By Jerry More Nyazungu
Let’s start with a story you’ve heard before just with a corporate twist.
Ruvimbo was married. Not to a perfect man, but a reliable one. Bills were paid, kids had shoes, and the fridge wasn’t auditioning for ZESA. But over time, things got boring. The spark faded. No compliments. No surprises.
Then one day, an old flame from university slid into her DMs.
He was charming. Funny. Always online. Sending “good morning” texts like he worked in HR for Cupid.
She fell for it.
Left her marriage. Moved in with the guy. Expected bliss.
What did she get?
Silent treatment. Fewer flowers. More stress.
Turns out, the man who looked perfect when someone else was covering the bills… wasn’t built for the long haul.
Are You Ruvimbo… in a Company Uniform?
Before you judge her you might be doing the same thing.
Just professionally.
Scrolling LinkedIn, seeing “New Role @GlobalCorp ” posts, and thinking:
“Yoh. I need to leave this boring job. Something better is out there.”
Sometimes the problem isn’t the job.
It’s your view of the job.
The Illusion of “Greener Pastures”
Many young professionals hop from job to job, chasing excitement.
But here’s what they don’t realise:
That exciting opportunity you’re eyeing?
It might be a mirage. A desert disguised as a dream.
The Side Hustle Trap: A Real-Life Taps Situation
Taps had a decent job at a telecoms company. While working, he started selling iPhones and power banks. Business was booming or so Instagram said.
So he quit to “go full time.”
Three months later? Broke.
He didn’t realise his side hustle wasn’t sustainable. It was being subsidised by his salary.
Clients didn’t just trust his hustle they trusted the brand behind his name tag.
Lesson?
Don’t confuse a salary-supported hobby for a business.
Loyalty Isn’t Laziness. It’s Leverage.
This isn’t permission to stay in toxic workplaces.
If the place is emotionally or financially abusive leave fast.
But if the only thing missing is “excitement,” maybe you’re expecting entertainment… not employment.
That new job might have:
- No mentorship
- Zero structure
- Glamorous perks that vanish with one retrenchment memo
Meanwhile, your “boring” job trains you, pays you on time, and gives you room to grow.
Before You Jump Ship, Do These 4 Things
1. Water Your Grass
What have you planted at your current job?
Could you lead a project? Pitch a new idea? Automate a system?
2. Be Valuable, Not Just Available
Clocking in is not contribution. Be missed when absent that’s how you get promoted.
3. Audit the Illusion
Talk to someone already working at the “dream company.”
Spoiler: Many of them want to leave too.
4. Test Your Hustle Honestly
Try living on your side hustle alone for 6 months without your salary.
If it can’t feed you, it’s not a business. It’s a fantasy with a logo.
Love Your Job Like a Marriage
If you treat your job like a placeholder, don’t be shocked when it starts treating you like one too.
Not every job starts perfect. But the ones that grow with you, train you, and give you real value?
Those are worth building with.
Be loyal. Be excellent. And only move when your vision is bigger than your boredom.
#CareerGrowth #StayAndBuild #JobHoppingMyths #WorkplaceWisdom #SideHustleReality #ProfessionalDiscipline #AfricanBusinessTruths #JerryNyazungu
