The Unexpected Path to Success: My Wild Career Experiments
The Detours That Led Me to Freelancing
Before I found my footing in freelancing, I went through a phase of wild ideas, questionable career choices, and moments that still make me shake my head. If my life had a highlight reel titled “What Was I Thinking?” I’d have enough content for a full documentary.
Looking back, every failure, every crazy venture, and every wrong turn led me to where I am today. Here’s a glimpse of the unexpected lessons I learned along the way.
Episode 1: The “Sure Bet” Sports Betting Genius
At one point, I was convinced that sports betting was my gateway to financial freedom.
It all started when I saw a guy in my neighborhood win KES 150,000 from a single bet. My brain went into overdrive—“Why am I struggling when there’s money waiting to be taken?”
I studied team statistics, player performances, betting strategies—you name it. I was certain I had cracked the code.
Then, reality hit.
First bet—lost. Second bet—lost. I convinced myself I just needed a better strategy. One day, I placed what I believed was a sure bet. Everything lined up: team form, home advantage, past results.
Final score: My team lost 4-0.
That was the day I realized betting is not a career path.
Episode 2: The Motivational Speaker Fantasy
I’ve always been a good speaker, so I thought, “Why not become a motivational speaker?” I imagined myself inspiring thousands, dropping life-changing quotes, and having people take notes like I was delivering wisdom straight from heaven.
I started preparing content, watching TED Talks, and crafting powerful one-liners. To test my skills, I gave a practice session in front of my siblings.
Five minutes in, my younger brother interrupted:
“So… are you going to pay my school fees with your speeches or…?”
That was the moment I realized that inspiration alone doesn’t pay bills.
Episode 3: The Matatu Business Dream
At some point, I convinced myself that owning a matatu was the ultimate investment. I pictured my future—a fleet of vehicles, booming music, custom interiors, and a steady cash flow.
Then I spoke to an actual matatu owner.
The man laughed for a solid ten minutes before saying, “Young man, do you think this business is easy? Have you ever spent half a day chasing a driver who disappeared with your money? Have you ever woken up to find your matatu missing its wheels?”
After hearing horror stories of stolen spare parts, endless bribes, and rogue drivers, I knew this was not for me.
Episode 4: The Poultry Disaster
Agribusiness sounded like the perfect way to build wealth. I read that poultry farming was “low-maintenance and highly profitable.”
I bought chicks, built a structure, and researched how to scale up. But what no one told me was that chickens die for the smallest reasons.
- Too hot? They die.
- Too cold? They die.
- Too much water? They die.
- Too little water? They die.
Within two months, I had more burials than sales. That was the end of my farming ambitions.
The Lightbulb Moment: Digital Skills
After all these questionable career experiments, I stumbled into graphic design. It wasn’t as flashy as a matatu empire or as thrilling as being a betting millionaire, but it worked.
I started small—designing posters and business cards. Then I transitioned into web design. One project led to another, and before I knew it, I was making a real income online.
Today, I train others in digital skills, freelancing, and online business. Looking back, I see how every failure and every wild experiment led me to where I was meant to be.
The Lesson? Success Rarely Comes on a Straight Path
Most people think success comes from having a clear plan from the beginning. But sometimes, it’s the detours, the failed experiments, and the unexpected lessons that lead you to your real path.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
So, if you’re still figuring things out, it’s okay. Explore, fail, laugh at yourself, and keep going.
Because sometimes, your real path sneaks in while you’re busy chasing a sure bet or planning a poultry empire.
