Building a successful career is a journey that requires planning, perseverance, and passion. For many women, especially in Nigeria, navigating the professional landscape can be challenging due to societal expectations and barriers. According to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources, women make up 44.94% of labour force in Nigeria as at 2019. It can be estimated that more than half of this number of working women are wives and mothers. This is quite impressive and shows an appreciable increase in the number of working women and working mothers to compared to what was seen two decades ago. However. The rise in the number of working women and mothers also increased some of the problems working wives/mothers faced both at home and at work. In fact, some of these problems remain largely unattended to in the Nigerian society.
In our world today, especially in the corporate world, where competitive nature is prevalent, a lot of women have risen career-wise and have carved a niche for themselves. Some of the career choices they made has put so many of them in a state of dilemma. i.e. juggling between their work as well as their family life, thereby making it difficult for them to strike a balance.According to Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu (MD/CEO, NSIA Insurance Company Limited) in an exclusive interview with the Amazons Watch Magazine editorial team, she said that “balancing work with family life is quiet challenging to achieve but is very achievable. I think women more than men need to realize that it is essential to start early to focus on a desired career and we need to stay the course when marriage and children come. We do not have time to play around or to waste, and we must stay motivated and not burn out. Women, by starting early would already have set a pace, before family life comes in. Even when you don’t start early; women must realize that many times, we need to do more. We must stay the course”
With this in mind, here are some tips to help you succeed in your career:
- Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, starting your own business, or making a difference in your community, having clear goals will guide your decisions and actions.
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their experiences. Mentors can help you navigate challenges and open doors to new opportunities.
- Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal and professional development. Attend workshops, take online courses, and read extensively to stay updated with industry trends and enhance your skills.
- Network Strategically: Build a strong professional network by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers and leaders in your field. Networking can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
- Embrace Challenges: Don’t shy away from difficult tasks or positions. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and prove your capabilities.
- Balance Work and Life: Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care and make time for your family and hobbies. A balanced life contributes to overall success and well-being.