So if you remember, I decided to become a doctor a couple of months ago, even though I am already 31, have a four-year old daughter. This decision is turning my world upside down. And recently, I changed from Status “It’s complicated”; to Status “divorcee“. I am having a sleep over with my friends from uni Lewa and Christina to help with my emotional storm.
I realised that none of you knows Lewa and Christina, so let me officially introduce them.
Lewa Mobo, the Rich and Fearless
13 years ago…
We met during the induction day at the London School of Economics. She sat next to me in the lecture room and said “cool, another black girl. Thank God, I won’t be alone.” Unfazed by my puzzling gaze, she took her phone out and continued “put your number down, we’ll need to have each other’s back.”
“I don’t even know your name.” I protested in a quiet tone. To be fair her confidence prevented me from saying no.
“I’m Lewa.” She laughed. I warmed up to her smile, her eyes threatened me. I immediately put my number down.
Today
Lewa works as a portfolio manager in a well-regarded hedge fund in Mayfair. She earns a LOT of money (as I said rich and fearless) and she has been dating Thomas, a 25-year-old solicitor, for a year.
“He proposed… again!” She complains during our sleep over. Once they finished fighting over my divorce, Lewa drops the bomb.
“What’s wrong with him? He loves you so much… I don’t even understand why.” Christina adds, rolling her eyes. Lewa ignores the disapproval and continues her rant.
“I just want to focus on my career. I wouldn’t mind staying unmarried for the rest of my life.”
“unmarried? Come on Lewa, you can’t be serious.” Even I, am surprised by her willingness to stay single.
“Why is it so shocking to you?”
“Isn’t it what a priest does? Dedicating his life to his job and vowing to eternal celibacy?”
“Are you comparing yourself to a priest? A priest dedicates his life to help people.”
“I do help people, I make sure they will get a decent pension for retirement.”
She can’t be serious.
But in fact, she is. “How do you expect people to retire without a pension? How do you expect them to look after their grandchildren without a pension? My work is to make sure these people will end up with something. It’s a shame we (money managers) are not recognised for the good we bring to the population.”
Unfortunately for Thomas, he represents a distraction from her goal of bringing world peace through managing people’s money. Lewa is damn good at her job and she will not bear any obstacle between her and her ambition to become the very best.
She wants to remain rich and fearless.
The illustration has been designed in collaboration with Amary Designs. Check her designs on Instagram at @amarysdesign.
She sounds like a woman who knows what she wants!!!
I admire Lewa’s passion (especially considering it is for pensions) but I feel a bit sorry for Thomas!
I know it’s a tricky situation.
Rich and fearless does sound quite exciting but then I do love being married and having a marriage – albeit twice over!
Completely understable!
I am Lewa ???
Good for you “Lewa”!
I can understand her wanting to stay single… I am completely anti marriage and totally happy being single. I don’t think anyone should be shocked someone chooses to be blissfully single.
Good read, I really enjoy your writing style. Keep it up. The idea of rich and fearless is fun!
I feel really sorry and she realises that he is the man for her soon. She may regret her decision when she is older
Indeed! It’s a risk.
I love your writing style and the illustrations here are amazing. Guess your rich friend is not ready to be “tied” down by any man.
She is NOT!!!
My opinion, Could it be that Lewa is deep-down scared of falling in love? Sounds like Thomas sounds like a decent guy..
Interesting! Maybe she is scared of intimacy.
Rich and fearless is something I ill never be!! I have and most probably always will be a little bit timid – Maybe I could be Rich, if I win the lottery, that I haven’t ruled out!!
Never rule out the lottery 😉
Rich and fearless sounds like fun. I’d love to have even one of those qualities (if rich is a quality?!). You’re lucky to have such a feisty friend!
I’m sure you’re living a “rich” life and you don’t even know it yet 🙂
I really enjoyed this, excited to see what else you write. I can relate !
I completely admire her dedication, why shouldn’t she work hard for what she wants. It’s the complete opposite to what I want from life, my family is my world but that only means we’re doing what’s right for us not what’s right for other people x
Absolutely!
I think Rich & Fearless has a sensible head on her shoulders, lol! Lovely illustration in this post too – great artwork.
This is an awesome read. I love the concept of your whole blog. Very personable & relatable. xxx
OHH I am excited to learn more about rich and fearless. They are my kinda girls.
Love this and the passion thats driven throughout this post! Rich and fearless, what an exciting life!
Haha I love this! They sound like great friends!!
Who doesn’t like the sound of rich and fearless?? Right? haha I found this interesting because it brings up the discussion about balance and “having it all”. Of course, “all” means something different for everyone, as is how much each person can/will sacrifice to have it “all”. I, personally, could not give up marriage and family for my career, but for some people it works. It’s just very interesting to me how different people are 🙂
I agree. It’s a very complex topic, that depends on so many factors and also on personal experiences.
this post was really interesting. I enjoyed your writing style and learning about your friend
Thank you!
Your best friend sounds like such an intriguing person! I admire her passion for her career!
Indeed.
Love your writing style, can’t wait to read more!!
Thanks a lot.
Loved her fearless spirit. I think all woman should have that attribute
It’s a hard one to acquire.
I love your writing style!! And always stay true to yourself 🙂 even if that’s being rich!!
That’s the best policy.
Good read! I enjoyed it! And I also love the graphic! Your best friend is bomb 🙂
Thanks Kelly!
Is your best friend your alter ego?
Good question! Very likely, she would be the fearless version.
You are amazing. Keep up the good work and the payoffs will come in abundance.
ah – the joy of true friends, and relationships that last! She sounds like she is, at this point, focused on her goals. Everyone is different, and even ourselves change over time. Congrats on deciding on a new career – and that takes lots of courage. Good luck in your pursuit of what is important to you.
your friend sounds like an amazing woman to have in your life. It’s good she knows what she wants in life. (also congrats on going back to school and doing something awesome)
Sounds like she’s a woman who knows what she wants. I have a few friends who are career driven like this as well. Personally, I could never choose a career over a family, but everyone is different.
I was used to be like that until I found a real man and the love of my life. Now we both work together towards a better life. Being alone is not an easy thing.
That’s great!
I love the way you weaved this narrative and the book cover at the end. Is this going to be a book eventually?
Hopefully 🙂
That’s the good thing about feminism, isn’t it? You can choose what kind of woman you want to be: rich and fearless is ok, married with children is also ok. I delayed my marriage for many years because I felt I had things to do for myself first, now I’m starting a family, and that is ok too, to each their own!
Good for you! Freedom of choices and timing are everything.
Such confidence! We need more women like that! I definitely enjoyed reading. Career driven women inspire me to keep going for my dreams.
Congrats on becoming a doctor! I admire your ambition. And I love the relationship you describe with your girlfriends. Sounds like a great support. I think it’s smart of Lewa to wait until she’s ready. Marriage takes work, and if she doesn’t have the capacity right now, it’s wise to wait.
can’t blame her-we all want different things!
I wish I was rich and fearless! .. She may change her stance if she meets the right person. Sometimes you just know.
It is so admirable to have such focus and perseverance. I think some people try to juggle their big, personal goals with a relationship and it often results in the partner not getting enough attention.
Good for Lewa! She knows what she wants.
It sounds like you and your friends are very successful. Lewa should definitely take her time to get married. Marriage is amazing because I’m married to my best friend but I know a lot of people that married the wrong person.
I am curious how she sees herself as helping the world through doing things with Hedge funds. I suppose that is one way to make money, but not usually the route of people who are really in need of money. That’s cool she knows what she wants though and has a focus about it.
I really admire you because you have found your truth friend, Lewa. Also, I love the words “Rich and fearless”, which I am trying to achieve in my life.
Thanks so much for sharing!
This a great read. I think we all at some point have people in our lives who actively (or inactively) try to distract us from our ultimate purpose.
How cool! I love when people know what they want and don’t take no for an answer.
Lewa sounds quite feisty but I do wonder if she’ll change her mind on the marriage front as she gets older?
wow! rich and fearless! such an incredible combination! I think people always think, that people who chose to remain single just haven’t met “the one” but I honestly believe that there people who are just content with their career and lifestyle.
It’s inspiring to hear about someone so focused and driven. She knows what she wants and by the sound of it she won’t stop until she gets it!
I’ve been married and I can say that I will be happy if I never marry again. If the right guy comes along, maybe but until then (which the cynic in means believes will be never) I am perfectly happy being single. In fact, I prefer it that way. No one to bother me when I want to be left alone. So I get where your friend is coming from. She has her goals and she doesn’t want anyone getting in her way. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Good for her:)
This is a very interesting stance. If she’s happy that’s all that matters.
She has certainly got it in perspective. Marriage would be utterly transforming, it’s good that she realises. I wonder what she will ultimately decide!
Sounds like someone who knows what she wants!
Absolutely.