I’ve interviewed hundreds of young professionals over the years.
And there’s one line that comes up more than any other:
“I’m looking for greener pastures.”
Oh? Interesting.
Then I usually ask:
“So what’s going to happen to the pasture you’re standing on?”
Cue awkward silence.
Most people don’t realize they’re complaining about grass they’ve never watered.
Why Not Just Make Your Current Pasture Greener?
If your company lacks structure — help build it.
If your sales team is underperforming — lead by example.
If your boss doesn’t listen — are you bringing ideas or just more complaints?
Greener pastures weren’t always green.
Someone got their hands dirty.
Someone stayed late.
Someone didn’t jump ship when it was hard.
Everyone Wants Google — But Can You Handle the Garage?
Big companies teach you how to follow systems.
Small companies teach you how to build them.
If you’re young and hungry, your best MBA is inside a small, messy, fast-moving company.
You’ll learn sales.
You’ll learn customer service.
You’ll learn finance, HR, strategy — and how to fix the printer when no one else can.
You won’t just work. You’ll build.
The First Employee at Econet Didn’t Walk Into Green Grass
Imagine joining Econet in 1998.
No office. No perks. Just a dream. And a guy named Strive Masiyiwa saying, “I’ve got a vision.”
Today, people like Douglas Mboweni are sitting pretty.
Not because they found green pastures…
But because they stayed and watered dry ground.
When I See 8 Jobs in 4 Years, I Don’t See ‘Experience’
Let me be real.
I see a red flag.
Sales is not a jumping castle.
If you treat it like a part-time gig, don’t expect full-time results.
The best salespeople I’ve met have one thing in common:
They commit.
They build trust.
They grow relationships.
And they turn small companies into giants.
If You’re Committed to Something, You’ll Take Care of It
Think of your job like a garden.
Plant. Water. Weed.
It grows.
But if all you do is stare at the neighbor’s mango tree, you’ll go hungry — and bitter.
Let’s Debate:
Is job-hopping a sign of ambition or a lack of discipline?
Can small companies create more leaders than big ones?
In this new economy, does loyalty still pay off?
See you at the top.
