My service year I would say is one of my best years till date. Obbubra Camp, Calabar, Batch A, 2012. Got posted to Ikom one of the lovely country sides, but my love and high spirit of Calabar got me to get a re-posting back to the city capital. Got unprecedented favours all throughout my stay, perhaps due to the kindness of my parent to corpers and generally young people. As a matter of fact, my experience in service built my confidence to survive anywhere outside my comfort zone, my live skills and my ability to adapt to diversity.

On my first touchdown in Calabar, quite naive and with lots of expectations. I got a contact with a christ embassy lady (kindhearted) who linked a senior corper for temporal accommodation. Off the cab, the driver tried to take advantage and charge extra for a location really close, (2) elderly adults who never knew each other volunteered to walk me to my destination safely. I was very confident about my soundness, physique and flows as a full bred Lagos boy so headed straight to CBN to try my luck with getting an offer, mindful that I wasn't originally posted to the city and NYSC officials then frowned against such. Just on my way, the first person I met was an ex-schoolmate whom I assisted with bed space in camp. He had connections so got a referral to the HR at Cross River State Tourism Bureau (one of the best places to work in CRS at the time). He encouraged I try my luck in confidence, to cut the story, I was preferred over him after a long spell of screening, Stepping out I decided to check up the uni and got picked up by the faculty officer of Biz Admin who liked my disposition amidst even original corpers posted there. Naso she carry me bipass protocols and I got a second offer in the uni same day. Meanwhile, other original calabar corpers still roaming (grace differs).

In camp I recalled joining an assessment with Interswitch SmartGov only for 2:1 and 1:0 grads. Later got called for interviews and aced another offer within 2 or 3 days of my arrival. I just didn't bother about CBN. Beta confusion hold me. As I enter state sec naso those officials vex for my offers due to multiple rejection from other corps after lobbying for reposting oooo. Naso he nack me CRS local gov service commission. I vex collect rejection still returned to my top choice CRSTB.

I had so excess fun and hardly got broke due to my friendship with top naval officials. Eventually moved into the naval officers quarters behind bays bar (Lounge) with the privilege of scaling the fence to get to the club (you don't get such easily). Worked my CDS to tourism CDS and became a top exco influencing support from my organization. Got my first pair of suits as we were required to reflect status and finesse of the organisation. Made massive money from the Calabar Carnival with my partner while it was highly funded. Commissioned a notable project that earned me state coordinator's award, chop small project funds with my partner despite the impact , got retained but refused due to KPMG's test invitation and career growth and finally japa to Lag Lest I forget, the have the best food and nice and welcoming ladies and people generally. I also almost got bleeped up sometime by one Calabar cab guy coming from Pinnacle club then due to plenty shayo, but thanks for the intervention of the gallant NA and my swiftness in identifying myself (I really missed that ID).

I am really so excited about that year but never returned till date. Still hopeful. God bless all the beautiful people I met. Was a whole experience.

sacajawea:

Bros abeg, shey na Employment dey give 2M monthly?
Which Job? Which industry

Bro, some earn way more. I know some who earn in hard currency and converted up to 8m monthly. I recently saw an opening with USAID for a role I only needed about 2 more years of experience to qualify. Other perks not included. People dey earn money bro. A lot just don't qualify to earn it and some sector entry requirements are out of this world. I know this...

Irupetepete:
bros, he dey tire person....

I dey tell you. As part of my defense mechanism, I dey avoid view some people status or even post mine at some times cos the e-beggers (WhatsApp branch) go know say you dey online and begin bug you

Honestly I so like this thread. I wouldn't say I'm rich yet but doing fine as a single young man here in Nigeria at least for now. Keeping up and reaching out to Nigerian relatives is really a tough one for me. Like this guys target towards the end of the month and you go dey receive all kinds of calls. Even some go offer to pay a visit knowing we'll that they will get something while leaving after virtually looting all my groceries, provisions, beverages and even wears
Those in my area are not exempted. You go fear demands from all round. Just this December, I had to get a bag of rice and asked to be distributed unanimously to people in need around which eventually got casted. Naso dem begin to chase me around oooo, even those that received initially. Some go even write account details for paper end am with God bless you
Guys around sef go dey add you to group for end of year carnival for free flexing and contributions. People weh no get pure intentions from day one. I've peefected to act of ghosting, staying and flexing indoors, avoiding croud and specfic tracks or gatherings and selecting call (unfortunately true caller does work perfectly on ios). I'll just do my best and post the rest

I was besting my friend at a wedding in one of the halls in UNILAG. E reach time to present ring to couples, naso we no see ring oooo. I swear e no funny that day See pressure everywhere After a few minutes of search, I found it in one of the cars. Eventually, things got back to normal and we had a good ceremony

pocohantas:
Very true. I agree with this. I worked in one myself and I met the founder via Nairaland.

Truth is, most NGOs work on a lean budget. So it is not like they go about employing and paying everyone. They have trustees that they to their best to tap professional services from.

There are exceptions though.

I could be an exception. I currently work with an INGO and never had any insider connect. I've applied to several INGO before now but didn't get called, so would have had that impression. Not until my story. One trick is, sometimes they try to test-run projects so they offer you 6 months Short Term Expert (STE) jobs with attractive pay and not much hope of an extension, but little guarantee based on the success of your project. That was my way in. Zero project experience or certification, just technical experience based on my project mandate and God on my side. I could say a lot and give other tips, but I got a meeting to jump on. So guys, it's not entirely by connect.

Childhood Ambition: Accountant
Studied Accounting & Finance (ICAN)
Currently: International Development (Work with an INGO). Very rewarding career with lots of exposure and perks

Good one

It shows 2 different facial reactions. A smiley face and a grumpy one... You can attach your messages to both based on varying instances...

I work with a German INGO and my experience with Germans is so amazing. They're very focused on result and performance and wouldn't mind giving you all the resources (finance inclusive) to deliver. You must also justify resources spent. Health, wellness, vacation and family is non-negotiable. And yeah, I had taken my German colleague on a tour round the south-west on his last trip to Nigeria and he had wheat and vegetable in one of the famous amala joints in Ibadan . In my view, Germans are very welcoming to Nigerians but we need to do better on our impression in the Global scene.

I think Germans are closest to Americans in lifestyle. No wonder they're allies and partners in international politics (I know right).

Lol. So sorry about that. Unfortunately, I’m planning same cos the weight is definitely lighter based on my aspirations and I need to open up my options.

Bobbyunitedfc:


If u don't mind can I send u a private message?

Yeah, you can.

Started in an audit firm (earned barely 30k, much dependent on audit engagements)

Currently work with an International NGO with very competitive perks and international exposure

We bless God for growth...

N:B Changed career paths severally, Grace, transferable skills and networking is the Joker for me. Still open to growth

adepojuis:
1st May

That’s a special date. Same here. #Taurus

My problem is the army of defenders claiming and asking if those who commented really offered to support or help. Honestly, we’ve lost values even among we young Nigerians. Time again will tell

Kastonkastroll:
You see husband and wife fight, brother and brother, sister vs sister, father and pikin fight, no dey take side for this kind of fights because whenever they make peace among themselves, you will automatically become the instigator(the devil)

Na only olosho vs olosho fight you are supposed to take a side.

Reason: Cos the fight no dey finish

BaddieFreak:


M**m** Just because you are a broke ass doesn’t mean others are too, how many times will it take for you to understand.

M**m** said I should show him proof like he is the one who’s bankrolling me, you must think you are special

The truth will always be the truth, you can and will never get to the level I am right now. I am successful and you are not, live with it.

Hi Lady,

I got interested in this thread from the onset cos it started like a fun topic with some touch of ego, but seem put off due to some comments here.
Meanwhile, this is a faceless forum so everyone seems unanimous. However, you shouldn’t judge people broke cos you feel they’re redpillers or question your authenticity, it make it worse. I notice this is so predominant from a lot of ladies here.

You could profile people better by checking their comments and topics followed (sometimes not sufficient). Meanwhile, the value of anyone’s phone do not reveal their worth in my view. Priorities differ.

I got a iPhone XS Max cos it’s good enough to help as an alternative to my laptop when mobile and could still pass for status at the least.

N.B: Not everyone here is broke, some here could still afford to put you on a month payroll of 6 digits honestly. No offense intended

I can recall my recent experience on board from Abuja to Lagos. I was seated closely to Zimbabwean lady. Very pretty and dressed really attractive. I noticed she was also very flashy with the latest iPhone device. Didn’t notice she wasn’t Nigerian at first, my impression was “one of those rich Hausa/ Fulani lady cos she looked it. I was also dope with my outfit while I switch between my latest mobile device and laptop. We had a delay in take off so we had time to check updates online. This babe sha was just trying to showcase herself while I was just calm ( I’m good with psychology and emotional intelligence).
Finally her phone rang and I heard a different accent and language kinda good so picked interest in exchanging. So, after her call. I boomed. “Nice accent, this is certainly not Nigerian, what language was that ” So she responded, can’t recall exactly but linked to Southern Africa. We talked further mentioning she’s Zimbabwean and in Nigeria for the first time. I later noticed she was kinda dragging and maybe acting tired/maybe forming, so I moved on and ended the conversation earlier than I expected.
Meanwhile, on board, she kept swapping positions frequently and I taught either she was really tired or seeking attention. But, he’ll no! I aren’t pushing any further so I just ignored. I’m proud too and yes I try for my side.
After we landed, I flew Dana, so we get the snack/package coming off the plane. So on same queue directly behind me, I just noticed her walking fast to catch up with me so I slowed and then, she was trying to ask about the package and all but I was just very brief and ended quickly so 1:1. Babe still continue wan dey ask about Lagos and Lekki where she was headed. Meanwhile, I wasn’t interested in continuing the conversation or walking to pick up our luggage. We obviously we’re headed same destination (MMA 2 cargo section). I had to meet-up with my colleague who was also on board but separate seats. E pain me say I no collect number sha cos the babe don loose up based on say me sef no hurry or show desperation. Meanwhile, I felt it wasn’t best to get distracted easily and not keep up with my colleague that we started all together.
We just dey get eye contact for cargo section till we parted. My colleague no even know the drama me sef no reason am. Honestly, I for reason am within a week.
Lessons learnt: A well presentable, smart and ok Nigerian guy stands good chances or can even change formed impressions of other African ladies

Sainturch1:
Where is number 6

Easy man. You no go remain small something for Bingo

Sometimes the smile can be masked. I’ve always promised to support my fellow bro at the slightest opportunity whenever there is a genuine need. I’ve been there honestly.

P.S: Guys, learn to help your fellow gees rather than lavish to impress who will not care sighting a better offer on the table

karkinase:

Only people who earn that high know how it pinches..that's just the best advise extra source of income.

Exactly my thoughts. I use to do some side hustle (content development/research/product development) that sometimes earn me an additional 100k/150k monthly but got carried away with my current job and little time to deliver. My current industry also made be lose contact with some of my network of geeks so no much business as previously. I still hope to pick up before the year ends.

karkinase:
I'm sorry to say Nigeria is gone..I see ppl arguing that the guy is extravagant..only if you earn that amount you will know it doesn't do too much.

Honestly, you are so apt. I earn around that with allowances due to my frequent travels and I struggle with finances. I know I need to do better with my priorities, but, It’s really hard.
I need a personal finance mentor or advisor and willing to do better financially.

Iyaebe:
Sapiosexual men please come and carry your wife,don't be a hypocrite try and put your words into action

Ehhhmmmm, we don’t mind the good looks as complimentary with the brains

She’s still a spec for some other brothers so no worries

100% wife material We got you baby girl

I've had similar experiences. Despite mentioning from the start that I'm in a relationship so no entitlement feeling. Lot of desperate people out there. BTW, why the plenty hate on someone who works hard to live a good and decent life. PS. country hard but not everyone's broke. Yes, we get money call your police

Leadership

AirBay:
@IdreadeAratumi

Let me get my popcorn

I have always wondered how people get Jobs at UN, UNESCO, WHO et al.

You must have big connections to start working with UN @ your 20s.

You do not need connections to get a job with the INGOs. You need to have a global perspective with your activities focused on international development. Sometimes a volunteering experience can be the icing.

iPhone XS Max 300k. Needed if for status and efficiency with work and lifestyle. Cracked a part of it’s screen in less that 2weeks after its purchase. Still looks clean anyways

[quote author=dammie4j post=100321408]Took about 2 years after service (2016). Then was a bit less 150K gross up. Now in 2021 closing 500k net with really good perks. Funny thing is, getting my latest opportunity was largely a result of the first, a reputable firm in Nigeria. Often times previous experience matters with a mindset of growth and constant development. Funny things is, a good salary is pretty variable. I'm really not settled or satisfied but grateful.

Modified:
Expand your network at every good and slightest opportunity. I got my second opportunity from an ex-colleague, my present via a professional closed WhatsApp group where I was invited via a comment on LinkedIn. Un-conventional methods works better these days. Pay attention to your posts on social media for back ground checks on you. A lot of things people really ignore matter. Very importantly, be competent enough on your skill or career path. It's really competitive to get the best.

Carlyboi:
Audio Funds...like it’s gonna be accessible or put to use for its main purpose...most of these big charities and foundations in Africa hardly make any reasonable changes or direct impact in the socio-economic lives of the people it was created for.

Please don't say what you're not sure about. I work with an INGO and I can give you evidences of impacts on the Nigerian Micro Finance and Agric Sectors. Fact check before you speak out. A lot of Local and International NGOs need to do more on marketing and publicity anyways. But not to say there's no impact.

This is really good.

Seen