Foot Soldier

Oghale graduated from one of the accredited tertiary institutions in southern Nigeria about 4years ago. Having spent her service year lazing around in Umuahia even though she was deployed to teach at the community secondary school for her quota of service to the nation, she hoped she would get a decent job at an A-list company preferably in the oil and gas industry after she returned back home from the National Service.

Months turned into more months and she found herself rejecting various job offers. Her reasons: the remuneration was low, the conditions of work was not what she envisioned, the job description was herculean and to crown it all; the place was too far from where she lived.

 Truth be told, Oghale was qualified in all ramifications to occupy her dream job. However, some forces were acting as a bane to her getting what she deserved. When I say forces, I don't mean spiritual or 'occultic' forces...I mean socio-economic cum political forces that directly or indirectly re-write the destinies of the Nigerian youths.

These forces don't need to carry "ebo" for you and drop it at a T-junction by 2am or nail your name to a banana tree tied with a red cloth or write your name on a padlock and throw it into the river to ruin your life. They simply deprive you of your primary human needs and fundamental rights.

 The current salary system according to Oghale isn't beneficial to employees. They work an average of 9hrs daily and there is hardly anything to show for it; not even steady salary increments. This of course would have negative effects especially in the unstable economy that we live in.

 The last time I spoke to her, she categorically told me that the employers of labour don't care. Incentives to encourage the staff are non-existent but as it is popularly said in Nigeria, "we have no choice but to stay and 'manage' cos there are no jobs out there". Even after spending so much money on formal education, excursions, certification courses and the likes, the average well rounded youth has a 1:4 chance of getting a job commensurate to his/her worth, ability and desire.

 In the light of this, Oghale felt it was best she owned her business and joined the countless CEO's without an office. She wanted to say no to "30-days make one pay" because she feels the future of salary earners isn't secure. Such monies are not usually commensurate to the amount of work and energy used by employees. Can one really cope over a long term? Especially in the light of increasing responsibilities, high cost of living, high inflationary rate and dipping living standards.

 In order not to join the numerous 21st century Robin Hoods who steal from the rich and give to themselves, Oghale decided to try her hands on entrepreneurship. Corruption and dishonesty wasn't an option for her as she would never compromise her high moral standards not even in the wake of penury.

 Starting up her small business seemed easy in the mind. She was encouraged by the numerous ads and speeches given everywhere that "being your own boss is the way to go". Sourcing her start-up capital was easy, her rich uncle willingly lent her the money. She filed the necessary documents and was duly registered but the million dollar question was "where would the clients come from?"

 After struggling and running at a deficit for about 3years, she decided to call it quits. Sad, mad and battered, she decided to take up any job anywhere just to make ends meet. She applied to several places to no avail. This time it seemed the universe was against her and she regretted her decision to dabble into entrepreneurship. She began to ask where she got it wrong.

 I believe it all happened that way because she was living her life without purpose. Regardless of the situation in the country, if she was determined in her heart to tow a certain line; she wouldn't be confused nor would she live her life based on assumptions. No wonder, the holy book says "where there is no vision, the people perish".

 What is your own case? Is the course you are studying/place you are working in line with your dream? What strategies have you mapped out to get to your destination? Do you want to barely survive, build a career or build an empire?

 Whatever your case is, ensure you know what you are doing, where you are going and never compare your life's journey with another's. Remember, last-last, you're on your own.