices, enterprises, schools and the like. Equally, white collar jobs have better working conditions that are usually cleaner and cooler. These are the corporate jobs that often have a ‘good’ basic monthly pay. As a result, many professionals with paper qualifications end up with white collar jobs, while those who don’t, sooner or later end up in ‘improvised’ jobs On the other hand, it can be safely said that the era of wearing the traditional white shirt and tie has already faded away. Even though many attach some disgrace to non-white collar jobs, both job types have their own set of pros and cons. Unfortunately, the undeniable prejudice against the non white collar jobs has handicapped the youth’s capacity to create their own jobs. People often become too judgmental and say that these jobs are just plain ‘dirty,’ literally. Even if most of these jobs are more backbreaking, not to mention dangerous for the employee because of the workplace they report to, this does not always hold true in all cases. It is actually true that what most people regard as unclean and petty jobs, have transformed some people’s lives Hajji Hamuza, a former government employee gives a typical example, of a person who emerged from zero to millions by merely selling pop-corn. The middle aged staunch Moslem man worked as a government salaried employee for 15 years before he went into his own business. Hajji Hamuza, a father of 12 children says that he decided to quit the job because what he earned could not make ends meet. So, if you have feared to quit your job, Hamuza’s experience will give you food for thought.He however says that it is important to do it quietly, because the process may take quiet long. The businessman, who sells pop-corns in the streets of most towns in Eastern Province, says that it took him seven years to realize his dream and then quit salaried employment. “I have so many young boys and girls working for me as hawkers...But I began by doing it myself a couple of years ago,” he says. Hamuza notes, however, that going for self employment must be done as a process, adding that a quick decision may be disastrous. “Be cautious about leaving your day job too soon, because doing so can create chaos in your home life and disrupt your finances. The transition must be slow and keep your day job while working toward your eventual exit,” he advises. Hamuza reflects on the stressfulness of staying in a job that doesn’t fulfill ones goals. He notes that it was the everlasting stress that encouraged him to start his own business. Hajji Hamuza notes with concern that he was afraid of failing and hesitated a lot before quitting his job. “All people have dreams but fear to start. The feeling that they may end up making wrong decisions fails them. Others plan for success but forget to plan its sustainability. So, millions of people seek a safe passage and keep on salaried employment notwithstanding its futility,” he said. He adds that life is too short to make mistakes. “It doesn’t matter how long you have served, but how smart you do your business.” The businessman says that people used to laugh at him because he sold pop-corns on streets, but he turned a deaf ear. “Never listen to what people say, they may despise the work you do, but at the end of the day they will come back when they discover your secret. What matters is not what one does, but what he or she earns.” Hajji Hamuza used to rent a two bedroom house in the shanty areas of Kigali city,but now boasts of two luxurious houses in Rwamagana town, drives is own car and is living a comfortable life with his wife and children. ‘I am glad that I made a successful transition from life of hopelessness to one of comfort and meaning. Had I allowed fear to keep me in salaried employment, I would now be in big trouble,” he reflects. mugitoni@yahoo.com