After my NYSC, I joined the pool of frustrated young Nigerian graduates, actively searching for a job. So one day, I attended a walk-in job interview in Lagos. I had rehearsed the answers to common interview questions and mastered a number of clinical questions that are frequently asked during such interviews. Then, I met a consultant who asked me unusual questions.
“How old are you?”
Although my date of birth was written clearly on my CV which was right in front of him, I think he just wanted to be sure…
His next question struck me even harder…
“So, what do you want to do with your life?”.
I went silent for about 40 seconds. The question was obviously open-ended and vague, I didn’t know how to start answering. At that moment, I thought about the meaning of life itself. I thought about the purpose of creation. I thought about the things I wanted to do in life and those things I’ll like to be remembered for when I’m gone. I envisioned my life in the next 10 to 20 years. Then, I remembered that I don’t even own my life and, as much as I plan for a great future, nothing is 100% sure; except death.
Within those 40 seconds, a verse of the Qur’an popped into my head:
“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except that they should worship Me” (Qur’an chapter 51 verse 56).
My dear interviewer, seeing how perplexed I was, went on to explain what he meant…
“You’re still young and energetic. I doubt if this is the kind of job you should be looking for. It’s OK to gather one or two years of experience and save some money. But you should aim higher. You should take this and that course, undergo this and that training, read this and that book, access this and that resource, write this and that exam…”
I nodded affirmatively but I was still partially lost in thought. He had no idea that I read a different meaning to his question. Each time I remember that interview, that interviewer, and that question, I shake my head and smile. I ask myself: Khadijah, what are you doing with your life?
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” (Qur’an chapter 59 verse 18)
AskDoctorKT 