A while back, I got a job offer and to be honest, it felt like sugar or even a little bit sweeter. It was something Ayo would have jumped at, two years ago. But not anymore.
As the person kept going on and on about the offer I knew deep within me that it wasn't something I wanted and while I pretended by asking for time to think about it,I had walked away from the offer even before I left the place.
What went wrong? Nothing.
The thing is, I know what I want. Maybe not fully but I at least know what it looks like and this offer, although good, was not it. I was almost tempted to take it and raise the 'middle finger' to what I wanted — but I couldn't. I have come too far to settle for something that looks right but isn’t right for me.
See sometimes it might not be mediocrity, it might not be that bad or it might even be better in a different area than want you want, but don't get lost in the promises. That doesn’t mean it fits your vision. And that’s where the danger is. It looks sweet now, but what's to say that years down the line you would not look back and wish you went for what you've always wanted instead.
This isn't just about work; it's about lifestyle, friendships and even relationships sometimes. Do not get lost in what is available or looking fine and dandy because what you want is yet to come or seems to be a lot of work.
‘Ayo, you don't understand.’
Maybe I don't. And maybe I am sounding a bit privileged because I get the option button. But what if you have no option.
It's still okay to go for what you can get now but again, don't get lost. Constantly remind yourself that this is not what you want for yourself but it is what you can get now and no matter how much this tries to suck you in, stay afloat. Don't drown it in until you can no longer be saved.
It reminds me of that experiment, the one about the frog.
If you throw a frog into boiling water, it’ll jump right out.
But if you place it in cool water and slowly turn up the heat, it won’t notice the danger. It’ll get comfortable. It’ll adapt. And eventually—it’ll die there.
That’s how some offers come. Not as obvious traps. But as warm water. Comfortable. Easy to say yes to. Hard to walk away from. But years later, you might look back and wonder when exactly you stopped chasing what you really wanted. When you got too used to something that was never really for you.
Keep reminding yourself 'This is not my final stop'. Don't confuse comfort for purpose. Even if the water feels good right now, make sure it doesn’t quietly boil you away from your dreams.
Please, don't get lost.