REALITY OF LIFE
Mr. Jerry Odom had been reckoned to be a
workaholic in the streets of Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria. Since five years
back he inadvertently found himself in the aforementioned city, he had depended
on all sorts of activities for survival’s sake. Notwithstanding, he had thought
it wise to remain resolute and resilient in spite of the astonishing
challenges, thus was damn determined to make ends meet.
The intriguing and perhaps shocking part of
the scenario was that he possessed a revered certificate in Master’s degree. He
graciously obtained Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the
University of Uyo (UniUyo), Akwa-Ibom State six years back having bagged a
Bachelor degree in Sociology from the University of Calabar (UniCal)
Cross-River State, both in South-South Nigeria.
Eight years back during his days in Calabar,
prior to obtaining the MBA certificate, he was outrightly humiliated by an
officer in one of his numerous job-hunting visitations at a production company
of repute.
“Yes,” the officer, Mr. Jude Akpan said
the moment Mr. Jerry stepped into his office having been ushered in by the
secretary. “How may we help you?” He reacted so strangely.
The sociologist, Mr. Jerry Odom
actually went to the firm upon an invitation as regards an application he
tendered previously. But as he stood right before the Human Resources
personnel, it seemed he erroneously visited the firm.
“Sir..?” he managed to utter, standing.
“I am sure you are not deaf?” quoth Mr.
Akpan. “I said, how may we be of help?”
“Sir, I was invited for an interview.”
“Interview?”
“Yes sir.”
“What kind of interview?”
“Sir, I got a notice from the company.”
“Which company?” the boss drilled
further in false pretences.
“Your company, sir.”
“What do you mean by my company?”
“Catalog Production Limited, sir.”
the guest answered humbly.
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yes sir.”
“What kind of notice did you receive
from us?”
“A text message, sir.” he responded,
stood still.
“An SMS?”
“Yes sir.”
It is shocking to note that it was Mr. Jude
Akpan who personally issued the said message to the guest, barely forty-eight
hours back, requesting for his presence for a ‘one-on-one interaction’.
“Can I see the message?”
“Okay sir.” quoth the 30-year-old Mr. Jerry,
moved closer to the boss as he tried to open his phone’s inbox.
He
quickly displayed the notice for the boss’ virtual consumption.
“Oh,” exclaimed Mr. Akpan. “Now I
remember.”
Mr. Jerry stylishly smiled, stepped
a bit backwards.
“Please, sit down.” He eventually offered.
“Thank you, sir.” Mr. Jerry
appreciated as he put up a sigh of relieve, majestically sat on one of the
seats cited opposite the host.
“So, what’s the name?”
“Odom Jerry.”
“Odom Jerry?” reiterated the host who
was in his late thirties.
“Yes
sir.” the applicant clarified.
“Oh, I can now recall your
nomenclature.”
Mr. Jerry dished out a dazzling smile,
displaying his 32 teeth as he clad in black suit, black plain trousers, white
shirt and black plain shoes.
“You are the man who read Sociology,
right?”
“Yes sir.” He affirmed, nodding.
“So,” quoth Mr. Jude Akpan who dressed
in grey native attire. “What can you offer us?”
“Sir..?”
“Didn’t you hear me?”
“I heard you, sir.” he said. “But I couldn’t
comprehend the question.”
“As a sociologist,” the boss
continued. “Of what use will you be to a manufacturing company?”
Mr. Jerry was speechless, seemingly
engulfed in astonishment as he stared at the boss’ table in silent awe.
“Mr. Odom?” the boss awakened his
consciousness.
“Sorry sir.” He tendered, raising his
head.
“Sorry for what?” quoth Mr. Akpan. “Is
that the answer to my question?”
There was a brief silence.
“I said, what kind of services can you
offer Catalog Production Limited?” He reminded.
“Eh-eh…” He stammered.
“Eh what?” interrupted the boss. “Is
that what you would offer us?”
“Sir, I can fit in anywhere.”
“Anywhere?” the boss culled.
“Yes sir.” The applicant reaffirmed,
nodding.
“As a person, or as a professional?”
“Sir..?”
“Mr. Odom, why do you always want me to
repeat myself?” quoth the boss. “Is that how you would be attending to your
clients when employed by this company?”
Though the query was so challenging, the
30-year-old applicant was consoled by the last clause that sounded as if he
would eventually secure the intended employment.
“No sir.” He managed to say.
“No what?” quoth Mr. Akpan. “Isn’t it
obvious?”
“It’s not what you think, sir.”
“Please don’t divert my attention, Mr.
Odom.” urged the boss. “I asked, will you fit anywhere as a person or as a
professional?”
“As a professional, sir.”
“So, a sociologist can fit anywhere?”
“Absolutely sir.”
“You lied.” he thought aloud seriously.
“Didn’t you?”
Rather
than frowning over the embarrassing interruption, Mr. Jerry was found smiling,
though in false pretences. “I wouldn’t know what to say again, sir.” he
responded.
“I am afraid Mr. Odom,” quoth the host. “We
don’t have space for you.” He frankly informed in a low tone.
Mr. Jerry was therein overwhelmed by
shame and humiliation as he felt like asking the boss why he was invited in the
first place. “Okay sir.” He uttered calmly, quietly stood up and managed to
locate the exit point.
“Good luck, Mr. Odom.” the boss added
as he watched the confused applicant depart.
Ever since he had been in the labour
market after his first degree, this was the greatest embarrassment he would
encounter during a supposed interview. This very experience triggered him to
proceed for an MBA programme in the UniUyo having sought the assistance of his
parents who were still financially able to cater for his educational quest.
It
was after the Master’s programme he considered changing environment owing to
importunities from his guardians, thus he chose Lagos. Yet since five years
back the now 38-year-old Mr. Jerry Odom came into the said city, he had solely
depended on menial jobs.
To
be continued, please!
FDN Nwaozor
Executive
Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri
__________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter:
@mediambassador
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