discoveringmytruehome

Wow I can’t believe its been 4 years since I returned back to Lagos, Nigeria after 2 years in Arizona.

Sabi Writers is one of the reasons why my second homecoming as been more successful than my first return to Nigeria.

10 years ago I first returned to live in Nigeria after almost six years living in Kenya. At the time I was still struggling to finish my Thesis and complete my Masters in Communication. I had also just turned 30 and decided it was time to head back home and do my National Youth Service Year.

I enjoyed serving the Nation, as I got to teach at one of the Federal Government Colleges in Lagos. I taught English and English Literature. Being at the school also brought back a lot of memories of my time as a student at Federal Government Girls College Akure.

However after my Youth Service year I found myself in a horrible place mentally and emotionally. I was stuck and had no idea where my life was heading. I had no job, and I was making no headway in completing my thesis. I was slowly descending into depression and my struggles with PCOS was not helping matters.

By the time 2016 came around I was tired of life. I wanted so much more yet I kept finding myself in this dark place. I prayed and asked God for mercy and also knew I needed a break from living in Nigeria. The return home had not been smooth after all. For the first time I had experienced Reverse Culture Shock and it had done a number on me.

So when I left Nigeria December of 2016 I let out a sigh of relief. Thankful for the chance to heal and gain new experiences.

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By the time 2019 came along I was ready to return back to Nigeria. I had my Masters in Global Management from Thunderbird, and newly acquired skills and experiences that had healed and boosted my confidence.

Bethany-Angel was back in Business.

As I returned to Lagos, what was on my mind was finding a job I loved and publishing my memoir.

Four months after I returned home, I got my wish when it came to finding a job I loved. I had found Sabi Writers on Instagram and I had been intrigued by their page and immediately followed them.

Months later I saw that their was vacancies and I applied. The rest is history. I applied, got an interview and got the job.

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Four years later, I am amazed at the growth I have experienced working at Sabi Writers. I have watched the company grow, and being a part of the story makes me feel good to be a part of such a success story.

Working at Sabi Writers has been challenging in a good way. I have been stretched and forced to expand my bandwidth. I stated of as a resident writer which was awesome as I got to use my journalism education and my writing skills.

At Sabi Writers I have also found a community of fellow creatives, people who I have bonded with and who have become like family to me.

I have grown so much in my writing abilities, exploring genres like fiction writing, that I never thought I was good at. But most importantly I have embraced opportunities to do things outside my comfort zone like teach and facilitate training sessions.

Today, I am in charge of the Training Department and that’s a huge responsibility that comes with trepidation but also so much opportunity to be a part of creating something huge for employees now and in the future when it comes to the learning and development space.

A few weeks ago when my Parents were visiting Nigeria, and a few days after I turned 40, I had the privilege of inviting them to come and see where I worked. You know what was amazing they were given the royal tour by the CEO and COO. They got to see how something amazing can start from humble beginnings and grow into something so remarkable. And also experience the joy of knowing their daughter is playing a role in such an organisation.

I have no idea what the future holds, but I am sure that Sabi Writers will always have a special place in my heart, wherever I may find myself. Because it is a place I found purpose and a community.

Until then I have a Legacy to build.

Have a great week ahead.