Embracing Inevitable Change by Dhivhani Mulaudzi

An Introduction by Divhani Mulaudzi EMBRACING INEVITABLE CHANGE

ave you ever felt stuck between a rock and a hard place? I have, multiple times

Hactually.

Earlier this year on 28th of March, I was still actively employed as a fundraiser for a foundation that helped children with cancer. The position was based in Johannesburg, my contract was supposedly concluding at the end of the month. I hoped for an extension, but the silence from my manager was nerve-wracking.

She had not voiced a single comment about my future with the foundation, at least not beyond my contract expiry date.

On the morning of the 31st, the long-awaited meeting took place in a small boardroom. My eyes were gloomy from the sleeplessness I experienced the previous night. My third consecutive yawn was a vindication of my fatigue. I could not retrieve my mind from roaming deep in the valley of uncertainty.

My manager entered the boardroom seven minutes after nine. I had been awaiting her arrival for an aeon. She greeted me with a warm smile, I reverted a nervy grin, and proceeded to study her aura as she perused through a pile of papers on the table. Her small talk was meant to break the ice. Our eyes met intently, and after a deep breath, she said the foundation could no longer retain my position. The decision was influenced by covid-19.

I went home with a hefty heart, unsure of what the future holds. A few days later, I got an invitation to an interview. The company was based in Cape Town, and the second phase of the interview was a face-to-face meeting. I needed to make a decision. I could either stay in Johannesburg - the comfort of familiarity, or delve in a thrilling journey to the unknown. I chose to go against the fear of change and embarked on a journey to Cape Town for the interview.

I did not get the job, but neither did I regret my decision. It was the point of that transition from Johannesburg to Cape Town that changed my life. Not only did I end up securing three online jobs that I love doing, but I also managed to complete my manuscript and received a publishing proposal from a prestigious publisher. This is a dream come true. And it only leaves me with one question in mind… would it all have happened if I didn’t make the move?

Change is inevitable. From seasons to physical growth, you name it. From ancient to contemporary times, we see it. No matter how uncomfortable, no matter how inevitable, there’s always something good that the winds of change gust our way.

The most exciting thing you can do is... Embrace it!