Since Ada Ujaliagba shared a post
about graduates doing honest labour to earn a living, I have been reading a lot from people who feel they deserve more and shouldn’t settle for just any job. While it’s important to understand your value and stand firm in it, it’s equally important to understand that having a paying job is better than sitting idle or relying on handouts.
Let me share my journey in this context. My first job in 2006 paid a monthly salary of ₦25,000. Some might say that was decent for the time, but if you factor in transportation and lunch expenses, you’ll realise that amounts to nothing. If I had to pay rent then, I wouldn’t have been able to manage. Thankfully, my cousin Chimezie gave me a place to stay and even provided food.
Truth be told, ₦25,000 wasn’t enough to justify leaving my family in the East to move to Lagos. It felt inadequate, especially for a graduate with a GPA of 4.37. Coming from a background where my father, a lecturer, could’ve helped me secure a government teaching job or even guided me toward a federal position, the salary seemed even more underwhelming.
But I accepted that job with a long-term perspective. To grow, gain experience, and work my way up. And I didn’t take it grudgingly, I embraced it wholeheartedly.
A few months into the job, I got the chance to apply for a position at UNIZIK, through my brother-in-law who was a lecturer there. I was excited, a federal job seemed like the ideal next step. But something made me hesitate. I had grown to see prospects in my job and loved the life I was building in Lagos. So, I decided to speak to my boss. I told him plainly, either I get a salary increase worth staying for, or I will resign.
I remember that conversation vividly. At first, he seemed indifferent, but as soon as I mentioned my suggestion, he paused the TV with the remote and turned to face me directly. He wasn’t ready to lose me and I wasn’t surprised because I knew I had made some meaningful impact in his organisation.
We had some negotiations and ended at ₦75,000, which was okay for me. In less than a year, I had another increment, the last before I left to start Chykeann.
I often share this story to inspire my team whenever I speak to them, and I’m using this opportunity to address the young ones especially those on the early stages of their career journey.
Start where you are, with what you have. You may not get your dream job right away, but every honest job is a stepping stone toward something greater.
Value experience over comfort. Sometimes, the job that stretches you is the one that shapes you. Growth doesn’t always feel good at first, but it’s worth it.
Stay humble and hungry. Don’t let pride stop you from taking opportunities that could lead to growth. No job is beneath you if it moves you forward.
Be patient with your journey. Not every success is instant. The small roles, the unpaid support, the slow days, they all build your character and resilience.
Have a plan, but stay flexible. Life won’t always go the way you expect, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Learn to adapt while keeping your bigger picture in mind.
Show gratitude. Never forget those who help you along the way. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a boss. Appreciation opens doors that skill alone sometimes can’t.
Speak up for yourself, respectfully. Know when to ask for more, but do so with grace and preparation. Earn your seat, then learn to negotiate from it.
Most importantly, never stop learning. Every season has lessons. Be teachable, be observant, and always be improving.
Take this home.
Your story doesn’t have to start big. It just has to start. Keep going, stay grounded, and remember, humble beginnings often lead to remarkable endings.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
