The unfair advantage over hard work through connections
It was during a job interview process at an insurance company in Abuja, Nigeria, that I successfully passed the written test and was called for an oral interview. I was confident and relieved, thinking that my job search was finally over, you know that feeling after searching for a job and couldn't get one but later got one at the end? But no, I was robbed because I had no power and influence.
However, things took an unexpected turnaround after the oral interview, I actually passed with my name being the first on their list. One of the interviewers asked me a series of questions, including who my support system was and who had brought me to the interview. I proudly answered that I had no one but God, assuming it was a question about my professional background. But their follow-up questions made me realize they were looking for something else. I was brought in by no one, I applied for the through the internet.
They wanted to know if I had any influential connections or a "backbone" that had helped me secure the interview. I maintained my answer, stating that God was my only support. The interviewers exchanged whispers and glanced at me from head to toe, making me feel uneasy. They told me they would get back to me, but I never received any further communication. Hmm! Such is life
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months and I decided to follow up on my application. That's when I discovered the shocking truth. The job had been given to someone who wasn't even on the list of candidates, someone who hadn't gone through the same rigorous process as I had. It turned out that this person was connected to one of the state commissioners and had been handed the job on a silver platter.
I was devastated and felt cheated. I had played by the rules, and my hard work and merit hadn't been enough. I cried and felt defeated, but then I remembered a voice within me that said, "The job wasn't meant for you; something bigger is coming." And indeed, it did. I received an even better opportunity shortly after, one that surpassed the previous one in every way. I might not be influential but I have God who will never cheat or rob me.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the role of power and influence in our society. I realized that sometimes, merit and hard work aren't enough, and those with connections and influence can have an unfair advantage. However, I also learned that God has a way of turning things around for good. If God said, you are next on the list, definitely no one can stop that馃憣Every disappointment is a blessing
In the end, I emerged stronger and more resilient, with a deeper understanding of how the world works. I learned to focus on what I can control and trust that justice and fairness will prevail in the end. This experience has stayed with me, and I hope that by sharing it, others can find solace and inspiration to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Keep pushing and never stop pursuing that dream of yours for any reason 馃憣
Image sourced.
My response to the #hivelearners community contest on the topic; POWER AND INFLUENCE
Thank you for your time