The Nigerian labor market is the real definition of ‘street hustle.’ You may not know the true reality of life until after NYSC.

During my undergraduate days, I always had a mental picture of my life three years after graduation. Ignorantly, I was certain that a month or two months after NYSC, I will have a job with a blue-chip company.

And after working for a year, I will get a nice car and marry my girlfriend then. I even imagined myself living in my duplex after working for about five years.

Hey! Don’t blame me; I probably watched too many Nollywood movies when growing up. And I unconsciously set a standard for myself based on what I saw in movies.

But reality dawned on me after NYSC. 5 months to the end of my service years, I started sending my CVs to every job vacancy I saw online. I sent over 100 CVs (I’m not exaggerating), but I only got one Interview Invitation.

Guess the company that sent me an interview invitation? It was Andron homes and Properties.

Of course, I was excited! I didn’t know much about the company. So, I did some research about them; I even called the company. And they told me that it’s a commission-based job. In other words, my income solely depends on how many lands and properties I sell. So, I didn’t attend the interview.

After NYSC, I knew the definition of life. I couldn’t imagine myself going back to the village after youth service. I regretted not learning a skill during my service year, but I learned in a very hard way.

In this article, I have shared with you 7 realities you are likely to face after graduation.



7 Realities You May Face After NYSC

If I knew what I know now, 6 years ago, during my NYSC days, I wouldn’t have stressed myself looking for jobs. But I don’t want you to leave NYSC feeling frustrated, that’s why I’m sharing this with you;

#1. Nobody Gives You Money Anymore

Except you are from a rich home, you may not get a dime from anybody after NYSC. The general belief is that you have graduated and don’t need money anymore.

Even some of your relatives and friends who were your constant ATMs while you were in school won’t send you money. They believe if you need money, you should be able to earn it.

#2. Those Who Promised You Jobs May Disappoint

When you are still in school, several people will promise to help you get a job. But after NYSC, most of them will not even answer your calls. And if you have already relied on their promise of getting you a job, you will be heartbroken when they start avoiding your call.

#3. Your Younger One’s May Start Disrespecting You
You remembered how your younger siblings treated you with so much respect during your undergraduate and NYSC days? You may not get that treatment long after NYSC, except you, are lucky to find a good job immediately. Otherwise, they will start disrespecting you stylishly.

That’s why it’s never advisable to return to your parents’ home after graduation. I know you may have a different opinion about it. But it’s strongly advisable to leave your comfort zone and start facing real-life experience.

After my NYSC in River State, I know of a guy who rented a local zinc hunt (Basha) in Port Harcourt. He never went back home. He started a lesson teacher consulting business, and today he is doing very well. In fact, recently moved to his apartment (I mean the one he built).

#4. Your Girlfriend May Leave You For Someone Else

Girls don’t like wasting their time with someone who isn’t ready for marriage after NYSC. Of course, they may show you all the love, care, and attention during your NYSC year. But when you guys are done with service, don’t expect the same thing.

At that time, your girlfriend needs something more than mere romance and Cinderella love’s fantasy. So, if she doesn’t see the prosperity light on your forehead, she may go with the next person ready for marriage.

But is that heartbreak? NO, she didn’t break your heart. Instead, she’s realistic about the situation.

#5. You May Think Some of Your Uneducated Friends Are Doing Better Than You

Today’s youths are fond of using the phrase “school na scam.” But I disagree with that notion. School is still an important variable in the success equation. However, our society has been approaching it the wrong way.

For decades, our educational system has always prepared us to be job seekers instead of job creators. And that’s why we have more unemployed graduates out there than the companies that can absorb them.

So, we were never taught how to improvise or think outside the box. Instead, they prepared us to work for Chevron, Shell, Unilever, and other big brands. Once we fail to secure a job in any top-rated multinationals, we immediately believe we are failures.

Some days ago, I read a very funny yet emotional story on Nairaland (By the way, I’m a big fan of the forum). The writer wrote that he recently finished his NYSC, and when he came back to the village, he discovered that his friends were doing better than him.

According to him, they have their own houses, wives, children, and happily. And he has been in the village for a while, and yet to get a job.

Now he’s thinking of getting an Okada for himself and start to use it pending when he gets a job.

I Felt Disappointed By His Business Idea
Really? Sorry to say, but I was quite disappointed that a graduate who went through an educational system could think so little.

You have the money to buy Okada, right? Why not think of something else he can do to take advantage of the internet? Of course, he can start mini importation with as little as 20k, and if he is consistent, he could double his capital within a month.

Don’t get wrong; I am not blaming him. But he was just a victim of a poor educational system. The system made us become slaves to money, instead of the other way round.

Remember, this is just one person out of the millions of graduates facing the same frustration. Because their uneducated friends are doing better than them, their emotions (fear and greed) do the thinking for them.

If you are a serving corps member or undergraduate in any Nigerian university reading this, take it seriously. Start thinking of a skill that will give you a soft-landing after NYSC. I don’t want to sound scary, but LIFE AFTER NYSC IS BRUTAL.

#6. If You Don’t Have a Strong Will, You May Think Fraud

Most Internet fraudsters (Yahoo boys) will always tell you that they are doing it due to unemployment. In fact, they will tell you how long they have suffered in life.

But I disagree, unemployment is not enough reason to defraud people of their hard-earned money. And mudslinging the country’s reputation. You can channel the energy you use to defraud innocent people to something legal and more productive.

#7. Getting a Job is Never the Answer to Your Financial Problem.

Let me quickly ask you a question. Who did you feel when you got the job, you are doing now? You were so certain that it would be the beginning of your financial liberty, weren’t you?

But what happened after the first few months, your expenses have increased. And the salary that seems so attractive at first is no longer enough.

It’s not because you are extravagant. But it’s because your salary is a short term solution to a long term problem.

And most of us from this part of the world carry the entire family’s financial responsibility once we start working. You may start paying your younger one’s tuition, receive calls from extended relatives, friends appeal for funds, the problem is ‘ad infinitum’ (endless).

These are 7 realities most Nigeria graduates face after NYSC. What other reality do you know of? Let us know in the comment section. And don’t forget to share with your friends on social media.

Source: https://sidehustlepoint.com/realities-of-life-after-nysc/

Start planning your future today, don't wait till after NYSC. It's usually frustrating then...

Meanwhile check out these 21 smart ways to earn money online ===> https://sidehustlepoint.com/earn-money-online/

Nice one OP. How I wish Nairalanders will learn from this. Life after NYSC is a Jungle, but your skill can always open way for you.

OP you try. But do you expect me to read the entire article?

Writercruze, you make sense.
In conclusion, always have Plan B, Plan C etc cos Plan A might fail unexpectedly.

Na just one phone call....everytin go stew for you.

Nice one ops.

The truth is, it is good to have high hopes of getting a job after NYSC but in most cases on a few lands their dream job after the one year service.

I have a friend that told me that she doesn't have a plan B. That she believes that she will be retained at her place of primary assignment.

Life after service is difficult and should be taken seriously.

100 CVS sent in 3 months is just one job application a day mtscheeew. Plus you don't just apply to every job online. What of jobs you don't have the skills for.

True definition of Life after service

somebody should summarise this thing jor,,I no get appetite to read

@ number 5.
The truth is most of my uneducated friends are doing better than me. Some have even built their own house and married with kids.
But me ....

Gbam! You garrit

Good write-up (minus the okada jab - stop being so condescending and let people do what works for them)

Not funny. Life after NYSC is not funny at all.

8.then you go know the real meaning of "see finish" especially when you become idle and jobless for too long..
9..You would know the real meaning of unemployment and underemployment because staying at home would be better than some jobs you would receive..
10..most importantly you go understand better why that your uncle wey don de promise you money and job since way back your school days no de gree pick your calls again....because naija too hard..

..

Welcome to Nigeria where 90% of graduates are on instagram selling hair, bitcoin, shoes and bag. . Op is shading someone for thinking about okada, but the mini importation self is not easy when customs and customers deal with you eye go clear. People wey no go school dey also import. So let him do his okada in peace

One of the realities is that u become humble

Hmmm you made some points OP

that number one and two ehn.....

Please I am looking for a wife to marry, thank you.

Modified

Age 25-27 years. I just realised 24 downwards are not ready so no need.

The only thing I need from you is that you must have a flare for business.

Open minded ladies can contact me on whatsapp through the number on my profile.

dingbang:
please I am looking for a wife to marry. thank you . Age 21-25 years. The only thing I need from you is that you must have a flare for business.

LMAO. see your mouth.

What do you have to offer a 21-25 year old girl?
*********

I love #4 . Yes of course your girlfriend just have to leave you, no one can tolerate a broke nigga even you won't tolerate yourself.

Hi

Let me book space here

Uhm, these are for the lazy ones, done and dusted NYSC since last year and up till now no job, but we are just doing some petty hustle to keep body and soul...

Awesome post...