In today’s world, it is not much about the papers you have but rather what you are able to deliver. Therefore, in as much as you have clean papers, they will be of no use if at all you have no skills to showcase.
Walter Akolo is one person who has proven to the world that it is not always about the papers but what you are able to do with your skills. Like any other person without academic credentials, finding a place in the job market was not a walk in the park after he dropped from campus.
Years later, Walter has risen to be a top blogger in Kenya and one who is looked up to by many youths in the online freelancing sector.
Born and brought up in Buruburu, Nairobi, Walter wanted to be a lawyer but his dream would later be shattered.
“At 17, I wanted to be a lawyer to help free innocent people. One of the saddest days of my life was when I wasn’t selected for law in campus. I was “thrown” into another course that I just couldn’t manage” narrates Walter.
A devastated Walter would later roll up his sleeves in readiness to study Landscape Architecture in JKUAT after failing to change the course or even transfer to another university to study another course. Even though he had no passion for architecture, Walter somehow managed to study the course for two years hoping he would learn to love it.
“I couldn’t draw, couldn’t design. And that was the core of that course. I got so stressed and lost almost 20kgs. At the time, that was the most painful time in my life. It got to me and my self-esteem went down the drain. I decided I wouldn’t lose my life to a course I genuinely couldn’t manage to do, no matter how hard I tried.” Recalls Walter.
After quitting campus, Walter would later find his purpose in writing at 26 years which has since changed his life. After hearing about online writing from friends, Walter gave it a try and made Ksh 27, 000 working part-time. He then quit his full-time job which was paying Ksh 15,000 and scooped a whooping Sh60,000 in the second month of online writing! By the sixth month, Walter had already hit a sixth figure digit earning over Ksh 180,000 per month.
Today, the 33 years old is not only one of the most sought-after writers but also the founder of FreelancerKenya.com. Through his blog, social media groups and email subscriptions, Walter mentors thousands of people both locally and internationally. He also offers a freelance writing course which has produced some of highest-earning writers in Kenya.
Although the seven years journey in freelance writing has not been all sweets and pancakes, Walter is glad that it has really changed his life and helped him mentor other people.
#MyJob