When I grow Up

I want to be a **insert prestigious profession**.

My mom still calls me "barrister" even though it's been a good 7 or 8 years since I last practiced law.😆 Yep, that's right, I'm a lawyer by trade. I spent five long years at university, followed by another intense 12 months at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. I was called to the bar back in 2011.

Lagos State High Court, circa 2014.

Here's the funny thing: I don't actually remember why I wanted to be a lawyer in the first place. My mom tells the story of when I was in primary school, I once asked her, super seriously, if lawyers were actually liars and she assured me that they were not. So, I went on to study law at university.

It's a cute story, but truth be told, I can't remember what drove me to make that choice. I never questioned it, to be honest.

Back in those days, parents had this idea of what professions their kids should pursue – doctor, lawyer, accountant, engineer... you know, the fancy- "distinguished" professions. Not everyone who set out to study those paths made it. The admission requirements were no joke – you needed at least a score of 200 out of 400 on your JAMB exams and had to study HARD to get into university (and stay there). But man, if you managed to nab one of those coveted spots, you were basically on your way to a bright future, right? Wrong.

By 2016, though, something felt off. Don't get me wrong, being a lawyer in Nigeria is an accomplishment. But there were just so many of us, all fighting for the same scraps. It felt cutthroat, and the chances of making it seemed slim.

Then, Google came calling. At first, I hesitated. Leaving law felt like a betrayal – this "noble" profession everyone seemed to admire. A friend even made me feel like I was running away from a challenge. But the truth is, I was over it.

So, I took the leap and dove into the tech world, starting off as a humble office administrator and eventually finding my groove as a program manager, rubbing shoulders with startup founders left and right. Let me tell you, it's a far cry from the conservative vibe of the law profession. It took me a minute to find my groove, but, I am glad I did (more on this in another post!)

My first day at Google. 🤳🏾Shot with an iPhone 4.

Sometimes, I catch myself wondering what life would've been like if I'd stuck to the legal path. But you know what? I wouldn't change a thing.

I'm grateful for every twist and turn that led me here, and I'm proof that we're capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. We're like onions, – layers upon layers of potential, just waiting to be peeled back. So why limit ourselves to one path when there's a whole world of possibilities out there?

I offer these words of encouragement to inspire those who may be questioning their journey. If you've navigated through various career paths and find yourself questioning your progress, remember this: growth doesn't always follow a straight line. Each twist and turn contributes to your unique evolution. Embrace the journey, for it adds up to the amazing, one-of-a-kind you.

What I am currently enjoying:

⭐️ Shogun: the story follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga who is on a mission to tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies. This series offers a captivating look into the rich cultural tapestry of Japan and the legendary samurai warrior traditions that shaped its history.

⭐️This 🔥 track from Usher’s, Coming Home album. As a life long Usher fan, I am glad to witness him consistently delivering exceptional music even after 25 years in the industry.

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