‘After NYSC, you’re done for!’
It wasn’t the first thing he said when we met, still it startled me. He said some youth corpers are too lackadaisical, I agreed. We were meeting for the first time. I took note of a couple grey hair peeking from the side of his cap.
I think we have a lot to learn from adults. Not just any adult, but educated, experienced and exposed ones. You already know these are the distinguishing factors, what sets us apart from the previous generation.
It’s why my Mum and I do not understand each other. I am disputing with all my strength now the information she has gathered all her life.
I’m not challenging the validity, only the potency. Those things don’t work anymore. You know…
It is 8am, the 3rd of March, and it just dawned on me,
I am free. I am officially a big girl now. Puurrrrrr!
See who bagged another cert! The gorgeous Jane…
Yesterday was my POP.
While we were taking pictures, a lady told a guy to close his teeth, we all laughed. That’s mortally impossible.
At least for that moment. There’s an ongoing whirl of memories and struggles entangled with hope and the sensational feeling of freedom at the back of your head. Those things are beautiful, and even though you know this is a beginning of another struggle, you’re happy.
At least, you’re moving forward. Unlike the purchasing power of the Nigerian Naira.
I’d never forget how I felt when I collected my certificate. It felt like the first time I fell in love. Those sweet butterflies…
It’s more than a certificate for me. It’s freedom! Freedom from the confinement of my Mother’s business. From school, assignments, CDS and whatnot.
I sit outside and let the breeze of God blow on me. I notice how green and healthy the leaves in our compound are. I feel a quiet calm in my soul.
Look at me, I’ve wanted this for the longest of time. A life where I’m not tied down by anything. No oppressive romantic relationship nor the submersive one with my Mum. Time is right in front of me now saying, ‘You yearned for me, show me what those hands can do…’
I really can go carve my own path now. I can leave whenever I want. I no longer have to think about punishments before I make decisions.
Fortunately, I’m not from a home that insists, ‘The only thing that can take you out of your parents’ house is marriage.’
I think women should give themselves time to explore life, figure things out, and truly live before considering marriage.
My Mum is African, of course she doesn’t hold the same belief. However, she thinks I should leave and find a job, then get married.
I did get a job. A few weeks before my POP. Two actually. The first was a bank job. Someone was going to facilitate the process, but the pay was too low for my glory. 79,500 Naira… Asides the fact that their dress code is a turn off, I’m not allowed to use my phone from 8am till 6pm.
So, when am I supposed to write, to edit, to make YouTube videos, and edit them, and hold my talks, and build the Jane Bliss brand? How am I supposed to do all that if I’m locked up somewhere from Monday till Friday, 8am – 6pm daily.
Sounds like a punishment to me.
Between the rolls of my mother’s furrowed brows, I got another one. A remote job paying six figures. Didn’t look too bad for a start, so I took it.
Mum kept telling me how she could not understand why I’d decline a job that would put me in the face of big men who could potentially change my life. And took a job that’d lock me up at home.
This is why Growth will always be funny to me. I remember when I wanted to pay for my sister’s school fees, before I got admission into the university. It was at first bank. I salivated at their workers. I admired how organised they were, how they carried themselves with poise, and worked diligently. I wanted that…
Right now, I abhor the thought of dressing corporate to work. I dread jobs where I’d have to wear anything other than my crocs, shirt and baggy jeans. Office jobs smell like frustration. I don’t like how they hole one up.
My eyes have opened. There’s a lot of things I’m trying to do now. Like showing the world my talent, doing things I enjoy – writing, making videos, and having time for myself and loved ones.
Does it make sense to compromise all that for 79,500?
I don’t want stress in my life please…
She’s had to come to the hard conclusion that we’re different people, in different times since then.
Sometimes, I wish I can compromise too. For her most especially, and be a good daughter. Stay, and take over the food business like she wants me to, but I’d not be happy, and I know she’d only be truly happy when I am, so I chose to carve my own path.
Hmm… The job? It’s been quite cool. I’ve never worked for anyone on a long term before, so there’s a lot to learn which isn’t a problem as I’m open to learning. No one is an island.
I’m still clueless about a lot. For now, I want to write and make videos. I want to build The Jane Bliss brand into something huge.
That sounds like a full time job, right? It is. It is a lot and sincerely, I am afraid.
I don’t know what the future holds, and like everyone, I am apprehensive. My heart is in my mouth and I’m watching with a pounding chest.
What’s most important even so is, amidst all the noise, tears and blood, I have God and myself in my corner. I am proud and rooting for myself. I know God is too. I didn’t start this journey without Him. I’m not alone…
I was told a lot in the spirit of congratulations, some almost riling and dispiriting.
‘Welcome to the labour market.’
‘Congratulations on entering Shege Market’
‘Welcome to real life…’
‘After NYSC, you’re done for…’
None of those things bother me. I’m unperturbed by the inconsistencies of the economy. I am living in my softest era yet.
I’ll be successful. I already am… Everything that falls into my hands becomes gold.
Even though I do not know what the future holds, I’m giving it all I can and building the future I want. I’ll dream big because Jesus can afford it.
Sit tight! It’s god-mode from here because, I’m not only dreaming big but consistently putting efforts and actions to drive that dream forward.
Poverty is expensive. I can’t afford it, so I’m not here to play.
I am moulding something beautiful, you know… It just needs time to unfurl so the world can behold it.
And I am happy to be doing this with you…