Work Done WellA Quiet Path to Purpose

Work Well DoneA Quiet Path to Purpose

UNILAG Class of 2025

THEME

THE POST-ACADEMIC ODYSSEY

FINDING DIRECTION IN A DISRUPTED WORLD

You’ve crossed the finish line, the cap is tossed, the gown is folded, and a new journey begins. But what comes next is more than just a job. It’s about how you work and the pride you carry in every task.

When you work with care, with love, you’re not just building your career, you’re building a life.

Paulo Coelho, author of the globally acclaimed book, The Alchemist and one of my favourite authors of modern times, once wrote in his book Manuscript Found In Accra, that the truest success is found in going to bed each night with your soul at peace.

It’s not about what you achieve on the outside, but the quiet certainty that you’ve poured your best into every day’s work.

“Work is love made visible.”

Khalil Gibran, The Prophet

An Imperfect Day

a yet-to-be-published book about finding meaning and purpose through one’s work

In the continuity of the soon-to-be-released A Merchant’s Tale, I explore the story of Fahima, a young surveyor in 1500s Yorubaland, who grew frustrated observing the negative impact that failed promises, shoddy and casual, unraptured, and dispassionate work had on the community as a whole.

In the story, I explore how one person’s nonchalance can cascade to the next person, until the entire community is in disarray.

Fahima discovers that even on the toughest days, the work we do, no matter how small, shapes the world around us and who we become, and she chooses to be the catalyst for positive change.

Can you relate to Fahima? You should, otherwise, what’s the value of your education?

What difference do you intend to make?

Let’s celebrate the art of work well done, and build a future you can be proud of

Why does this matter now?

In a world rushing for instant results, we sometimes forget the value of patience, pride and presence. Every time you choose to do work well, you add something meaningful to your own story.

Join me on Substack for reflections, insights and quiet stories that remind us that real growth doesn’t come from speed, but from the care we bring to our work.

Follow Walé on Substack!

Dive deeper into the Golden Threads of Inspiration series — stories designed to spark conversations about life, identity and purpose in both children and adults alike.