In a busy office in Harare, there was a young graduate named Tinashe. Fresh out of university, he was excited to finally put his marketing degree to work.
On his first week, the manager called him over and said, “Tinashe, I need you to do the laundry for the whole office today.”
Tinashe froze. Laundry? He had imagined brainstorming campaigns, designing ads, maybe even pitching clients. Not scrubbing socks and folding shirts.
But he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. By the end of the day, he smelled like a mix of detergent and determination and yes, he had perfectly folded uniforms.
Weeks later, the manager was impressed. “Tinashe, I love the attention to detail in your reports. Very thorough work.”
Tinashe laughed. “Reports? That comes from folding shirts without mixing colors.”
Exactly. That menial task was experience in disguise. What looked like “being used” turned into a skill no degree could teach.
The African Hustler’s Secret: Every Task is a Lesson
In Africa, many young workers complain about being “used”:
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“I’m always running errands!”
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“Why am I cleaning up again?”
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“They’re wasting my talent!”
Truth is, there’s no such thing as “being used.” Every task is a chance to learn and grow:
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Handling petty cash teaches financial responsibility.
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Answering phones teaches customer service.
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Doing laundry teaches attention to detail and discipline.
One day, Tinashe’s attention to detail impressed a client and that very skill, earned from folding shirts, landed him a promotion.
From Menial Tasks to Leadership
African businesses are unpredictable. Skills aren’t handed out they’re forged in the fire of doing everything, even the things you think are beneath you.
Tinashe learned fast: small jobs are stepping stones. Annoying errands are disguised lessons. Every “unfair” duty is an opportunity to shine where others wouldn’t try.
Because one day, that very experience could make the difference between being overlooked and being trusted with major responsibilities or even starting your own business.
So, African hustlers, stop saying “I’m being used.” Start saying, “I’m gaining experience.”
The laundry you hate today, or the errands that seem pointless, might just make you the person everyone wants tomorrow.
In business, there’s no free lunch… but there is free training if you’re willing to see it that way.
By The Chartered Vendor
#AfricanBusiness #ExperienceMatters #WorkSmart #WhyAfricanBusinessesDieYoung #JerryNyazungu #HustleMindset #SkillsForLife #OfficeLifeAfrica #FromLaundryToLeadership #BusinessLessons
