For the past few years, I have been struggling to find my feet when it comes to landing a job. It’s not as if I don’t have the proper qualifications to get something decent to do. I do, but we all know how competitive the job market in Ghana can be. This is why I spent so much time at home doing nothing.

I sent in applications when I found vacancies that aligned with my qualifications. Even the ones that didn’t, I applied anyway. When they called for interviews, I would research the role, read about the company, wear my best corporate outfit, and even show up before the interview time, ready to show the panel that I was more than capable of doing the job. Sometimes, we found out the slots were already filled out and the job ads were mere formalities.

Other times I got offers that were worse than nothing. The salaries were often so small that I would have to end up needing extra money if I were to transport myself to work. As much as I wanted to keep busy, it was financially wise to turn down those offers.

While I struggled with this, I was fortunate or I should say that I am blessed to have a supportive mum. She has been taking care of my needs and ensuring I don’t lack money. I have a boyfriend too but I don’t demand anything from him. He works as a nurse.

Unlike me, he earns a stable income but I understand that his money is not mine. That’s why I don’t go to him with my financial needs. I manage whatever my mum gives me and strive to find opportunities that will empower me to make my own money. It has been like that for the two years we’ve been together.

Along the line, I was presented with an opportunity to acquire a skill. To learn to be a heavy-duty machine operator. I didn’t think it was something I could do but my mum told me, “If you learn this thing and excel at it, it will open doors for you. You would be surprised by the things you can do if you put your mind to it.” Yes, that’s my mum for you. She is my biggest cheerleader.

With her push, I went for it. When I discussed this with my boyfriend, he was also very encouraging. He told me, “You are my girl. You can definitely do this.” Sometimes, when I faced a difficult day, I would call him and we would talk about it. He is aware of every step I have taken from the moment I signed up for the course. He knows the job opportunities I can tap into when I finally get my certificate. We even talked about how our future home would be with his profession as a nurse and mine as a heavy-duty machine operator.

We were excited that things were different. First, I didn’t have hope of getting a decent job anytime soon but now things were better. There was promise of something steady awaiting me.

When I finished the course, I was connected to a job requiring my new qualifications in Canada. I was thrilled about it but I didn’t rush to tell my boyfriend. For some reason, I feared talking about it would jinx it. I made up my mind that I would finalize my documents, and get to Canada before I let him know.

While I was preparing my documents, I sensed a shift in his attitude. I couldn’t understand the transformation. We were in a good place. We hadn’t gotten into any fights. Yet he chose to start ignoring me for no reason. The guy who used to respond to my text messages in no time all of a sudden became the person who was too busy to even read my messages. As for phone calls, it was a miracle to get him to speak to me.

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His sudden change was just so confusing. I remember asking several times if I did anything to offend him. Each time he told me no but his actions said otherwise. When he was finally ready to talk he told me, “I don’t think I can be with you anymore.” Ah, just like that? “Why? What did I do?” He answered, “I am tired of pretending it doesn’t bother me that you don’t have a job. This is why I have decided to let you go.” I couldn’t believe it.

It didn’t make sense that after two years, he out of nowhere had a problem with my unemployed status. He knew I was done with my course but I still hadn’t mentioned my travel plans to him. I didn’t plan to but his behaviour forced me to blurt out, “What do you mean you are leaving me because I don’t have a job? I was going to surprise you but now I will tell you everything.” And so I did. I talked about the job, and how I am almost done finalizing the documents. When he realized I was telling the truth he changed his tune.

She Cried That Day On The Altar


Someone who was hellbent on breaking up with me all of a sudden burst out laughing. Confused, I asked what was so funny. This guy said, “Oh, I got you! You are so easy to mess with. The breakup is just a joke. I was just pranking you but look at how you fell for it. I have no intention of leaving you, babe.”

The truth is, I am confused. I don’t know what to make of this. Did he really mean to leave me but change his mind when I told him about the travel opportunity, or indeed, the break-up was a prank? Who even breaks up with someone as a prank in this day and age? I don’t know what to believe.

— Nancy

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