In a candid revelation, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna shared his journey of prioritizing mental well-being over a lucrative job that paid him a substantial monthly salary of Sh400,000.
During an interview with TV47 on Friday night, Sifuna recounted his decision to step away from the high-paying position.
Sifuna recalled his initial excitement when he secured a role as a legal affairs manager at an advertising firm, marking a significant career advancement from his previous job, which paid a modest Sh40,000.
He was initially content with his Sh150,000 salary and even received the added benefit of having his first car financed by the firm.
However, the job came with a considerable downside – what he referred to as a ‘boss from hell.’ Sifuna emphasized that not all jobs are created equal and that while some can transform one’s life, others can adversely affect mental health.
Despite the substantial income and the positive changes it brought to his living conditions, the stress and pressure from his boss took a toll on his well-being.
Sifuna recounted a pivotal moment in 2013 when he made the difficult decision to resign from the high-paying job, which granted him financial security but disrupted his peace of mind.
He described the relief he felt when he turned off his phone for the first time in years, as his boss would incessantly call with tasks and demands. This bold step allowed him to sleep soundly, free from the constant work-related anxieties.
After leaving the corporate world, Sifuna transitioned into private practice as a legal practitioner. He found himself serving clients involved in chamas, land transactions, and company registrations, as the economy was thriving at the time.
Sifuna set a modest goal of earning Sh50,000 per month from his private practice, which was sufficient to cover his rent and car expenses, providing him with a sense of stability.
With the flexibility that came with private practice, Sifuna eventually ventured into politics, utilizing his newfound free time to engage in public service.
He fondly recalled his early encounter with Azimio leader Raila Odinga during his university days, but it was in 2013 that he had his first audience with Raila in his office, marking the beginning of his political journey.
