The Village Behind Every Career

Hello there. Molweni. Molweni🙂.

Happy new week!

I am happy to report that I am recovered and almost back to myself. I was fighting for my life last week, okay! I hope that you are well and keeping warm.

Last week, I wasn’t quite myself and it got me reflecting on the importance of having a village when it comes to building a career. Navigating the world of work is challenging enough on its own, but for me, one of the hardest parts has been learning to balance a career while also balancing life. The truth is, life doesn’t pause while you try to figure things out. It doesn’t wait for you to “get it together” or resolve a difficult season, it just keeps moving forward.

We often hear the phrase “it takes a village” in the context of raising children. The idea is simple: you don’t raise a child alone. You lean on a support system, a village, that helps carry the load. That support frees up the time, energy, and emotional capacity to not only parent, but also to show up fully in other areas of life.

The same is true for our careers. No one builds a career entirely on their own. To show up consistently and sustainably, you need a village around you. And here’s the key: your village isn’t only made up of the people closest to you; it’s also the support you can intentionally build and the help you can outsource.

The Village You Build

The village you build is made up of people you have close relationships with; family, friends, and trusted colleagues. These are the people who show up for you physically, mentally, and emotionally. They help keep your well-being in balance, offering encouragement, perspective, or just a listening ear. Some may even take certain tasks off your plate, giving you the time and energy to focus on your career or other priorities. Accepting their support isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

What makes this village truly powerful is reciprocity: members pour into one another. Just as your village supports you, you support them. It’s an ecosystem of giving, sustained by generosity and easily damaged by taking without giving back. Guard against being only a taker; if you do, you risk breaking the very support system you rely on.

Choosing your village wisely is equally important. Surround yourself with people you trust and genuinely value. You can’t take guidance from someone whose advice you wouldn’t respect, so be intentional about who you let in. These are people who have permission to criticize you. Again, choose your village wisely because you should not accept criticism from people whose advise your wouldn't take.

In my own life, my village has shown up in ways both big and small; from helping me navigate career transitions to simply checking in on a tough day. One friend offered advice that completely shifted my perspective during a low point. She often serves as my sounding board and often gives me the space to hear my thoughts out loud which is always helpful for me. In my previous role, a trusted colleague stepped in to cover a critical deadline when I was stretched too thin. Their support has been invaluable, reminding me that success isn’t built alone.

Think about your own life for a moment: who lifts you up when things get heavy? And equally important, are you showing up for them in return? Building and nurturing your village isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for thriving, both personally and professionally.

The Village You Outsource

Then… there’s the village you outsource. Now, I’m going to need all my independent soldiers to gather here: you cannot do everything, and you cannot be everything all at once. Outsource where you need additional support, and don’t be ashamed of it.

While the village you build is made up of people you have close relationships with, the outsourced village consists of professionals, services, and resources that free up your time, energy, and mental space. Think of childcare providers, food delivery services, house cleaners, virtual assistants, and therapists. These aren’t just conveniences, they are strategic ways to create capacity so you can show up fully in your career and personal life.

Outsourcing doesn’t mean you’re neglecting responsibility. On the contrary, it’s a smart way to ensure you can focus on what truly matters. For example, hiring a childminder or tutor can allow you to dedicate uninterrupted hours to high-stakes projects or tasks, while a therapist can help you navigate stress, clarify goals, or build confidence. These are practical investments in both your career and well-being.

When our daughter was three months old, we were fortunate to have a wonderful caregiver help us full-time. Returning to work after maternity leave was harder than I expected, but having her around freed up my mental and emotional capacity to focus on my career. Later, when we relocated, her willingness to move with us made the transition into my new job so much smoother. Her support allowed me to seize the new opportunity without worrying about certain day-to-day tasks; truly my saving grace.

Just like the village you build, the outsourced village works best when chosen carefully. Seek people or services you trust, who understand your needs, and who align with your values. The goal is to create support that compliments your personal and professional network, helping you maintain balance while still moving forward.

Think of your career as a garden. Your village, both built and outsourced, is the combination of fertile soil, sunlight, water, and tending hands that allow it to thrive. Without it, growth is slow, uneven, and fragile. With the right support, you create the conditions to flourish, focus, and grow in a way that is sustainable.

The myth of doing it alone, that independence, hustle, and “self-made” success are the only paths to achievement, is just that: a myth. Even the most successful people rely on invisible networks of support. Building a career and a balanced life requires both villages. Your personal network of family, friends, and trusted colleagues provides emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. Your outsourced village, from childcare providers to therapists and other professionals, creates the space and capacity you need to show up fully.

Be intentional: choose your village wisely, nurture reciprocal relationships, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Together, these villages form the foundation for sustainable growth and resilience. Remember, no one thrives alone, it takes both villages to build a career that lasts. Take a moment to reflect: who is already in your village, and who could you invite in? Where might you benefit from outsourcing support to create more space and focus? The stronger your village, the more fully you can show up; not just in your career, but in life as a whole.

Have an intentional and blessed week.

Lots of love,

Zizo