Kenyan Mother Leaves World Bank Career After Emotional Letters From Her Daughters
Jane Onoka, a former senior official at the World Bank, has left her position to focus on her family and pursue a new professional direction.
For several years, Onoka was regarded as a successful international professional. Her role at the World Bank offered a high income and frequent travel, placing her among globally recognised executives. However, she experienced a growing sense of personal disconnection despite these achievements.
Her work required constant travel, often keeping her away from her family for extended periods. Communication was limited to phone calls and short visits, which strained her relationship with her children. In an interview on Dialogues With Jagero, she said the demands of her career had become emotionally exhausting and had weakened her sense of purpose.
A significant change occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions kept her at home with her family. This period allowed her to reflect on her personal life. While reviewing her daughters’ school application materials, she read letters that described their emotional experiences.
One child wrote about feeling lonely despite material comfort, while the other described taking on responsibilities beyond her age. Onoka said the letters made her realise the extent of her absence.
Following this, she decided to resign from her position. Drawing on financial management training completed in the United States, she shifted her focus to supporting corporate women in achieving financial stability and independence.
The move represented a deliberate change in priorities, placing greater emphasis on family and personal fulfilment. Her lifestyle has since changed. The family has moved from their large home in Karen to a more modest residence. Onoka now spends more time with her daughters and works to strengthen their relationship.
Her current work centres on advising women to align their careers with their personal values and to recognise the potential personal cost of sustained professional pressure.
