The admin department blues

Monday finally arrived, and I woke up feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. I rummaged through my wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit to make a great first impression. I finally settled on a crisp white blouse and a tailored black skirt.

As I showered, I couldn't help but sing praises to God. This new job was more than just a career opportunity - it was a chance to finally contribute more to my family's well-being and take care of myself.

"I can do this, Lord," I prayed, feeling a surge of confidence. "I'm ready to work hard and make the most of this opportunity."

As I got dressed and ready for the day, I couldn't help but think about all the benefits that came with this job as the years go by. 

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to put in the hard work and dedication required to excel in this role. Bring it on, I thought, smiling to myself as I headed out the door.

"The marketing strategist position was only a step higher than entry-level but the salary, though not exciting, was still leaps and bounds better than the peanuts I was being paid. I was determined to prove to them how good I was, and hopefully rise through the ranks very quickly.

But all those hopes were dashed on my first day at work."

As I walked into the office, I was greeted with a surprise. Mrs. Oyebade, the woman who had interviewed me, had retired, and the new Hiring Manager, Deborah, was less than thrilled about my hiring.

"Mrs. Oyebade must have been out of her mind," Deborah said, scanning my CV with disdain. "A HND in Hospitality management ? You're joking!"

Her colleague, Yinka, grabbed my CV, her thick Yoruba accent dripping with incredulity. "So why on earth are you here? Why aren't you working in a hotel or something?"

I shifted uncomfortably, my heart racing with anxiety. "I'm a certified marketing strategist,I studied marketing education for six months before I graduated it's on my resume" I replied, trying to sound confident.

Deborah and Yinka exchanged a skeptical glance. "And she has a HND?" Yinka repeated, as if I wasn't standing right there.

Deborah muttered under her breath, "Mrs. Oyebade must be suffering from dementia. We need to continue the process to fill the Marketing strategist vacancy. We'll need to hire someone else for that role."

My stomach dropped, and I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. But I refused to give up. I stood tall, awaiting my fate.

Finally, Deborah spoke up, "We'll send you to the Admin department. You can start there."

As I followed Deborah to the Admin department, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The Head of the Department looked me up and down, her expression a mixture of disdain and disappointment.

"We're lowering our standards in this company," she complained to Deborah. "This is the third graduate from a Nigerian school you're sending me, and this one is even from a Polytechnic."

I felt a surge of anger, but I bit my tongue, determined to prove myself.

As I was introduced to Chidinma, the team member I would be understudying, I could sense her condescension.

"I don't have the time or patience to explain anything twice," she warned me. "So either open your ears or go get a job in some school or local office where you really should be."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead. "I'm a certified Marketing professional," I replied, trying to sound confident.

Chidinma grunted, unimpressed. "Just listen when I speak. I won't say anything twice."

And with that, I was thrown into the deep end, struggling to keep up with the requisitions, reports, and paperwork. It was clear that Chidinma wanted me to fail, and I was determined to prove her wrong.

I trudged home, exhausted from the day's work and disheartened by the lesser position I'd been relegated to. But as I reflected on the day's events, I reminded myself that it was better than nothing. At least I wasn't stuck teaching primary school, earning a meager salary, and struggling to make ends meet.

The question lingered in my mind, though: why hadn't I landed the Marketing Strategist position? I had an HND in Hospitality management but I studied marketing education too for six months in poly, and I knew I was good at marketing. People often complimented me on my skills, saying I had a "sweet mouth" that could persuade others to do things they wouldn't normally do or buy things they didn't need.

It wasn't just about being persuasive, though. I genuinely understood the principles of marketing, and I was passionate about it. So, why had I been overlooked for the position? Was it because of my HND, rather than a university degree? The thought nagged at me, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the positive. I had a job, and I was determined to make the most of it.

I headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch for myself and my family. As I cooked, the aroma of stew and rice filled the air, and my stomach growled in anticipation. I hummed a tune, trying to shake off the lingering doubts and worries.

Later as I I served the food, my family gathered around the table, chatting and laughing. For a moment, I forgot about Deborah's condescending attitude and the disappointment of not getting the Marketing Strategist position.

My mom smiled at me, her eyes warm with pride. "How was your first day, dear?" she asked.

I took a deep breath, trying to summarize the mixed emotions I'd experienced. "It was...interesting," I replied, trying to downplay the challenges I'd faced.

My siblings looked at me curiously, but my mom just nodded, her expression understanding. "We're proud of you, Susan," she said. "You'll do great things."