
Rhoda Adeola: Choosing Stability in an Unstable Job Market
In an era where digital nomadism seems to be the ideal for many young professionals, Rhoda Adeola's journey reveals a different perspective—one that prioritizes stability over constant change. A tech recruiter based in the UK, Adeola’s career exemplifies the balance of remote work's freedom with the groundedness of a stable life.
The Unlikely Journey into Tech
Rhoda Adeola's story begins in Ibadan, Nigeria, where she first discovered her interest in helping people navigate their careers. Despite having studied physics at the University of Ibadan, she found greater fulfillment in human resources. This pivot came after discovering her passion for aiding others in their professional journeys, helping them draft resumes and prepare for interviews through volunteer work. Adeola joined an HR firm in Lagos, but the onset of the pandemic pushed her toward the tech industry, a sector she admired for its innovation and responsiveness.
From Contract Work to Global Recruiter
Her journey took a significant turn when she landed her first contract with a Dutch firm, earning her first salary in euros. However, the upheaval in the tech industry in 2023 due to mass layoffs forced Adeola to reevaluate her place in an unpredictable market. As major companies like Meta and Amazon reduced their workforce, she realized that the demand for tech recruiters had sharply declined. This challenging time prompted her to adapt by acquiring new skills, balancing traditional recruitment approaches with data analysis and strategic forecasting.
The Shift in Recruitment Strategy
As recruitment evolved, companies sought professionals who not only filled vacancies but also forecasted hiring needs and ensured a diverse talent pool. Adeola embraced these changes by adopting analytics tools to stay ahead of industry trends, showing prospective employers that recruiting now requires both empathy and structure.
Global Perspectives: The Challenge of Hiring from Africa
Adeola’s insights shed light on the misconceptions surrounding African talent in the global job market. She notes that many international firms remain hesitant to hire from Africa due to perceived complexities in legal and tax systems. However, as the global narrative surrounding African professionals improves, Adeola sees a shift where the strengths of African workers are increasingly recognized. While India has built its reputation over decades, she believes Africa is beginning to tell its story—a narrative of skilled professionals eager to contribute on the world stage.
Balancing Global Opportunities with Local Stability
Despite the appeal of a digital nomad lifestyle, Adeola values the stability her current home in the UK provides. She appreciates the freedom that remote work offers but prefers the sense of rootedness that comes with living in one place. While she could easily trade her life in the UK for a more transient lifestyle in places like Bali or Amsterdam, she chooses to maintain her base, enjoying the balance between potential global mobility and the comfort of stability.
Embracing Future Trends in Recruitment
As the tech industry continues to adapt, Adeola’s proactive approach to learning and her willingness to embrace evolving trends positions her as a forward-thinking recruiter. Her journey reflects the realities of a rapidly changing employment landscape, highlighting the importance of adaptability and foresight in recruitment practices. Those interested in navigating their careers in the tech space may follow her lead, combining stability with an openness to opportunities that come their way.
For those contemplating a shift in their career or considering the digital nomad lifestyle, Adeola’s story serves as an insightful case study. Emphasizing the need to stay relevant in a dynamic job market, she encourages others to balance ambition with practical considerations for long-term success.
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