Antoinette Isama

When I started at OkayAfrica, I wanted to quit within the first three months. Onboarding was non-existent, and I realized quickly that basic necessities journalists are normally provided with at their place of work were seen as perks.

I recall being repeatedly told by Abiola Oke that for staff to receive company laptops, for editorial to get its much-needed resources + to pay freelancers better/well, the company needed to raise capital.

It was the same excuse I heard during my 3.5 years working there with no tangible progress.

We were instead to blame—we weren’t producing content + material that was “sellable.” Abiola would insinuate at times of critique/contention that the brand could thrive without editorial—which is the foundation of any media company. Those were moments where I did not feel valued.

I attribute my time there with decent growth, but that growth didn’t come without a fight from the top down. Due to Abiola’s continuous meddling in editorial’s affairs, I realized that was the root of me not getting the support I needed to truly thrive the way I envisioned.

It was clear, according to him, that he could do my job better than me.

Over time he referred to himself as a “journalist,” despite the fact that him running a pub was his first job in the industry without any prior training. My experience and two degrees in a profession that was ever-changing everyday— and my ability to adapt to it—didn’t matter.

I constantly had frank conversations w/my direct managers about my concerns. But I remained overworked + underpaid.

When it came to the review period, I would have an understanding of how I could progress professionally. But when it came to my salary reflecting that work, I was left to fend for myself.

I was forced to negotiate with someone who didn’t understand the value of editorial. I clearly recall the correspondence with him around what would be my first raise. My reasonable counter to a number that was below market rate went ignored.

My next raise at the end of 2018 would be due to the company needing to comply with NY labor laws.

These concerns around adequate pay weren't new to the company as a whole, but what never sat right with my spirit was how Abiola + management handled such feedback from staff.

We would be corralled in last-minute staff meetings with little to no notice to prepare, where we had to “speak now or forever hold our peace.”

Abiola was aware of the personalities in the room and how I, in particular, hated being called out. He persisted in me sharing my thoughts in front of the whole team, where I repeatedly refused and would speak with my managers instead.

I decided to take the approach of developing a proposal for a title change where the next step would need to be the much-needed conversation about my salary. That proposal was sat on for over a year, + by the time that step would’ve been relayed to Abiola, it was too late.

I was later presented with a new, restrictive employee agreement during Q4 2019 that would’ve impacted my future in this space negatively. I refused to be coerced to sign my life away for a check.

Due to my exit being processed as a resignation when I stated that I would not be signing, my unemployment claim was and remains to be blocked.

This was supposed to be a dream job, and I convinced myself of such by drowning myself in the work and forcing myself to look at the bigger picture + focus on the impact. That unfortunately took a toll on my mental health.

I thought the pangs of anxiety I woke up with every morning was a “me” issue, but once I woke up for the first time without them shortly after leaving, it was clear it was due to my job. I’m def not 100%, but I plan to push my healing journey w/therapy when I can afford it.

I hope you take a closer look at my story to inform yourself what to look out for should you choose to work in these spaces. If an employer gives off the vibe that they foster a “familial” work environment and “reject” corporate norms, run.