Swan song of sorts…
…for me in the United States.
Long time readers of KP know that my departure from the U.S. to Kenya (and now South Africa) was cushioned with a parachute in the form of an open offer from one of the best and most selective law firms in the U.S. I’m not sure I would have made such an impulsive move (I literally woke up one day and said I’m off), if I didn’t have the option of the offer.
The one year offer expired around April this year, but I wasn’t quite ready to make the call one way or another…I was engaged in work that was/is very fulfilling form me and had the time to work on things I’m passionate about (like Mzalendo) and I was really feeling being back in Africa (my non-corporate law firm paycheck notwithstanding). Unbelievably, the firm gave me another year to keep doing what I was doing and has been very supportive of what I’m doing to the extent of offering pro bono services if I ever needed them.
Over the last few months though, it’s become pretty clear that Africa is where I need/want to be. I’m confident the money and expertise a stint at Covington would have given me will come soon enough. And you cannot put a price tag on doing what you love to do every day and making a difference. I worked hard to give myself options, and there’s no better feeling than exercising them. So on Monday I officially bid the firm goodbye.
Thank you Covington for allowing me to jump.
Here’s hoping I don’t land on my ass…
on November 2nd, 2006 at 18:57
I don’t know you, except through your work on the internets:smile:. I bet you will do very well. Inspiring move!
on November 2nd, 2006 at 19:08
That is amazing that you were offered a position at this amazing Firm right out of Law School..you rock!!! All that matters is the fact that you are gratified by your present job..I am sure you made the right decision.
on November 2nd, 2006 at 19:38
Here comes the first female AG of Kenya, watch the space……….
on November 2nd, 2006 at 19:47
Great for you…….i might need to keep intouch coz when we i join you there to change the stuff around (politicaly or so) u will tetea me….Good Luck, read lots of ya work and believe u will make it
on November 2nd, 2006 at 19:53
You made a very brave choice, Ory. I’m confident that it was the right one, and I bet you’ll see the truth of it soon. Congratulations on the jump…
on November 2nd, 2006 at 19:55
Good for you!
on November 2nd, 2006 at 20:01
Wishing you nothing but success!
on November 2nd, 2006 at 20:08
You should start scouting a parliamentary seat we need you hukoz..YOU ARE ONE IN A MILLION - our prayers are with you.
on November 3rd, 2006 at 0:19
I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said
“I will prepare and some day my chance will come.”
Congratulations Ory on choosing to take up this opportunity.
on November 3rd, 2006 at 1:12
Keep doing what you’re doing and am sure Covington & other offers will keep coming up.
on November 3rd, 2006 at 1:35
That must really be hard a decision to make.
It really takes heart to kiss the money(read corporate law non-life) and come back home. We need more of you’s
on November 3rd, 2006 at 2:39
All the best with the decision you made, Ory.
on November 3rd, 2006 at 3:41
Kila heri.
on November 3rd, 2006 at 10:17
You are heroic, Ory. My hat’s off to you.
Osas
on November 3rd, 2006 at 12:39
i have lost an enlightened drinking buddy, but the continent has gained a brilliant mind. good on you once again double o. hasta la victoria siempe!
on November 3rd, 2006 at 22:27
All the best!
on November 4th, 2006 at 22:35
Your move to KE may have been cushioned, but clearly u are more needed (like most of us are) in Africa than in the west. How about you(you are bright and it should be a challenge worth your time) helping come up with ideas/solutions that manages to pull us from here to Africa or better still, help stem the tide of professional immigrants still leaving?.
on November 6th, 2006 at 6:30
Great decision Ory! I made the move back to Africa from the U.S. in 2003 and I have never looked back! It’s good to see that there are more brilliant minds deciding to come back and doing big things on the continent. Nuff respect and all the best!
on November 21st, 2006 at 23:53
You have the parachute you need, your tip top mind. Money/status bila REAL challenge and satisfaction just doesn’t cut it. Cheers to you!
on December 6th, 2006 at 13:45
Thanks for sharing and demonstrating, like others have, that it is entirely possible and logical………it just takes dogged determination and some very careful and conscientious planning. KUDOS!