It must have been around 2006. I had observed him for some time, and it was clear that he was different from the others. He was always neatly dressed. His dark-coloured uniform was consistently well-ironed, and his boots were always polished.
Anytime a customer walked through the door, he stood at attention. He always smiled. Unlike some of his colleagues, I never once saw him solicit tips. He was absolutely professional and easily the best among them.
Olu (let me call him that—this is a true story, and he will most likely read it) was one of the bank’s security guards. I sensed there was more to him than the role he occupied. One day, my curiosity was confirmed when I noticed he was reading a book by Norman Vincent Peale. So, I decided to engage him in a conversation.
As we talked, he shared his story. He was an orphan who had sponsored himself through school. He had earned an Ordinary National Diploma from a polytechnic and was working as a security guard to save money for his Higher National Diploma programme.
I was deeply touched by his story, but even more inspired by the zeal and excellence he brought to his work. It’s not often you see such enthusiasm, especially in a role many people would consider “temporary” or “beneath them.” He was consistent and passionate. I encouraged him not to give up on his dreams.
You may not love your current job, but how you do it matters more than you think. Excellence has a way of opening doors. Share on XA few months later, a new internal policy was introduced. The bank could now recruit candidates with an OND as sales assistants—a role with better pay and a clearer career path. Successful candidates could work their way up once they have gained the required experience and further qualifications.
Olu immediately came to mind. I sent for him and encouraged him to apply. There was a written test involved, so I advised him to get GMAT textbooks from Dugbe and prepare seriously. He understood what this opportunity meant—it was a chance of a lifetime. He studied hard, wrote the test, and passed.
Next came the panel interview. I was one of three interviewers, alongside two of my superiors. A few days before the interview, I told Olu to look his best and borrow a suit if he didn’t have one.
On the interview day, when he walked into the room, we could hardly suppress our chuckles. The suit he borrowed was oversized, and as he greeted us, he stomped his feet—the security guard in him came to fore. I had already informed the panel that he was one of our guards.
Long story short, he took a bow and left. No questions were asked.
It was a Friday.
The following Monday, Olu resumed work in his new role at the very same branch where he had once stood as a security guard.
On his first day, I even took him along on a sales call. We sat together in a pool car while another security guard controlled traffic as we drove out. Today, Olu lives and works outside the country with his family.
The lesson is simple.
You may not like what you are currently doing, but do it well. Demonstrate enthusiasm. Be passionate. The universe has a way of rewarding diligence.
Do the work you have today as if it’s preparing you for tomorrow, because it is. Share on XIt doesn’t matter if you feel overqualified for your job, or if others consider it small or insignificant. There are no menial jobs—only menial mindsets. You define your job; don’t allow your job to define you.
If you’re a teacher, be the best teacher you can be. If you’re a cleaner, be the best cleaner ever. Mop the floor in such a way that it becomes your signature. If you’re a barber, be outstanding at your craft.
No honest job is beneath you as long as it pays your bills. Chase your dreams but handle the job you have today with excellence.
Very soon, the stars will align in your favour.