Guest post
The challenges in Zimbabwe didn’t start recently. Around 1997, I was in form 1 and Zimbabwe had inflation, fuel shortages, food shortages , industrial action, retrenchment and queues. As students then we thought these challenges would soon end.
Robert Mugabe was becoming unpopular already and we thought by the time we finish University education he would be gone and Zim would be out of the woods. The challenges continued for a decade until 2007 when I finished University. The rest is history Zimbabwe is still problems.
Now there are no jobs even for those we never thought would struggle in the job market like engineers, accountants, lawyers, etc. Some are hopeful and believe that the Zim problems will be over soon. Hope is fine but the truth is no one knows with certainty.
I know people with degrees, masters and professional courses failing to get jobs for years over the past 26 years, that’s a lifetime lost. There are no jobs, companies closed shop, opportunities are limited. I once received 500 CVs for an assistant accountant role, only 1 person got the job.
Some blame relatives for bewitching them not to get jobs. The truth is there are no opportunities full stop. Are we saying all the 499 are bewitched or are not qualified enough? A big NO. If you do not learn and take corrective measures, you may be another victim soon.
Those currently employed may be affected too, if their companies close or they continue to be underpaid. The solution lies in relocating to a functional economy or do courses that allows you to create jobs and work for yourself. The more time you spend in Zimbabwe the more you lose.
Scan immigration rules for UK, Australia, USA, Canada, and other functional economies for skills required inoder to migrate. Those are the courses you must opt for so that you qualify for opportunities home and away. Consider starting a new career too.
If you are a sciences person may consider Wood technology or building as opposed to chemical engineering or other fields requiring employment. Consider enrolling for social work, Acca, articles, care work, nursing, other medical fields, culinary arts, carpentry, plumbing etc
Do not select a program for prestige, but do one that gives you a future. Life is long. You can always revert to your preferred profession once you settle in a new country or if things get better in Zim. All those at 50 years and below can start a new career for better returns.
There are some students who say it’s either UZ or NUST only and end up doing courses that limit them because they just want to be at UZ or Nust. If you miss eg social work at UZ, enroll at ZEGU than do say Political admin at UZ. Your skills must earn you a living, so be wise
Failure to adapt and change in terms of careers is lacking financial wisdom. It’s like a company that keeps producing a product rejected by the market. Companies do market research before investing and producing a product. Some also relocate to where their products are demanded.
Some business owners abandon their business and begin a totally different business. Run your life like a company and make profit. Don’t act like you are nailed on that career or degree that is not generating any returns to you.
It takes a few months or years to study a new course This benefits you, your kids, and your family the rest of your life than remaining stagnant. Start a new life today. Zimbabwe has been like this for years. You don’t need a visa to be back in Zimbabwe if things change.
No one is bewitching you. Just change.
I had a great career in Zimbabwe. I didn’t see the need to relocate. Over the last 3 years outside Zimbabwe, I realised I could have been a better person had I moved long back. I wasted some time, there is no consistency in Zimbabwe, some years were wasted. Don’t fall in the same trap.
Do not enrol at a university or college because that’s where your friends are enrolling at. It must be because you got the right course for you. No one has been denied a work visa on account of the University name. All Zimbabwe universities are verifiable. Hence, your degree.
About The Author
Nyika is a Chartered Accountant and UK MBA holder. He trained with Deloitte Zimbabwe. He worked in various capacities leading financial and audit teams in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the United Kingdom. He currently works in the financial services sector in the UK. He also holds two accounting degrees with the University of Zimbabwe and the University of South Africa.
He writes to inspire others based on his experiences over the last seventeen years.
Article originally published as a thread on X 6 September 2023
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