Upward Mobility

Not too long ago, we (myself included) misguidedly waited to be promoted on the strength of years of experience, quality of work and commitment to the organization. This remained the status quo until a new breed of employees (read Millennials) swept into the workplace and muddied the waters. "Entitled" they were labeled. They, on the other hand were un-fazed. They challenged everything from technology use, workplace engagement to reward & recognition. They were aggressive, assertive, commanded attention and basically became the disruptors that made everyone sit up and take notice. Let me tell you a story, the size of my body...

Setting the scene. I worked my first job for a period of 5 years. Just about the time my 5 years were up, I started getting restless. Restlessness is a prickly feeling. It grates your nerves, eats at your patience, awakens you, forces you to pay attention. I want more! I want to be more, to know more, to be responsible for more, to be recognized more, respected more, paid more... more! Much Much MORE! As karma would have it, it was while in this restless state, that I became alive to opportunities and this is how I saw a job advertisement in the Daily Nation Newspaper. It had a very short response deadline and I acknowledged the fact that the door would slam shut very fast on this vacancy and it was open to those who were nimble.

My career mobility begun with responding to that Job Ad. I landed a job in Nation Media Group (NMG). The largest media house in East and Central Africa! I was pumped! As I embarked on my career at NMG, I experienced a new level of restlessness (read ambition). I saw men and women I considered peers in important roles in the organization. They held titles, they were decision makers, idea generators. They were well paid, influential and were leaders. I observed, I learned and my restlessness swelled. The status quo ate at me. Constantly... gnawing, baiting, corroding... a good acid! I had to do something! So here is how it went:

Jack of All Trades - I threw myself wholeheartedly in all types of workplace activities in my department and beyond. I was an ISO Internal Auditor, I was the point man (woman) for Inductees. You name it, I did it. I made myself available for visits to Children's Homes, joined the Green Brigade to plant trees for CSR initiatives. I became a Peer Educator - a HIV-Aids educator & warrior, I joined Junior Achievers and spent one afternoon a month teaching business in local high-schools. I volunteered to usher in Company Events. I was part of the Christmas Party, Sports Day, and any other planning committee. Where departmental/organization participation was required, my hand was up. I was there! I was enthusiastic and I was effective. I think you can say that I shoved my foot in the door so it wouldn't slam shut.

Minimum Qualification - I had a niggling sensation and sensed something was wrong when I did not get shortlisted for interviews for internal positions. I sent many applications (trust me on this). Where was I falling short? You guessed it. I was not a graduate - no degree. I had two diplomas but it did not add up value wise. I needed a degree... Boy did I struggle with this one! Degrees cost money! Which ever way I looked, it always came down this this. Without this one thing, this one qualification, I was sunk. At one point, I tried to get the Company to fund my education (it was a long shot but I tried anyway). I soon realized I was banging my head against a solid wall.

Adult Learner - You know the saying "Where there is a will there is a way?" Against all odds, I managed get my Degree. It took 3 years, and a village! Immense support from family, my then boss, co-workers, friends, classmates. I immersed myself. There was no room for failure. There was no time to falter. This was it! Sink or swim. One of my proudest moments to date was my graduation day. It was the day I leveled-up. I could finally check the ever evasive graduate box in my subsequent applications.

Spotting Opportunity - My job search post graduation was on steroids! I was charged! I applied for anything and everything that came up. First was Business Executive in my department (lost that one to "Nyar Okullo") then was Marketing Executive (they picked "Annie G"). The interviews and rejections that followed were numerous. I didn't wallow. I just put my head down and moved on to the next. Sometime late in the same year I graduated, a HR role was advertised. Interviews were held on Christmas Eve. Things were quiet way into the New Year. As the second week was starting, a follow up interview happened. I still remember the feeling of swimming underwater when I was told I got that job! Movement At Last! It was pivotal!

"Took a lot of trying, Just to get up that hill!" - The Jaffersons Theme Song

Mentors & Sponsors: In NMG, there was a desk many gravitated towards. On this desk, sat one Ms. Pauline Kiraithe (I remember vividly she was the one I handed over my request for company sponsorship to study). She was warm, professional and full of advise. I spent a lot of time at her desk. We clicked. She got me. She was frank, to the point and told it as it was when explaining why a company is not in the business of sponsoring employees core educational pursuits (phew!). That said, she held my hand, she guided, she cheered, she believed in me and most importantly, she agreed to mentor me. "Many have degrees but do not have break-throughs". Many have papers but do not have support to take the first step - to help them get noticed, to vouch for them when it matters. This is the role of a Sponsor. I had one, do you?

The Lessons - 1. Career growth is not happenstance. Seek it! Work for it! 2. Be happy for others who get there before you! Pat them on the back & ask them for guidance/tips. 3. Do not waste energy sulking when you are rejected. Dust yourself off and move on. 4. Watch yourself. You may become too engrossed and become a stick in the mud. Breath! Exhale! Enjoy the process and celebrate progress. 5. God's timing is the best timing - remember to appreciate those who helped you along the way.

Are We There Yet? - I have grown - attained 10,000 hours the HR Profession. No. I am not there yet! I still have unfulfilled dreams, ambitions, a legacy to build. I still get restless - my palms sweaty, my nose twitching, my skin tingling. And so, I will keep marching onwards and possibly upward!

My Name is Marsha Muchiri, AKA Madam HR and this is my Work-Life Tidbit.