Am I insane?
This question lived rent-free in my mind for the last twenty-four months. It has been two years since I quit my corporate job to pursue my dream in 2021. Since then, my passion for financial education, personal finance, and financial wellness has continued to grow and, dare I say, compound. My drive for financial wellness manifests through my eagerness to write insightful blog posts, host engaging radio shows and events, and record episodes about money management on my platforms.
The journey has not been easy, especially in a country like Lesotho, where white-collar jobs are highly respected. Many of us were encouraged to go to university, get a degree, and secure a stable corporate job. For many parents, this was the gold standard of success, a benchmark that young people were expected to aspire to and achieve.
Pursuing a career as a financial literacy educator, financial advisor, or finance content creator was unheard of—let alone something one could make a living from. To avoid scrutiny and gossip, I treated my passion for financial wellness as a side hustle, something to pass the time. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would become my career, a business that would pay my bills and allow me to thrive.
That was until I made the bold decision to resign from my job.
As I have shared in previous blog posts, my fears and insecurities about quitting corporate life and pursuing financial education in Lesotho were very real. Choosing the road less traveled and trying to create opportunities in a space where people often ask, “You want me to pay you to teach me how to manage my money?” was daunting.
I kept asking myself: Am I making a fatal mistake by choosing this path?
Despite achieving significant milestones—working with SMEs and large corporations, publishing a personal finance book and planner, writing a weekly finance column, and more—the past two years have been tough.
Every day remains a challenge, requiring me to explain myself repeatedly—why I quit my job and what exactly I do. There were moments when I second-guessed everything, questioning my choices and my purpose. But I kept pushing forward, even when it made no sense.
I am grateful and humbled by my growth, yet something still felt missing—something tangible and fulfilling in a way that made sense to me.
Discovering FinCon
In my search for clarity, I stumbled upon FinCon in 2020 while watching a YouTube video.
What is FinCon?
Founded in 2011 as the Finance Blogger Conference, FinCon has grown into an annual gathering of digital creators and brands in the personal finance and advisory space. Hosted in the United States, FinCon connects like-minded financial content creators—including bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, money coaches, advisors, and influencers—with brands to help them create better content, grow their audiences, and build sustainable businesses.
How FinCon Changed My Perspective
Three years later, I took a leap of faith, booked my flights, and attended FinCon. Initially, I struggled to justify the expense of traveling to the U.S. for a conference. I was too focused on the monetary return on investment (ROI), considering the unfavorable USD/ZAR exchange rate. But I made a big mistake by viewing it purely in economic terms.
What I did not anticipate was how profoundly FinCon would impact my career, my outlook, and—most importantly—myself.
Attending FinCon 2023
As a fortunate recipient of a FinCon scholarship, I attended the conference for the first time from October 18-21, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. My journey began among fellow “money nerds,” and though I was slightly overwhelmed, I was also deeply inspired. I connected with like-minded creators from around the world who share my passion for financial literacy and personal finance. I met industry colleagues and role models who are shaping the space. I learned invaluable lessons on building a thriving business, leveraging social media and AI for content creation, and strengthening my personal and business brand.
More than anything, FinCon 2023 helped me rediscover myself. As an ambitious yet uncertain financial wellness advocate from Lesotho, a small but beautiful country in Southern Africa, I often struggled with doubts about my career choices. But FinCon validated and affirmed me in ways I cannot fully express.
The finance professional, content creator, and host of Money Adventures with TKay podcast had an incredible experience at FinCon. From engaging breakout sessions to casual coffee station conversations, this conference was everything I needed—and more.
Moving Forward with Confidence
As I head back home, my heart is full. I return with fresh inspiration, valuable new connections, and skills I am excited to implement. More than anything, I am stepping into the next phase of my career with confidence, proud of who I am and the work I do.
To my fellow trailblazers who feel lost, crazy, or out of place—keep searching. I truly believe that fortune favors the brave. Keep looking, keep showing up, and never stop investing in yourself. You are paving a unique path, and the right community will find you.
For more information about FinCon, visit www.finconexpo.com.
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