In 2014 when I graduated from Uni, I felt suicidal. Here’s the reason; I graduated with a third class.
The plan I went to school with was to leave with a first class or at least, a second upper. Get a job, save for a few years and move on to study law. Well, let’s just say life happened.
Getting a job in Ghana with a good GPA is hard enough – not to talk of my kind. I spent the next 3 years moving from interview to interview and chasing uncles who asked me to send my CV for them to “see what they can do”.
After several attempts, I decided to learn carpentry to see where it will take me. I spent six months with a carpenter in my neighborhood to learn the skill.
When my apprenticeship was over, the owner of the place offered me a “work and pay” position. I built wardrobes and other types of furniture for a commission. I tried to quit and set up my own place, but sometimes it’s just better to work with or for someone. You will be spared the burden of wondering where your next client is going to come from – believe me, it’s not easy.
Two months after I opened my own place, I had to shut it down and look for a job. I couldn’t go back to my previous place.
I currently work with one of the notable shopping centers in Accra. I’ve been hired to work with the team that installs furniture in people’s homes after they’ve been bought. I never imagined myself becoming a carpenter, but life keeps happening and we have to learn to adapt when need be. As for the law dream, I can only keep my fingers crossed for the future. For now, I’m grateful to have something that pays the bills.
Charles – Accra
