How unemployment became the ruby in my life | Tabitha Sindani | TEDxRuhrUniversityBochum

How unemployment became the ruby in my life | Tabitha Sindani | TEDx Ruhr University Bochum
#tedxrub2019 #embracetheunexpected #femaleempowerment
Tabitha Sindani explores her own experiences as a young woman going through a difficult period in life, while hiding behind the perfect façade of social media. Her mission is to empower women and girls to defy the culturally embedded status quo about their role and place in society, by embracing the unexpected turns and twists that life brings.
Tabitha Sindani is a doctoral researcher in Business Studies at Roehampton University Business School London. Her research focuses on policy and rural female entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa.
________
TEDx RuhrUniversityBochum was started in 2016 by a group of students enthusiastic about bringing the TEDx format to the Ruhr Area. In May 2019, we turned our TEDx conference into one of the largest TEDx events in Europe organized by students. We connected over 1,000 people at our TEDx event and brought 13 speakers to Bochum who presented their ideas and visions regarding the motto "Embrace the Unexpected".
„Embrace the unexpected“ is not just a theme, it is an attitude.
It is to look courageously and curiously towards the future and confidently embrace the manifold challenges of our time. To understand the new and unexpected as a learning opportunity for progress and not as a source of uncertainty. Such an attitude is needed in a rapidly changing world, now more than ever.
Find out more about TEDx RuhrUniversityBochum on our website: www.tedxruhruniversitybochum.de
Instagram: @tedxruhruniversitybochum
#tedxruhruniversitybochum #ruhruniversitätbochum #tedxtalks #tedkonferenzdeutschland #globalissues2019 #ruralfemaleentrepreneurship #culturalfeminism #subsaharanafrica
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx Tabitha Sindani, a doctoral researcher in Business Studies at Roehampton University Business School London, who is researching on policy and rural female entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa, explores her own experiences as a young woman going through a difficult period in life, while hiding behind the perfect façade of social media.
Her mission is to empower women and girls to defy the culturally embedded status quo about their role and place in society, by embracing the unexpected turns and twists that life brings. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@sarahtamale8109]

"Embrace the unexpected" u dont know what u just did to me.a healing alcoholic now picking up my pieces of broken glass.i nolonger care that it was a glass in the beginning,i am going to use the pieces as decorations in my flower pots.i am moving on with what i can change now.

[@aimiuwuamenanthonia284]

Beautiful piece

[@PrexidesSauli]

Wow wow wow that is mind boggling. Inspiration right there 👏👏👏🙏🙏

[@evies1219]

Congratulations! This post makes me feel that there is Hope!! I was trying to be supportive of a family member who is struggling right now. They pushed me away. 😢. Best wishes to you🎉!!

[@ValwithaVee]

I graduated February 2018. Got my first job in research May 2018, contract ended December 2018. Second job as a salesperson December 2018, resigned due to burnout and depression October 2019. Unemployed since then. Spent the rest of 2019 and most of 2020 being depressed and suicidal. Now running my own small clothing business, freelancing for a digital agency, and helping people learn English and use it i daily life. Whether or not I can have to lunch tomorrow still haunts me everyday, but at least I am free to live life they way I always wanted to. To be a useful human being. If I'm gonna die, I'm gonna have to die being useful.

[@thelinkeducationalsupports2949]

Die empty of all that God gave you to share with the world!

[@mgdigitalhub]

Useful!

[@bekelemamina8250]

Tabita dear or Lupita like i used to call you back in Addis, Ethiopia, look where u r now! i know u will go even higher! a very dynamic, respectful young lady with a big heart!! Mamina from AU

[@amosamedius9676]

Great message Tabitha Sindani, thank you. Here are the 3 things to walk away with: 1. Value and Identity are within me 2. Opportunities are right where I am 3. Greater joy is found in the greater purpose to serve others.

[@fikabmwakabungu1128]

Very true, indeed!!!

[@belsizebelz]

Thank you so much Tabitha.... today I'm watching this clip and you encouraged me to go out and do what I like, opportunities are right where you are.....👏👏👏👏👏

[@belsizebelz]

You're welcome to contact me on my email address

[@BelovedsPlace]

thank you for this...

[@mofimTV]

U left something out. Those 3 points are all the tools she suggests that you need to embrace the unexpected.

[@AmakaN.]

I’m currently unemployed for 13 months now... it’s been a whole lot of downs One day, I pray to come back n change this comment Thanks tabby🤗

[@queenmajesty5163]

Keep the faith and prepare yourself for "not just any job" but the job you desire.

[@_TaNa254]

God Bless You!

[@AmakaN.]

@@queenmajesty5163 Thanks !

[@AmakaN.]

@@_TaNa254 bless you too 🤍

[@thelinkeducationalsupports2949]

You will Amaka. You absolutely will! It is a season but seasons come to pass. Summer, winter, autumn, spring, God makes them all beautiful in His time/! Allow him to be your anchor and you will thrive in months and years to come,

[@godfreyuchaay5193]

1. Value and Identity are intrinsic 2. Opportunities are right where you at. 3. Greater Joy lies in the greater purpose of serving others.

[@maretemaureen]

For sure , greater joy lies in the greater purpose of serving others .

[@nyesigarobert9523]

Thank you for acknowledging God even on such a great platform.

[@Kokola-qh9wp]

This woman brought me hope in my darkest times.... God bless her, I hope she's succeeding because she's radiant!!

[@oaesan]

She will succeed in more ways than she planned to

[@elieburel8620]

✊🏿🌹✊🏿

[@robinyatesfoodforcriticalt1768]

I hope times are getting lighter for you!

[@barbaramusavi8618]

Isn't it funny how this just popped up on my TL? Two months unemployed, lost and stuck. You give me hope. ♥️From western Kenya🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@lizlilly3246]

I read this comment hoping it is from 1 yr ago but it breaks my heart to see it's from 3weeks ago . Hunny one day you will tell your story and it will be a testimony for you all the best .

[@barbaramusavi8618]

@@lizlilly3246 thank you. And when it happens i will be back here to update my story

[@zv54]

I am 25 this year, British born but full ethnic minority, suffering a plethora of long term problems including unemployment though no fault of my own, and I am receiving no support.

[@isaactonyloi2185]

I'm sure so many Kenyan graduates can relate to your story

[@lizlilly3246]

Most if not all .

[@kadeijadalrymple137]

Unemployment has my mental health in shambles 😭😭😭. I cannot

[@taopanda98]

SAMEEEEEE

[@thomassakaria4147]

Man I am so glad I clicked on this video. Tabitha your story has filled me with so much hope, thank you for sharing it 👏👏👏👏👏

[@ruthnyirenda9925]

I don't know what to say... As I listen to this it's been 2 weeks since my beloved mom passed on... She struggled to sponsor me to the University with hopes that life would be better after I graduate but she ended up witnessing my 4 years of agonising & frustrating unemployment... She passed away I nursed her until she died am still unemployed.. But this talk has given me hope as I am going to look for opportunities right where I am.

[@InvisionHopeHealthyLiving]

Wishing you the best.

[@ruthnyirenda9925]

@@InvisionHopeHealthyLiving thanks

[@Topg1]

I'm sorry for your loss. Wish you best for on your journey.

[@spongenoob4409]

I’m sorry for your loss

[@visionvixxen]

Praying that Yah and all the heavens open up and direct you to where you heart meets the world’s need. You ARE loved. May you be busy and delighted all the days of your life.

[@Imanforever]

'What you do for yourself dies with you when you leave this earth but what you do for others lives forever'

[@goodnesshil3349]

Wow , this is amazing. I went to school with this lady. Humble,beautiful and an exceller

[@preciousokechi715]

I got Goosebumps listening to this story. God bless you.

[@titusabwas6626]

Kindly which school

[@InvisionHopeHealthyLiving]

"Value and identity are intrinsic." Powerful.

[@FARAFINA221972]

Smell the roses along the way 🌷, let life go on, embrace the unexpected...so much encouragement! Thank you!!! # embracing

[@zodwamabija3174]

Value and identity are intrinsic. 3 years later and the message is still powerful. Siyabonga

[@puseletsomasoeu8447]

So profound. A similar story to mine which I detail in my book "honouring the Vision" Never stop trying. Now in my story I detail how to unravel that inner voice that allows you to see yourself outside of what society sees. Because that is how you ultimately learn to start living out your vision/purpose.

[@lesedilabarongwa365]

Thobela. Please can you send me your book to read for review

[@gamelbamontemayor9748]

I'm jobless right now ,for 2 years due to pandemic.And now same as your situation back into the village and do planting vegetables for our daily consumption just to survive..🙏🏻💓From: Cebu

[@shebagitta7040]

1. Value and identity are intrinsic - my skills and knowledge, my personality. No one can take that away from me. 2. Opportunities are right where you are. Create them with what you have within your circumstances 3. Greater joy in service to others 4. Embrace the unexpected, in the end all things work for good.

[@lililicious]

I am officially unemployed today and It's hard be jobless during this Pandemic 😭

[@KetoPowerZone]

you are not alone....

[@Star-vg7ix]

enjoy the time off. That is what I am doing. Keep applying and building your skills. Enjoy your time off and appreciate everything.

[@nitinbhat]

i have been unemployed since January 2020, praying that the end of the pandemic results in a new beginning

[@TuyenNguyen-gm2et]

Same. Good luck everyone.

[@atalyadeleon8636]

I am crying now... And yes I feel you too

[@farxana5381]

Lost my job due to COVID 19 pandemic, currently going through the unemployment phase. I could resonate with her on so many levels. Like her, I also wanted to study medicine, but couldn't because I couldn't achieve a good score to get myself admitted into a medical school. Instead, I had to choose business and worked hard to land a job. After getting my first full-time job and working there for more than a year, I got a call from my HR and heard that I lost my job. It gets really hard to stay sane when you are unemployed, applying to various places and getting rejected or getting no calls every time, and on top of that, this pandemic is not ending in anytime soon. I can see the frustration and sadness in my parents' eyes. The uncertainty of the future and the fear of it can be very daunting.

[@shted224]

How is everything now? Hope you're OK!

[@prasunmishra9625]

Stay strong and open your options.

[@HyltonMR]

I wish things were better. Currently unemployed for 3 months

[@makenasimani4688]

😔

[@jncjnc9411]

Praying for you. I am in the same position and I can't seem to find my passion

[@thomaspomidarubenecia8326]

I can only say thank you for you inspirational talk. i have been depressed for six months not getting a job. Then KZbin recommends me your video. God bless always.

[@winnypsychologist2560]

You have inspired me Tabitha by sharing your experience with unemployment. It is necessary that unemployed graduates understand that their value and identity is intrinsic so that they do not define themselves based on their employment status . This is extremely important in maintaining mental health. Congratulations dear, continue with the good job of mentoring young people in society.

[@laurenemkamanga]

Goegoous girl with a beautiful story. What a WOW!!

[@babypriyus]

I am so stunned that this was uploaded exactly a year ago. Currently unemployed and realized how life is not linear. This was an incredible TedTalk, thank you Tabitha!

[@univuniveral9713]

Get a job

[@Studently]

@@univuniveral9713 You think people like to be unemployed? people are facing tough times and doing everything to get a job.

[@univuniveral9713]

@@Studently Okay lady Mrs. However, people 1. Don't wanna think outside the box 2. Are too picky about jobs 3. We should understand that begging on the street is also a job, but begging from friend is not.

[@univuniveral9713]

Without revealing much info about your personal life, please can you tell me the job you desire, your training, and other extra skills? I was watching a video of a PhD holder who was jobless for 5 years until he started thinking outside the box. If I find the youtube video I will paste it here. However, based on what I saw in the video, I can still give some hints without the video. Wishing you all the best. You are great for listening to your sister Tabitha from a different continent, and for never giving up.

[@babypriyus]

@@univuniveral9713 what is your comment’s purpose? Are you trying to empower someone into getting a job or are you demeaning someone because they made a comment on a KZbin video? You have a God’s pic in your KZbin page but you are completely being a rude person to a stranger? Check your intentions. It’s not clear.

[@feliciamodica3854]

Just two words: thank you.

[@bennyton2560]

I relate to this struggle so much T_T currently unemployed and in an existential crisis

[@cutecarbon]

Same here...4 mnths no money no job....just waiting for the ray of hope....but i will fight

[@stephen-john1677]

Same here, 💔💔

[@aleenasaha986]

Work for me. Check out graffiti sight on Facebook !

[@profngurewamwachofi3243]

Life is a never-ending journey / school.

[@ifypeacedotcom1524]

Thanks Tabitha Sindani. Thanks for sharing your experience. Thanks for sharing your journey thus far. You can't tell the depth you touch in me. Can't wait to be in touch with you. Thanks again

[@vickywilliams9734]

The thing in life is to believe in yourself. God continue to bless you .

[@deborauzumaki1010]

I wish I could contribute to that video with subtitles in my native language, so my friends could hear your story told by you. We had graduated 6 months ago and we are still unemployed. All of us should hear your wise words. Thank you, Tabitha 🙏💙

[@oma7698]

The world is moving beyond graduating and looking for work. We must now look for problems to solve while in school, and begin solving them. By the time we graduate, we will have real world solutions to real world problems, delivering value that attracts compensation beyond what a job can give. Not everyone can receive this wisdom because more people prefer poverty. All the best to everyone currently unemployed. It’s your season to begin solving problems and getting paid for it.

[@marykasiva2686]

Practice self care, very important. Take care of your thoughts and body during this time. Been here 6 years now and I'm holding strong

[@marykasiva2686]

Practice self care, very important. Take care of your thoughts and body during this time. Been here 6 years now and I'm holding strong

[@sophia4christ]

What you do for yourself, dies when you leave this earth. What you do for others live on after you are gone. Powerful message!

[@MelodyUnderstandsYou]

How does this not have more likes. This is a powerful talk in so many ways. Esther set an amazing example and raised a wonderfully eloquent, educated, wise woman. Thank you.

[@aida9872]

This is my favorite TED Talk. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@Karabo_Molate]

I'm going through so much right now because of unemployment. This right here, lifted me up.

[@w.a6806]

Whether unemployed or employed this is a gem! I wish it can reach many especially the youth

[@LamideArtisan]

I don’t know how this video found me, but I’m grateful. Wonderful to hear this story. This is the life of a missionary.

[@imsodone5737]

I love Kenya more than ever now. She's got a nice accent and, apparently, a zest for life. Keep living, keep achieving.

[@victoriavicky5728]

This is by far one of the most powerful TedTalks ever! Welldone Tabitha. So impactful. I needed to hear this.❤️❤️❤️

[@lydiahtr3877]

Embrace the unexpected. There is greater joy in serving others. Very inspiring. Watching this 3 years later

[@phylliswright8730]

Don't we ever give up. It's us and God all the way. His grace is amazing.

[@drhopewellness1909]

I past my highschool to join campus my major was community health, this wasn't my dream career for I wanted medicine but my grades couldn't allow. Life after graduation of unemployment has taught me alot that I couldn't learn Incase I had gotten employed right after Campus. It's now four years of unemployment and I have acquired with me SAVING SKILLS, leadership, A diploma in Pharmacy to add, I mentor the community on Better health seeking practices. I Empress Any opportunity that will come my way.

[@innocentotiende161]

How do you do on mentoring community Dr hope I'm a visual artist looking to do something for the community on waste management.But don't know where to start

[@SairaSabir1443AH]

@@innocentotiende161 please guide how you do it

[@KimmyR12]

2 years later, this is still a profound message to me, it's a moving one, thank you Tabitha for sharing

[@benterdongo1101]

I met Tabitha last month and she's simply incredible. EMBRACE IT!

[@ScouterRickyMasaba]

I Prayed for a sign that am on the right bus of life....and true to it ,this message popped on my feed.Thank you

[@akannaoguguom8925]

One of the best TED talks ever! This is my life right now..Totally uplifting

[@ernestomatsimbe5870]

Beautiful presentation. I totally identify with everything she says as an African but most importantly as a human being. Well done Tabitha

[@ogedengbebabatunde9249]

I have learned a lot from this speech. What a woman. Super woman. God bless you Tabitha

[@katemanonsio4004]

So happy and blessed having had the opportunity to attend this talk live ! It was just mind blowing. Thank you again, Tabitha for having shared your experience with us ! I will never ever forget this moment !

[@yemi1able]

Thank you so much for sharing your comment. I will like to attend TedTalk one someday. How were you able to attend the show as an audience?

[@oaesan]

Extra-ordinary ordinary everyday girl...

[@rolandemorgan5992]

Amazing lady. You make women proud.

[@Cherrycreamsoda1]

I wish I had had this talk when I was in and out of jobs 2019-2021 😅 but the upside was that I learned to build a productive routine with nowhere to go and really get started on personal projects that needed my full energy and attention, so I guess it was for the best in the end!

[@olaniyanoluwaseun7840]

Value is intrinsic Opportunities are where you're at There's greater joy in serving others. 💝💖✨

[@DanielOwinoOgweno]

Glowing in beauty and flowing in language. Inspiring from all angles. Life has away of throwing us into the water without having learnt to swim. We then must just have an 'inservice training' to survive. Keep on. Life has to be lived even if the ducks are not in line.

[@mirriamngoma6912]

This is the best Ted talk ever!!

[@patty3451]

I needed to hear this! Embrace the season you're in! Thank you for sharing your amazing testimony Tabitha!

[@lydiamururinjombo9100]

May God continue to bless you Esther. Great points to take away. The best part for me was when you mentioned that your strong faith in God was what kept you going knowing that if you are one of His everything will always work out for your own good. Hallelujah. Remain blessed

[@godswaydzikunu1116]

Can't believe it.....I cried 😭

[@abigailmukonyo789]

WOW. This is EXACTLY Where am at... But this, is POWERFUL. THANK YOU.

[@mw7882]

She is so beautiful it took me 3/4 way through the talk before I could actually concentrate on what she was saying. She looks just like me when I was younger. I had no idea I was this gorgeous.

[@oaesan]

What a beautiful soul. We need more people like this in the world. This is how we all should live - for others

[@lunganikhubone2595]

Greater Joy Ly in the greater purpose of serving others.

[@stephie7015]

What a beautiful and intelligent woman. So moving! I got teary too! Wow! Powerful

[@DUCKYRICHY]

This is the best TED talk I've ever enjoyed

[@sadraolaedo4733]

Facts 💯, I listen to it over again almost everyday

[@Sanjay2381]

Thanks so much Tabitha. a Great Lady

[@takithetutor8300]

Tabitha, thank you for sharing. In this world of instant gratification may you always be remembered for your resilience and gratitude:)

[@aimiuwuamenanthonia284]

I literally cried watching this😢....the best TedX talk I’ve watched this year 🎉

[@purposebydesign5511]

Your story is my story. All i have lost, including 2x jobs along the way, going overseas and all. but i can say that all of it happened for my good. God is purposeful. we better entrust our lives to his omnipotence. he never fails (Jer 29:11). The journey is never meant to be easy but meaningful. So never centre your life around your self and your self enriching desires. Life is better and bigger than that - it is better extended and shared with others- especially those less fortunate than us. And therefore God's name will be glorified in this world. its not about us. "What you do for others lives on forever". Amen to that my sister!

[@SuperKui87]

You and your parents are salt and light to many. May God's blessings scale you even higher as you shine your light.

[@GG-rk1bu]

Very inspiring talk. This video got me so much when the speaker was talking about her Mum. Had me crying on a public bus! I lost my own mother and she was my hero, who gave me the educational opportunities she never had. Always trying to work to make things better for those she encountered. She was the master of creating opportunities. I have had several seasons of unemployment, but I'm learning to put the lessons of my mother into practice. Miss you every day mama.

[@fredrickawega7705]

Damn, really hooked me from the beginning ... service it is

[@jkavezaprospects9788]

Great talk! I shed one too many tears🥲for this moving story. So grateful for the nuggets shared. Mine may not be unemployment but a broken identity. While in this crisis, I see the light in helping others get clear paths in their lives. Thanks, Tabitha Sindani, and all the best in your life's endeavours.

[@littlegems72]

I love your speech Tabitha! That's what in my opinion we as believers in One God are meant to do. Smelling the roses along the way and invest our time and energy into building a life to benefit ourselves and others. May Allah bless your mother,your father,you and you whole family and your life. Thank you for sharing your experiences and lessons taught along the way. I am sure a lot of people are able to resonate with you on a lot of different levels.

[@erickjuma7828]

What you do for yourself, dies with you. What you do for others lives long forever

[@fshepherd8149]

I'm in a temporary state of unemployment and this TED Talk has been so inspiring!! Thanks so much Tabitha for sharing your story!

[@vhebert333]

Radiating from this lady is that she is a crazy lover of Jesus. She is a highly intellectual academic who knows how to preach the gospel without naming the verses. I really enjoyed her. She is a powerhouse.

[@tatatetenta2269]

Great motivation. Africa needs better and more humane leaders.

[@Zulu369]

Love this quote: "greater joy lies in the greater purpose of serving others." I have been teaching young students for some time now and I feel exactly like what she is saying.

[@felixkangwa3315]

Great inspiration for those teething with pain. Your speech lives forever. Raise the listener and down crumble ....with him or her. You cut through any culture. The message lives forever....

[@Anamer22]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Wow! My mother is also my greatest inspiration. Thank you for your words!

[@Cravensindaniatsenga]

Powerfull .. I normally watch this again and again .. Proud of you my sister

[@fidelny]

A year later, I get to watch this. Really great to hear your story Tabitha. Blessings in your endeavours

[@malinkata1984]

Beautiful and moving story Tabitha! I'm happy you found yourself in the difficult times :)

[@mulusagripheans7776]

Great message, Tabitha Sindani Your dad was my primary school Headmaster back in the village. Keep up the good work, girl.

[@blackemojianimations7139]

Which county

[@eigndrick]

The relevance of this is on point during this pandemic wherein millions of people in the world are currently unemployed, and I am one of those millions. This motivates me to not give up and acknowledge the hurdle I am in right now. Thank you Tabitha, you are an inspiration! I hope and pray to meet you someday.

[@mabel.e.kgalley9710]

Very inspiring talk, love it. Thanks Tabitha. I will love to meet her.

[@MrAngeu]

I was there and if was a beautiful speech indeed

[@saintemmalex7929]

what an inspiring story, we are not taught this is in school of which it should be added to curriculum. I must say Tabitha, at this moment am unemployed and your story has transformed my thinking. Thank you

[@InvisionHopeHealthyLiving]

Wishing you the best. There is so much truth, and power to what she said about embracing the unexpected.

[@thewarriorprincess11]

what a beautiful talk, inspiring, powerful, magnificent lesson

[@coconutteevee2076]

Going through this right now. This is inspiring.

[@Sarah-jr8gl]

This is so powerful and in this time in my life I learned exactly what you spelled out. That value is intrinsic, our talents are needed and can be realized no matter where you are. You are exactly where you need to be

[@dotruswilstic957]

Wow! I can relate with this in so many ways... Thanks for sharing this Tabby... You are a winner.

[@yvonnendungu7645]

I love this Woman Tabitha Sindani. From the days of university.. You still inspire me. Rise gal rise.❤️❤️

[@khaembabrian]

Brilliant talk Tabby. Your destiny was indeed intrinsic

[@yasinthijayashani711]

Thank you for sharing !!!!

[@DeeBee1216]

Your message was a divine encounter, and I needed to hear this, thank you and God bless you.

[@fatoumatabceesay1928]

Thank you so much Tabitha for sharing this inspirational video with us am humble to watch it too much passion, am one of the unemploy young ladies with degree in Finance from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi in 2020. I always have this belief that God time is always the best 👌 you my mentor dear I love every thing that you have said here and i learn a lot in it. I will like to work with you Fatoumata from Gambia🇬🇲

[@oportunakari6671]

Embrace the unexpected for sure is what I needed to hear in this season of life 👏👏👏👏👏❤️ lovely talk

[@Xestra37490]

Very true there’s no pleasure as serving others. Thank You 🙏🏼 for sharing

[@christineamianda7893]

Tabby this is so much encouraging,the power and value in us can bring a difference.