ACT MORE, TALK LESS

I never understood why employers always considered age as a factor when giving jobs. You could know all you do, be as intelligent as possible, be right for the job yet lose your chance all because you are young. I never really understood it because I felt I had always been mature. It was quite unfair that I didn't stand a chance for certain opportunities because of my age. 

So, I made it a point of duty to prove to people that
age was just a number. I showed a high level of maturity and competence, got people to appreciate my value before telling them my age. I get the same shocking response every time ; "you look older than your age!"  and of course, I usually have to correct them "I ACT older than my age"

It wasn't until I grew older and started interacting with younger people (Youths) I began to see why people were saying "you're too young for the job". I met a lot of young people who spoke with passion but couldn't match it with action. I'm going to share some stories with you to back this up.

AKINWUMI
Akinwumi is an amazing fashion illustrator. I met him through some girl who was working for me at the time. I saw some of his illustrations and was wowed. So I had a conversation with him:

Me: Heyyy..  Nice illustrations! You design them yourself?
Akinwumi: Yes, I do. I even design for some known designers.
ME: Do you get paid?
AKINWUMI: Not really. I'm just passionate about it.
ME: I think you should work on being a designer yourself. Learn tailoring or something. Sew your own designs and sell them. I can help you market them when you're ready.
AKINWUMI: Yeah..  I've considered it but I don't have money to get a sewing machine.
ME: Oh...  I bought a sewing machine some months back, you can come pick it. Just call me when you're ready.
AKINWUMI: *Ecstatic* Thanks ma!

Well, that conversation happened in January. We're in August. He's yet to pick up the sewing machine. I see him all the time and sometimes I get the feeling he doesn't even remember me anymore.  He's 21, I think. 

I had this young girl who worked for me at some point. I gave her opportunities she ordinarily wasn't qualified for. I cut her lots of slacks but to be fair she was quite impressive... only when motivated. She fell into the temptation of seeing me as her equal and that was it. I decided to stop motivating her. Today she has lost all the opportunities I had prepared for her. I pray she doesn't mess up other opportunities she gets elsewhere in the future.

As much as I believe in the youth of today, I'm beginning to consider not working with them on a professional level. I'm beginning to understand why employers say "you're too young". Yes, there are few people like me who have been able to defy the constraints of age and had achievement and maturity beyond their age but that's what they are; Few.

I'm hoping youths of today will have more drive for action. There are loads of opportunities waiting to be grabbed but they're only waiting for those who'll go the extra mile for them.

 

Photo credit: Google.com

 

Best wishes!
Jesam.