Use your job to improve society

By Roselynn Karatsi

For many people, getting a job seems to be the ultimate goal and as soon as they get it, they proceed to do as they wish.

Everything must now work to benefit them. But, Doreen Kanyesigye, a lawyer and motivational speaker, says this is wrong.

She said this during the Unearth Your Potential Youth Conference she organized for secondary school holidaymakers in Kampala. She said workers should first consider how that job is going to help them contribute to society. Then they can decidewhether they need to be employed to attain that goal or create their own employment. She says if people considered this, there would be more entrepreneurs, even at a small scale and fewer job seekers.

She put part of the blame forthe situation on the education system that prepares students to view attaining a job as the ultimate goal  rather than one of the means to making a difference. Creating a job should be another big option given serious consideration.

"It is imperative that we empower Uganda's youth to be job creators. The key question is: How can this be done?" she said. Kanyesigye explained that sustainable transformation in any society can only beachieved by transforming the minds of its people.

"As African Spir ably put it, ‘reforming society demands  that one transforms the mentality of people", she said. Arun Sagi, the head of planning and development at the International School of Business, Technology (ISBAT) University, agrees and says:

"Uganda's economy is so young and so much can be done." According to Sagi, one needs to ask themselves what they can give to society that can transform it. After deciding that, then one needs to connect and consult with people with purpose, especially those with knowledge about what one wants for guidance. "Believe in yourself and be excellent. In any undertaking you must be honest; do not promise a lot, but be clear on your capacity.

You would rather surprise your client with more than they expected." Andrew Mapuya, the director of Yeli Paper Bags, who started business at the age of 16, says he started out to make a difference and make life worth living and has gone ahead to win awards. "Your brain is your capital. Do research and go out there and use what is available. I personally began a business that required sh2b to mechanise, but started with sh36,000, which I earned from selling plastic bottles.

" This was in 2008, he said. Deox Tibeingana, an advocate at Tibeingana & Company Advocates, says strategy is key and one needs to know that what they learn in school may not apply or be enough. He advised the participants that Uganda's population of 35 million people presents opportunities. "When you tap into it, you will be successful. You do not have to have a job. Just choose correctly," he said.