(A funny but true lesson from Mutale)
The Mutale Chronicles: From Star Performer to Serial Resigner
In 2023, I had two brilliant young ladies working under me. One of them let’s call her Mutale was exceptional. The type who makes you think, “If I had ten of her, I’d open branches in every African capital.” She was smart, reliable, and talented.
Then one day, Mutale walked into my office and said those dreaded words every employer hates:
“Boss, I’ve decided to resign.”
I was shocked. She was doing so well that I was even planning to promote her. I tried to reason with her, to understand what was pushing her away. She said she wanted to “go to school.”
I was so impressed by her contribution and potential that I decided to offer her a salary increase and even a company car just to make her stay. She smiled, thanked me and still left.
When the Truth Finally Came Out
Four months later, I discovered the truth. Madam Mutale didn’t go to school she had become a Country Manager in Zambia for one of my own clients! Yes, one of the clients I personally helped to set up their business. I was stunned. I felt betrayed but also amused. The girl I trained had been “promoted” through my own network.
The Prodigal Employee Returns
Twelve months later, guess who reappears? Mutale.
She came back humble, smiling, and soft-spoken the classic “I’ve-learned-my-lesson” look.
“Boss,” she said, “may I please have another chance?”
Like an emotional father, I melted. I asked, “How much do you want to earn?”
She said, “Just K7000,” which was even less than what she earned before.
I was shocked but I thought, maybe she’s matured, maybe she’s grateful now.
So, I gave her another chance.
Ten months later you guessed it she resigned again. This time, for another one of my clients.
The Moral of the Story: Never Eat What You Have Vomited
In business, emotions are expensive. The moment you start making decisions with your heart instead of your head, you start paying school fees for the wrong lessons.
They say a leopard never changes its spots, and Mutale proved it. Once someone has shown you who they are, believe them the first time.
Some employees are like exes you miss them when they’re gone, but the minute they come back, you quickly remember why you broke up.
Lessons Every Entrepreneur Should Learn
- People Rarely Change They Only Rebrand.
Don’t confuse a new hairstyle and a humble tone for transformation. Some people just ran out of options. - Don’t Let Guilt Hire for You.
“She’s young,” “She said sorry,” “She has potential.” No. You’re running a business, not an orphanage. - If They Left Once, They’ll Leave Again.
The first exit is curiosity. The second is confirmation. The third? That’s your own foolishness. - Loyalty Can’t Be Bought with a Car or a Salary.
If money and gifts could buy loyalty, your competitors would have bought it already. Loyalty is rooted in values, not payroll. - Use Logic, Not Emotion.
Logic says: She’s an employee who left next.
Emotion says: She’s my daughter, maybe she’s changed.
One keeps your business growing; the other keeps you heartbroken.
Final Thought
Never rehire someone who voluntarily walked out on you. When they left, they took your training, your trust, and your peace of mind. When they come back, they often bring excuses, stories, and exit plans.
As business owners, we must learn to protect our hearts like our wallets because in business, every emotional decision has a financial consequence.
So next time you’re tempted to rehire someone who once ghosted you, remember Mutale the comeback queen who reminded me that what you vomit doesn’t turn into chocolate the second time
By The Chartered Vendor
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