Is it life happening or adjustment disorder - perspective of a young Nigerian graduate

Of course, I am a Nigerian…

If you nor hustle, you go suffer!

Ayomide (24), a graduate of Economics shares her experience as a teacher living on a 34k salary whilst juggling side gigs as a content writer and lesson teacher. 

Hi Ayomide, tell us a bit about yourself. 

Okay. I graduated from University in 2020 and served in 2022. After service, I got a job as a teacher in a private school to teach Business Studies and Marketing. On the side, I am a private tutor and I teach Mathematics. I also have an Upwork account where I scout for writing gigs. 

So how is it going? Let me in on the struggles of hustling. 
Hustling has been a part of my life since I was a kid. My mum was a jack of all trades. She sold okrika one time, soya milk drink, powder, owned a bookshop whilst still working as a civil servant with the government. Looking back, I appreciate the fact that it rubbed off on me. The present Nigeria economy requires the average Nigerian to have more than one source of income else e go choke!

You’re right. How do you cope with all your trades?
If you nor hustle, you go suffer! I cope. I have to else I won’t be able to meet my personal needs or even support a younger sibling in school. Sometimes, I am burnt out from juggling different activities but, it is what it is! 

Do you get writing gigs often? I hear the market is saturated and it might be difficult to land one. 
Ahh! Getting gigs on Upwork is an herculean task o. In fact, I recently resumed submitting proposals there after going AWOL for almost 2 years. The new feature if bidding for jobs has even increased the competition among freelancers and you must have a good job score/portfolio to get hired there. The hustle is real.

If you get a chance at starting afresh, what will you do?
I will tow the tech line. Data Analytics or Cybersecurity will be a good one for me. I will also take up self-development courses that would help build my mental, social and psychological health. Right now, I am a bag of trauma. I hope to start therapy soon. 

Aww! So sorry. Seems the hustles are taking a toll on you. Could you be suffering from Adjustment Disorder?
Whatever that means, I think I need therapy. I find it difficult to nap in the afternoon, eat or even plan my day. I need a getaway from all these hustles and bustles of life. I cannot come and go and kill myself. 

Take it easy. We have a post up on our blog on Adjustment Disorder, you can read about it here: https://thehealthcityonline.com/blog/342-Coping-with-Adjustment-Disorder-as-a-Nigerian-1708266838_60361

Thank you for your time Ayo. It was great to listen to you. 

It's my pleasure Dee. Thanks for listening to my rants.