Afi’s Unexpected Career Pivot

For as long as she could remember, Afi Mensah had wanted to be a lawyer. She had worked hard, graduating top of her class at law school and securing a prestigious job at a top corporate law firm in Accra. To everyone around her, she was successful. But deep inside, something felt off.

At first, she brushed it off as stress. The long hours, endless case files, and demanding clients were just part of the job, right? But over time, Afi started noticing something different—she wasn’t just tired; she was unfulfilled. She barely had time for herself, her friends, or even a proper weekend without emails and urgent calls. The career she had fought so hard for was now draining her energy instead of fueling her passion.

One evening, her younger cousin, who was starting an online business, asked for help setting up a website. Afi had never built a site before, but she was curious. She spent the night researching, experimenting, and figuring out how it all worked. She enjoyed every minute of it. The more she explored, the more she realized she loved the problem-solving side of tech—it reminded her of the thrill she used to feel when solving legal cases, only this time, she wasn’t drained; she was energized.

Over the next few months, she quietly explored tech skills in her free time—learning the basics of coding, UI/UX design, and digital marketing. It was just a hobby at first, but soon, it became more than that.

Then, an opportunity came: a legal-tech startup was hiring consultants who had both legal expertise and an understanding of technology. It was a perfect blend of her two worlds. Afi hesitated. Could she really walk away from years of law practice for something new?

After a long period of reflection (and a lot of conversations with mentors and friends), she took the leap. She transitioned into legal-tech consulting, where she could still use her legal knowledge but in a way that felt more exciting and aligned with her newfound passion for technology.

Today, Afi no longer dreads Mondays. She still works hard, but her work excites her rather than drains her. She took a risk, but she gained something priceless—a career that energizes rather than exhausts her.

Lesson?

Your career isn’t a fixed path. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places. Pay attention to what excites you, even if it’s outside your current field. Growth isn’t just about climbing a ladder—it’s about finding the right ladder for you.

Have you ever thought about pivoting careers? What’s stopping you?

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