Tests and Patience as Job Seeker; Surviving Employers

Being in my Junior year and having worked with ABC TV and Radio for 2 years, I had experience within the communication/journalism community. I was working with other guys on several projects, one that focused on youth empowerment through arts (this was a radio program) and I would manage the website by writing blogs, sourcing talent etc.

The other one saw me working as communications and editor  with Miss Malawi runner-up (she and her friend were heading a project that saw them trying to bring awareness to a marginalized community within Lilongwe-Malawi, by providing health and care). So in short, I wasn’t just sitting but I was using my experience in different fields of the communication sector.

I would get volunteer/internship offers and before turning them down; I would weigh it. I didn’t want to get overwhelmed as I was still a student and by then I was already committed to three other ministries (YoungLife, LiveLove and ChisomoIdea). Now here is where it starts getting sketchy, someone referred me to a person who had been overseas and this person wanted to establish something in Malawi. The person didn’t explain fully in details on what was to happen but instead had asked me to meet him on a Monday morning; of which I had told him would be tricky as I was going to school and didn’t want to be late for Chapel service and Class.

The person assured me of keeping time and that we will meet for fifteen minutes and by seven we would be done, Chapel service started at half seven and classes at eight. The person asked me to wait for him at a far from my direction place, the place was an advantage for him for he was going to be dropping his “kids” along that area. I diligently and wanting to earn some money, went there and waited, half an hour later; still waiting but the man is a no show. I called and he kept saying he was stuck in traffic, which made sense for the next fifteen minutes but that was my naivety speaking and making excuses for him because where he was coming from and where we were meant to meet wasn’t affected by traffic in the morning.

The time was now close to eight and I had already missed chapel, now I am angry because my streak is ruined and so are my plans. as I was leaving, I get a call from him and he says he is coming, I wait again, half an hour later; still no show. I got on the next bus thinking of what to tell my lecture for missing half of the period (fortunately I had a free period of which I had no recollection of). Half-way to my school, the man calls and I didn’t pick up. Then he decided to text me, the man started shouting at me for not being patient and waiting for him. Mind you, it isn’t like he is now where we were meant to meet, in reality he is still on his “way”. I told him, I was a student and grades matter to me hence I need to attend class and participate, but the man wasn’t having it. He hurled insults at me and the icing on top was, “this was a test on your patience; I wanted to see how you are”.

If I say, I didn’t consider his words for a minute then I’d be lying. I gathered my courage and told him, if it was a test then the last hour and a half of me waiting should’ve proved that I was patient enough, and those were the only words I responded in the text to this man. He continued writing but I just blocked him.

I got to school and continued my daily routine, from then on; whenever people text me for work, I hear them out but that experience made me start doubting people and their intentions in the Industry. There is more I can share but for now; I rest.

One response to “Tests and Patience as Job Seeker; Surviving Employers”

  1. Asa, people and audacity.

    Liked by 1 person

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