George Mulala: What living in America Has Taught Me About Jobs

Every year, countless individuals embark on the journey of immigrating to the United States of America with the hope of finding better employment opportunities.

The US is often viewed as a promised land of prosperity and abundance.
However, is this perception entirely accurate? Are job opportunities in the US as abundant as they are believed to be? George Mulala, a Kenyan in the US, has had firsthand experience and shared his perspective on the matter. He notes that his time in the US has taught him an invaluable lesson that the most fulfilling and successful jobs are the ones that you create for yourself.

According to him, it is much easier to reach the pinnacle of success when you have an authentic passion for the path you pursue. He personally found out that his aspirations aligned with the things that mattered most to him. He stresses that the daily arrangements and routines that one makes reflect the areas of their greatest passion.

"If you have elderly parents who require care, could you transform your home into a daycare centre for the elderly? Or, if you spend your days devoted to taking care of your own children, could you open your living room to the neighbourhood children and establish a daycare for kids right in your own home?" he poses.

In his opinion, converting a 50 x 100 piece of land into a bountiful vegetable patch can elevate a basic garden into a thriving produce establishment. For cooking enthusiasts, he suggests offering a meal delivery service to neighbours in your immediate area and suggests beginning with several homeowners and expanding incrementally until you establish a successful brand right from the comfort of your kitchen. He advises fitness fanatics to use their notably built bodies to attract clients and promote workout sessions. Many Kenyans possess a wealth of knowledge and skills in various vocations. He affirms that one can find utmost fulfilment by transforming passion into a career.

Mulala, who had once toiled tirelessly for Reuters across Africa, capturing photographs in dangerous and inhumane conditions for meagre pay, serves as a reminder that pursuing your passion can lead to a more fulfilling outcome. In 2002, he embarked on a journey towards the prestigious role of Chief Photographer in Eastern Africa. Although he ventured out, fate was unkind and he found himself back where he started the journey at Nation Media Group (NMG). Transitioning from a high-ranking position at Reuters to a modest contributor at NMG, he earned a mere Sh500 for each published photo.

Undeterred, George persevered and eventually climbed the ranks to become the Nation's esteemed photo editor. Tragedy struck in 2019 when Mulala's wife contracted hepatitis C from contaminated drinking water in Ukambani, ultimately losing her life.