Hey there, it’s no secret that being jobless in Nigeria can be a tough pill to swallow. I mean,
there’s nothing more disheartening than sending out countless job applications, attending endless
interviews, and still not getting a job. And let me tell you, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are
some truly wild and exciting instances that come with the jobless life in Nigeria. It’s a situation
that can leave you feeling dejected, frustrated, and like you’re just not good enough. For most
jobless Nigerians, the daily struggle to survive is a constant battle. It’s difficult to put food on the
table, pay bills, and support loved ones without a steady stream of income. The cost of living in
Nigeria is skyrocketing, and it seems like things just keep getting worse.
First of all, there’s the thrill of waking up every morning not knowing what the day will bring.
Will you spend the day sending out resumes? Will you finally land that job interview you’ve
been hoping for? Or will you spend the day binge-watching your favorite shows on Netflix (after
sourcing for Netflix login, hustling to buy data is another challenge, broque not broke right! [did
you smile? Cause I did])
The possibilities are endless! Or for the guys, you’d just find the nearest betting outlet to risk
your last 1k or the ladies, looking for urgent 2k via Whatsapp from one aimless crush can save
the day – 9-5ers did not make 2k per day, especially from the comfort of one’s corner! O por ooo,
billing entrepreneur (lol).
You see when you’re jobless in Nigeria, it’s not just about being unemployed. It’s about feeling
like a burden to your loved ones, feeling like you’re not contributing to society, and feeling like
you’re wasting your potential. It’s a vicious cycle that can lead to depression, anxiety, and even
hopelessness – many have been them not excluding the one whose pen this emanates, we all are
culpable. And let’s talk about the creative ways that jobless Nigerians make ends meet. From
starting small businesses to freelancing to selling products on social media, there’s no shortage of
hustles that people come up with to pay the bills. It’s like a never-ending game of entrepreneurial
whack-a-mole, and it can be pretty exhilarating.
And let’s not forget about the social stigma that comes with being jobless in Nigeria. People
often assume that you’re lazy or not working hard enough, and it can be difficult to shake off
those negative perceptions. Even worse, some employers might be reluctant to hire you because
of your employment status. You know everything in Nigeria comes with its peculiarity,
employers want an 18-year-old with a Ph.D. and 34 years of experience. Perhaps they know
about what we don’t know that is happening in heaven. Of course, there are some downsides to
the jobless life in Nigeria. It can be tough to make ends meet, and the pressure to find a job can
be overwhelming at times. But you know what? With every rejection letter and every closed
door, you become more resilient and more determined to succeed.
But you know what? Despite all these challenges, there’s one thing that jobless Nigerians have in
spades – resilience. We’re a people who have been through tough times before, and we’ve always
found a way to bounce back. We know that we can’t give up, and we won’t give up. Then there’s
the social aspect of being jobless in Nigeria as I have mentioned earlier. Sure, you might feel like
you’re not contributing to society, but you’re also free to hang out with your friends and explore
your hobbies. You can finally take that photography class you’ve been eyeing, or start that online
course, there are free resources on Youtube and other platforms. And who knows, maybe you’ll
meet someone who can help you find your dream job!
So if you’re a jobless Nigerian reading this, know that you’re not alone. There are countless
others out there who are going through the same thing. It’s tough, but don’t give up hope. Keep
sending out those applications, keep networking, keep improving your skills, and keep believing
in yourself. You never know when that breakthrough will come.
And for those who are fortunate enough to have a job, remember to be kind and empathetic
towards those who don’t. You never know what someone else might be going through. It’s up to
all of us to come together and support one another, especially during tough times.
Hang in there, my fellow jobless Nigerians. We’ll get through this together.