They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what happens when your lemons are your career dreams and plans?
Many of us find ourselves in careers that bear little resemblance to what we once dreamed of. At first, this can feel like a failure. “I didn’t become what I said I would be.”But what if the careers we built, sometimes intentionally, through unexpected detours, are just as valuable, if not more, than the ones we dreamt of as kids?
We had a quick chat with a few African women, and they opened up about their career journeys: the paths they once imagined and the ones they’re now building.
Tolu- Nigeria
When I was young, I wanted to be a writer. I’d read a novel and become so fascinated by the mind of the writer; how did she concoct the stories? How were all the words readily available to her? How was she able to tell her story in such a way that I understood it, got hooked by it? So, I decided to become a writer. I wanted to tell stories too, make tangible the intangible. But adulthood happened, and I didn’t become a writer. I became a communications specialist. I have worked in PR firms, Ad agencies, and I loved it, probably because a lot of what I did involved writing, not just the type I dreamed of becoming when I was younger.
I am still very much fascinated with writers and their minds. I love to read, and every single time I pick up a book, I’d paw through each word in an attempt to see through to the writer’s mind. It was such an intense, invigorating feeling that I recently resigned from my job and enrolled for a Master's in Literature. Rather than focusing on becoming a writer like I had planned, something interesting happened. I suddenly began to explore becoming an academic. Now, not just do I want to become a writer, I also want to become a lecturer of literature, nurturing minds not just through my written works, but also through my teachings.
Busola -United Kingdom
When I was a child, I dreamed of working in a bank. I was fascinated by the smart corporate appearance of bankers, their confidence, professionalism, and the stability their work seemed to represent. To me, banking embodied success and respect, and I believed that was the future I wanted.
As I grew older, however, my interests and values began to shift. Today, I work as a healthcare assistant abroad and will soon begin a Master’s degree in nursing. My path has taken a different turn, but it reflects a deeper sense of purpose. Instead of managing numbers, I dedicate my time to caring for people, supporting their health, and making a direct impact on their lives.
Even though banking and nursing seem worlds apart, I’ve come to see the similarities; both demand responsibility, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to service. The lessons I once admired in bankers still shape me today, but I now channel those qualities into a more human-centered and impactful career.
Jewel - Nigeria
I had loved to work in the Arts, anything artistic; I’m a thorough art lover. So, I applied to study English; I literally went to school to read books. Even though I don’t have strong writing skills, I’m a voracious reader, so I picked up an interest in editing. I played around with it briefly, but I never fully developed it as a career.
Upon graduation, I pursued a career in the fashion industry for five years; it was actually a dream of mine, and I thrived in my own little way. Afterwards, I dabbled in the social development space, grew in the field, and became the Executive Director of an NGO, Women Too Africa Foundation. Personally, I feel like where I am currently is a combination of everything I’ve learned, explored, and built over the years. Being the Executive Director of an NGO is a dream being fulfilled on its own. My journey brought me onto this path, and this path stirred up an interest in politics, so don’t be surprised if by tomorrow I become a politician, lol.
Tammie - Nigeria
Amen - Ghana
I had always wanted to be a journalist. I think my dream never changed, but my priorities did because of the usual tussle of university life and career decisions afterwards. I have dabbled in other things not too far-fetched from journalism, such as writing, editing, and presenting. Right now, I’m navigating my career by taking certifications and gaining meaningful experiences that will help me pivot and eventually live out that dream.
The truth is, the journey from dream to reality is rarely a straight line. It’s filled with growth, resilience, and reinvention. You may not be the doctor you once hoped to be, but maybe you’re now a strategist, an innovator, or a leader changing lives in another way. You may not have followed your first dream, but the career you’ve built tells a powerful story of courage, choice, and adaptability.
This is why we’re excited to host our next Virtual Mastery Session on “The Career I Dreamt of vs. The One I Built.”
📅 Date: September 6th, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM WAT
🔗 Register here: https://lu.ma/c8taq7hh
Ready to take control of your career story? We can’t wait to see you there!
💬 What’s a part of your career journey that you didn’t plan for? Share your story in the comments below.
From: Marvelous for the IHA Team.
I planned to be a surgeon, especially after reading Ben Carson's story, it really inspired me to care for others and go in that line. However, as I grew older, I realized that I had other skills which came naturally to me and I could make better use of, so I decided to study mass communication. Now, I'm into a career in news presenting and broadcast. Though I might pivot in the nearest future, I feel fulfilled here.
ReplyDeleteI had dreamt of becoming a chemical pathologist as I grew up but then something interesting happened. I had to change my course as I gained admission into the university because my school had no option for medicine and surgery then. I had to study biochemistry. I graduated from the uni and that was when I discovered that my course was likited in certain areas due to my geographic location but here I am working as a Relationship Manager. I feel fulfilled in my career anytime I remembered my career aspirations I just laugh
ReplyDeleteI had dreamt of becoming a chemical pathologist as I grew up but then something interesting happened. I had to change my course as I gained admission into the university because my school had no option for medicine and surgery then. I had to study biochemistry. I graduated from the uni and that was when I discovered that my course was limited in certain areas due to my geographic location but here I am working as a Relationship Manager. I feel fulfilled in my career anytime I remembered my career aspirations I just laugh
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Growing up, I've always loved to help people, put a smile on their faces especially children, but then I was in the science department in secondary and I applied to study physiology in the university but I was given Biochemistry, I accepted the course in good faith with the hope of still helping people by working in the medical field. I later found passion walking with underprivileged children,got an opportunity to work in an orphanage home and I can boldly say that it's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I feel fulfilled and happy, whenever I remember how my journey started, I'm always happy that I choose the right career. Now I hope to have my own NGO and also a foundation for the less privileged.
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