Welcome to zerotofivecareers 👋🏾
If you're in your first five years of work and building a borderless career from a developing country, this newsletter is for you.
Hi 😊, I’m Jessica Tee Orika-Owunna, a Senior Content Marketer and Writer working remotely with clients around the world, from Nigeria.
Every two weeks, I share lessons from my 7+ years of experience, along with insights from professionals who have done the same.
In each issue, you’ll get one framework you can apply right away or use to figure out your next step, along with real examples that show the advice in action.
You’ll learn how to:
Do exceptional work in your current role and make it visible, so you earn a raise or promotion—or better rates and clients
Build authority that outlasts your job title and attracts better opportunities
Navigate the roadblocks that come with building globally—like location bias
Why this newsletter exists
In 2017, I was earning 5,000 Naira a week writing product reviews, transcribing podcasts manually, and printing ID cards for a farmers’ project.
I had graduated the year before with a degree in computer engineering, but I still couldn’t use it because the compulsory one-year national youth service was delayed.
Between then and early 2020, I wrote everything from ghostwritten non-fiction books and vow renewal speeches to landing pages and business proposals for local employers to build experience and stay afloat.
Then, in late August 2020, I took a bet.
I accepted an internship at a B2B content marketing agency that paid far less than what I was making from ghostwriting, with no guarantee it would lead anywhere.
That decision led to my first international role the following year.
Since then, I’ve:
Worked with global companies like Foundation Inc., Softr, and Vena
Written for or been featured in publications I once bookmarked for inspiration like Moz, Entrepreneur, TechCabal, and The Nation Nigeria
Mentored professionals via FCDC, ADPList, and GrowthMentor
Served as a judge in multiple international awards programs, including the 2025 Global Search Awards and U.S. Search Awards
I know what it feels like to face barriers like unreliable electricity, geographic bias, and limited access to opportunities—and still make it work. I also know many others who have pushed past those same barriers.
This newsletter is everything I wish I had when I was starting out. I haven’t figured everything out—no one has. But I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned so far and invite others to do the same.
One small ask :) Gmail sometimes sends new subscriptions to Promotions. If you see the welcome email there, move it to Primary so you don’t miss future issues. Thank you!
