KenyaOnAShoeString: Real Advice for Real Kenyans

A boss promises you a raise once the project succeeds. A partner hints that if you stay patient a little longer, the relationship might “finally move forward.” Politicians campaign on the promise of jobs, better healthcare, or free education—but only after you elect them, again. We live in a society of endless carrots dangled before us, and we, like donkeys, keep moving forward—hoping this time, the promise will be delivered. But is this way of living sustainable, or are we caught in a cycle where we are always testing the waters and rarely diving in? At Work: The Corporate Carrot In Kenya , this practice is almost institutionalized. Employers dangle promotions, salaries, and opportunities with the familiar line: “Just give it time, prove yourself, then we’ll see.” Internships and probationary contracts are prime examples. Some companies keep interns for years, paying a pittance under the guise of “exposure” or “experience.” A graduate earning KSh 15,000 is promised a salary bum...

Imagine you’ve been dating someone for four years. Things haven’t been good for a long time. You’re constantly stressed, arguing, and deep down, you know you’re not happy. But every time you think of leaving, a voice in your head says: “But I’ve already put so much into this relationship…” That, right there, is the sunk cost fallacy . Now imagine if, instead of hanging on, you stopped and asked yourself one simple question: “Would I choose this again today, with a clear mind and a full heart?” If your answer isn’t a resounding "Hell Yes," then maybe — just maybe — it’s time to let go. What is the Sunk Cost Fallacy? The sunk cost fallacy is when we continue to invest in something — time, money, energy, even emotion — not because it still makes sense , but because we’ve already invested so much. It shows up in our lives like this: “I can’t quit this degree now — I’m already in third year.” “We’ve already spent so much on this business; let’s keep pushing.” “I...