Alex Mwakideu says that after 22 years of living a “loud life,” he now struggles to hear, regretfully going on to add that “loud” was simply the order of the day.
In the studio, in vehicles, and in clubs, his life was turned upside down by the very nature of his work.
What many people don’t realise is that some of these jobs pay so well that, in the process of chasing money, we forget ourselves.
We forget our health, our peace, our time, and our loved ones while chasing the bag.
Alex, who was and still is, one of the finest Swahili broadcasters, goes on to say that after years of his listeners listening to him, he now struggles to hear those very listeners.
I heard someone saying, “Mimi bora nalipwa pesa, sijali job ni gani,” but those who say this often speak from a point of desperation.
We live in a country where almost everyone is struggling financially, to the extent that people are willing to do almost anything for money.
Hata ndiyo maana you will find polis officers being hired by politicians as their hitmen, because tell me, how does someone earn 23k, after tax confidently turn down 1milli in cash?
Very few people are financially secure enough to walk away from compromising situations simply because they value their dignity, health or well-being more than the money being offered.
And perhaps we need to stop judging people who do, since our society has become too judgemental.
Someone walks away from a toxic relationship; we say they have raised unnecessary standards.
Someone quits a toxic job; we ask why they couldn’t just endure.
Someone who refuses an opportunity that compromises their values – we call them foolish for “leaving money on the table”.
Another person anaingia pale stripchat kama Marion Opanga kuonyesha wazungus samblenya, and akina Baha wa Machachari kutupanulia rectum, all chasing after money.
We rarely ask what that person was going through before they made that decision.
Sometimes the most expensive thing you can lose while chasing money is yourself.
The sad reality is that money can pay for treatment, but it cannot always restore what the job took away from you.
Alex spent 22 years making sure people could hear him, but today, he is struggling to hear them.
Kwani, how much are we willing to sacrifice for a payslip?
At the end of the day, what is the point of making a living if, in the process, we forget how to live?
