COACHING
YOU ARE GOING HOME:
WHAT NEXT?
By Thrity Engineer-Mbuthia
I
n Kenya today, there are different
sectors feeling the impact of a
rather difficult year. Businesses are
struggling to meet their set targets,
projected budget numbers are not
in line with reality and there is a
general feeling of doom and gloom,
with most people wishing this year
was over.
Of particular note has been the
banking sector, with news of different
banks shutting down several branches
across the country. Staff hear words
like downsizing, restructuring,
voluntary retirement which are some
of the technical terms that suggest
people leaving organizations.
Some of these words tend to cause
panic among teams. Breadwinners
wonder how they will be able
to pay school fees, rent and
mortgages. Will they ever find
another job? If so many sectors
are going through this challenge,
where will they find that job?
There is the other question too,
is it time for entrepreneurship
instead of formal employment.
Which option is the best?
For those who have been in
formal employment, the lure of
self employment seems to be the
solution to all problems. As a self
employed person, you can be your
‘‘ If you are lucky enough to get an employer
who supports your exit by giving you an
opportunity to undergo training, that prepares
you for the world outside, take the chance
with both hands to learn a few things. You can
also ask for support from an executive coach,
who can help you figure out what it is that you
really want to do.’
44 MAL 19/17 ISSUE
own boss, you can make the rules,
you can work when you want and
work with whom you want too.
There is lots of money to be made.
Perfect, isn’t it? Then why are so
many small businesses struggling,
with their owners hustling day in
and day out? Perhaps they don’t
know what they are doing. After
all, you have been in a bank; you
know how business should be run.
Some readers, right about now
have knowing smiles on their faces.
Self employment is not for the
faint hearted, they say. It requires
resilience and hard work. It means
working long hours, even odd
hours. It means not knowing where
the next payment is coming from,
no monthly guaranteed income.
There are moments of no money
at all, and sometimes, moments
where the money seems a lot.
The contrast between formal
employment and self employment
is not without both options having
pros and cons. Those who are
making such decisions must make
the right choice for them. There
is no one-shoe-fits-all answer for
everyone.