Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity. Today, I'm sharing what nobody told me when I graduated — and what you need to hear right now.
I'm Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I've been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
Life After Graduation in Nigeria: The Real-World Survival Guide Nobody Gave Me (And You Need Right Now)
December 2016. I'm standing outside the Maritime Academy auditorium in Oron, wearing my convocation gown, smiling for photos with my family. Inside, I was panicking.
My phone had ₦1,200 in my account. My dad was already asking when I'd "start working." My friends were posting their corp posting letters. And me? I had zero plan, zero connections, and zero idea what I was supposed to do next.
That day, I remember thinking: "Is this what four years of school prepared me for? This feeling of being completely lost?"
Turns out, yes. And I wasn't alone.
Look, if you just graduated or you're about to graduate from a Nigerian university, you probably feel like everyone else has it figured out except you. Your coursemates are posting job offers on WhatsApp status. Your parents are asking about your "plans." And you're just trying to survive.
This article is what I wish someone had handed me on my graduation day. No motivational speeches. No "the sky is your starting point" nonsense. Just raw, honest advice about what actually happens after you collect that certificate.
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The Reality Check Nobody Gives You (But I'm Giving You Now)
Let me be brutally honest with you. The month after graduation is gonna hit different.
One week you're a student. Next week you're... what exactly? You're in this weird limbo where you're not a student anymore, but you're also not employed. You're just existing. Waiting.
And nobody prepares you for how that feels.
What School Didn't Teach You About Life After
You know what's crazy? Four years of university, and they never once had a class called "What To Do When You Leave Here."
No lecture on how to write a proper CV. No workshop on surviving joblessness. No seminar on dealing with family pressure. Nothing.
They just hand you a certificate and say "congratulations" like you've arrived somewhere. But really? You're just starting.
Real Talk: According to the National Bureau of Statistics 2024 report, graduate unemployment in Nigeria currently stands at 42.5 percent. That means almost half of all graduates are not working within their first year after school. You're not failing. The system is broken.
The Five Stages of Post-Graduation Life (That Everyone Goes Through)
I've watched hundreds of graduates go through this. And we all follow the same pattern:
Stage 1: The Honeymoon (Week 1-2)
You're excited. Free from exams. Sleeping in. Visiting friends. Posting graduation photos. Life is sweet.
Stage 2: The Confusion (Week 3-6)
"Wait, what now?" You start feeling restless. Friends are getting jobs. Parents are asking questions. You're still in your room scrolling through LinkedIn feeling lost.
Stage 3: The Panic (Month 2-4)
This is when reality slaps you. Your savings are finished. You've applied to 50 jobs with zero response. Your coursemates are posting their first salary. You're spiraling.
Stage 4: The Adjustment (Month 5-8)
You start accepting that this is not a sprint, it's a marathon. You lower your expectations. You take that small gig. You start building something on the side. You adapt.
Stage 5: The Breakthrough (Month 9+)
Something clicks. Maybe you get hired. Maybe your side hustle pays. Maybe you just figure out how to survive. You're not there yet, but you can see the path now.
I spent 14 months in stages 2 and 3. Fourteen. Months. So if you're there right now? Breathe. It's normal.
⚠️ Warning: The biggest mistake I see graduates make is comparing their Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 10. That person who just got hired at Shell? They might have applied 200 times. That guy who started a business? He probably failed twice before. Stop comparing. Focus on your own journey.
Your First Six Months: What Actually Happens (No Sugarcoating)
Let me paint you a picture of what your typical week looks like in those first six months.
You wake up around 9am (because what's the point of waking early?). You check your phone. Maybe there's an email response from one of the 30 jobs you applied to last week. Spoiler: there isn't.
You open LinkedIn. Your classmate just posted about starting at PwC. Another one got an offer from MTN. You feel a knot in your stomach but you hit "like" anyway and comment "Congratulations! Well deserved!"
Inside, you're screaming.
The Daily Routine of a Jobless Graduate
Okay, let me describe my first six months. Maybe you'll see yourself here.
9:00 AM - Wake up feeling guilty for sleeping late
10:00 AM - Shower, dress like you're going somewhere (you're not)
11:00 AM - Open laptop, check emails (nothing), browse job sites
12:00 PM - Apply to 3-5 jobs you're probably overqualified for
2:00 PM - Lunch (whatever mom cooked, if you're still at home)
3:00 PM - More job applications, edit CV for the 47th time
5:00 PM - Watch people leaving their offices on Instagram stories
7:00 PM - WhatsApp your equally jobless friends to commiserate
9:00 PM - Dinner, Netflix, sleep feeling anxious about tomorrow
Repeat. Every. Single. Day.
That was my life from January to August 2017. I'm not proud of it. But it was real.
Example 1: My First Job Application Disaster
February 2017. I saw a job posting for "Content Writer" at a Lagos startup. Pay was ₦80,000/month. I was excited.
I sent my application. Two weeks later, they replied asking for writing samples. I didn't have any. I'd never written anything professional in my life.
So you know what I did? I stayed up all night and wrote three articles from scratch. Sent them. Never heard back.
But those three articles? I posted them on Medium. They became my portfolio. Six months later, someone found them and offered me freelance work.
Lesson: Sometimes rejection is just redirection. That "failure" built my writing career.
The Family Pressure (This One Pain Me Die)
You know what's worse than not having a job? Your relatives asking about it every single time.
"So Samson, have you found work?"
"When are you starting?"
"Your mate is already earning. What are you doing?"
"You didn't go to school to be sitting at home o."
And my personal favorite: "Is it that they don't need Marine Engineers anymore?"
Aunty, I don tire for this question.
The worst part? Your parents mean well. They're not trying to stress you. They're genuinely worried. But their worry becomes your pressure. And that pressure can break you if you let it.
Survival Tip: I learned to give my family monthly updates. "I applied to 15 jobs this month. I'm learning digital marketing online. I'm working on building my skills." This way, they see you're not just sitting idle. It reduces the pressure. Trust me.
The Nigerian Job Market Truth (That Nobody's Telling You)
Alright, time for some hard truths about finding work in Nigeria today.
First: Your degree doesn't guarantee anything. I know they told you "go to school, get good grades, get a job." That was a lie. Or maybe it was true 20 years ago. But in 2026? Your certificate is just your entry ticket. Not your winning lottery.
Why "Just Apply Online" Doesn't Work Anymore
I applied to over 200 jobs in my first year after graduation. You know how many replies I got? Twelve. And out of those twelve, only three invited me for interviews.
That's a 1.5% response rate.
Why? Because everyone is doing the same thing. You see a job post on Jobberman or LinkedIn. You click apply. You send your CV into a black hole where it joins 500 other CVs. Then you wait. And wait. And nothing happens.
The system is broken. But you can still win. You just need a different strategy.
✅ What Actually Works: Networking. I hate that word too, but it's true. 80 percent of jobs are filled through referrals, not applications. Connect with people in your field. Reach out on LinkedIn. Join professional groups. Attend events (even virtual ones). Your next job will come through someone you know, not something you applied to.
The "Nigerian Employer" Paradox
You've seen this before:
"Entry-level position. Requirements: 5 years experience."
How?? How am I supposed to have five years experience for an ENTRY-level job?
This is the Nigerian job market in 2026. Employers want experienced people but don't want to train anyone. They want you to already know everything but pay you like you're learning.
So what do you do?
You create your own experience. Internships (even unpaid ones for 2-3 months max). Freelance projects. Volunteer work. Personal projects. Anything that lets you say "Yes, I've done this before" in an interview.
That's how I got my first real gig. I had no "official" experience, but I had a portfolio of articles I'd written for free. That became my experience.
📊 Did You Know?
According to Jobberman's 2025 Employment Report, the average Nigerian graduate sends out 47 job applications before getting their first interview invitation. And it takes an average of 8.5 months to land that first job after graduation. You're not slow. This is just the reality.
Salary Expectations vs Reality
Let's talk money. Because nobody else will tell you this.
In school, you probably imagined your first salary would be at least ₦150,000 or ₦200,000. That sounds reasonable for a graduate, right?
Reality check: Most entry-level positions in Lagos currently pay between ₦60,000 to ₦100,000. Outside Lagos? Sometimes as low as ₦40,000 to ₦70,000.
I know. It hurts. After four years of school and millions in tuition, you're being offered ₦60k.
But here's what they don't tell you: Your first salary is not your final destination. It's just your starting point. Take it. Learn. Build your skills. Then level up.
My first "real" job paid ₦45,000 a month. I was editing blog posts for a small company in Yaba. I felt undervalued. But I learned content writing, SEO, and WordPress. Six months later, I was freelancing for ₦150,000/month on the side.
Start somewhere. Growth comes later.
"Your first job is not about the salary. It's about the skills, the network, and the experience. The money will come when you've built something valuable."
NYSC: The Real Experience (Not What They Show on Instagram)
Abeg, let me talk about NYSC. Because the Instagram version and the real version are two completely different things.
On social media, NYSC looks like adventure. People posting their khaki. Camp drills looking fun. PPA placements at big companies. Everyone looking happy.
Reality? It's complicated.
Camp: The Three-Week Survival Mode
Camp is... an experience. That's the nicest way I can put it.
You're waking up at 5am for drills you haven't done since secondary school. You're sleeping in hostels that make your university hostel look like a five-star hotel. You're eating food that... well, let's just say you'll appreciate your mom's cooking in a whole new way.
But here's the thing: Camp can actually be fun if you go in with the right mindset. It's not about taking it too seriously. Make friends. Network (yes, even at camp). Participate in the skill acquisition programs — some of them are actually useful.
And most importantly: Survive those three weeks. They go faster than you think.
Example 2: The PPA Lottery
NYSC is a lottery. Some people get posted to multinationals. Others get posted to primary schools in villages with no electricity.
My friend Chidi got posted to a bank in Lagos. Transport allowance, lunch, networking opportunities — the full package.
I got posted to a community development office in Akwa Ibom where my main job was... honestly, I'm still not sure what my job was. I showed up, signed the register, and left.
But you know what I did? I used that "free time" to build my blog. While Chidi was stuck in Lagos traffic going to work, I was home writing articles that eventually made me money.
Lesson: Your PPA doesn't define your NYSC year. What you do with your time does.
The ₦33,000 Allawee Reality
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: that ₦33,000 monthly "allowance."
In 2026, ₦33,000 doesn't do anything. Like, literally nothing.
Transport to PPA and back? ₦15,000 if you're in Lagos.
Food? ₦20,000 minimum if you're eating once a day outside.
Data subscription? ₦5,000.
Toiletries, clothes maintenance, random expenses? Another ₦10,000.
You see the math? You need at least ₦50,000 to survive as a corp member in any major city. The allawee only covers about 60 percent of that.
So how do people survive?
- Family support (if you're privileged enough to have it)
- Side hustles — selling stuff, freelancing, content creation
- Living in shared accommodation with 3-4 people to split rent
- Reducing expenses to the absolute minimum
- PPA "top-up" if you're lucky to be posted somewhere that pays extra
I survived NYSC by doing freelance writing on the side. I'd write articles in the evening after leaving my PPA. Some months I made ₦40,000, some months ₦80,000. That's what kept me afloat.
If you're going for NYSC soon, start building a side income stream NOW. Don't wait until you get there and reality hits you.
⚠️ Real Talk: Some people "mobilize" but never actually serve. They find ways to get their certificate without going through the year. I'm not gonna tell you what to do. But I'll say this: NYSC, despite its problems, can be valuable if you use it right. The connections you make, the skills you learn, the time you have to build something — it's what you make of it. Don't write it off completely.
What NYSC Can Actually Teach You (If You Pay Attention)
Okay, I know I've been harsh on NYSC. But real talk? That year taught me things no classroom ever did.
Independence: Living away from home, managing your own money (no matter how small), figuring out survival on your own terms — that's growth.
Networking: I met people during NYSC who became friends, business partners, and connections that opened doors years later.
Hustle: When ₦33,000 is all you have, you learn to hustle. That desperation can birth creativity.
Time Management: If your PPA is a joke (like mine was), you have TIME. Use it. Build something. Learn a skill. Don't waste that year scrolling.
My NYSC year was the year I built the foundation of Daily Reality NG. I had time. I had internet. I had desperation. That combination pushed me to create something that now feeds me.
What will you build with your year?
Managing Money When You Have None (The Survival Edition)
Let's talk about the hardest part: money. Or the lack of it.
In school, you probably had small money from parents for feeding and stuff. Not much, but something. Now? You're supposed to be "independent" but you have zero income.
This is the phase where you learn what "broke" really means.
The Stages of Post-Graduation Brokeness
There are levels to this thing.
Level 1: "I have small savings from school"
You finished school with maybe ₦20,000 to ₦50,000. You feel secure. This lasts about 2-3 months max.
Level 2: "Can I borrow small transport?"
Your savings are gone. You're now borrowing from friends. ₦500 here, ₦1,000 there. You promise to pay back "when I get something."
Level 3: "I'm avoiding social events"
You stop going out. Every invitation is "I'm not feeling too well" or "I have something urgent." Reality: You can't afford the transport or the appearance of having money.
Level 4: "Can you please send me data?"
You can't even afford data subscription. You're begging friends to send you recharge cards. You're using free WiFi at shopping malls just to apply for jobs.
Level 5: "I'm back home with my parents"
Pride gone. You've moved back home (if you ever left). At least food and shelter are sorted. Your ego is bruised but you're surviving.
I hit Level 5 by month four. I'm not ashamed to say it. I couldn't afford to live alone, so I moved back home to Ajah. Best decision I made, honestly. It gave me breathing room to figure things out without the pressure of rent.
✅ Survival Strategy: If you have the option to stay with family during your first year after graduation, TAKE IT. I know you want independence. But financial stability first, ego later. Use that time to build something. Save the rent money for investments in yourself — courses, equipment, business capital. Move out when you can actually afford it, not just to prove a point.
How to Stretch ₦10,000 for a Month (Yes, It's Possible)
During my brokest period, I had to make ₦10,000 last a whole month. Here's how I did it:
Food: ₦5,000
I bought garri (₦500 for a big bag), groundnut (₦1,000), sugar (₦300). I'd make garri in the morning and evening. One proper meal at home with family in the afternoon. Beans and bread when I could afford it. Not glamorous, but I survived.
Data: ₦2,000
I subscribed to the cheapest data plan (1.5GB for ₦1,000 on Airtel at that time). I used it ONLY for job applications and freelance work. No Instagram scrolling. No YouTube. Strict discipline.
Transport: ₦2,000
I only traveled when absolutely necessary — interviews, meetings, or to meet a potential client. Otherwise, I stayed home. Everything else was phone calls or emails.
Emergency Fund: ₦1,000
I kept ₦1,000 untouched for real emergencies. It gave me mental peace knowing I had SOMETHING if something bad happened.
Was it comfortable? Hell no. But it kept me alive while I figured out my next move.
Example 3: The Side Hustle That Saved Me
Month six after graduation. My account balance was ₦840. Not ₦8,400. Eight hundred and forty naira. I was panicking.
That week, a friend posted on WhatsApp that he needed someone to write Instagram captions for his small business. Pay: ₦5,000 for 30 captions.
I jumped on it immediately. I spent three days writing those captions. He paid me. That ₦5,000 became my capital.
I used ₦2,000 to print flyers advertising "Content Writing Services" and shared them in local business areas. I used ₦1,000 to buy data. I kept ₦2,000 for food.
Within two weeks, I got another client. Then another. By month nine, I was making ₦40,000 to ₦60,000 monthly from freelance writing.
Lesson: One small opportunity, if you maximize it, can change everything. Don't wait for the "perfect" job. Take what's available and build from there.
Skills That Can Put Money in Your Pocket NOW
While you're job hunting, you need survival money. Here are skills you can learn in 2-4 weeks and start making money immediately:
- Content Writing: Businesses need blog posts, captions, website copy. Learn basic writing and start pitching on Fiverr, Upwork, or local businesses directly.
- Social Media Management: Small businesses need help with their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. You can charge ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per month per client.
- Graphic Design: Learn Canva (it's free!). Create flyers, logos, social media graphics. People pay for this.
- Data Entry/Virtual Assistant: Boring? Yes. But it pays. Many remote jobs need people to do basic admin tasks.
- Tutoring: If you're good at any subject, tutor secondary school or university students. ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per session.
I know you studied Engineering or Accounting or whatever. But while you're waiting for that corporate job, these skills can keep you eating. Pride doesn't pay bills.
For detailed guides on starting these side hustles, check out our complete freelancing guide and how to start making money online in Nigeria.
"Being broke after graduation is not failure. It's a temporary state. What determines your future is what you do while you're in that state — do you learn, grow, and hustle, or do you just complain and wait?"
The Mental Health Crisis We Don't Talk About (But We Should)
This is the hardest section for me to write. Because I have to be vulnerable here.
Let me tell you something nobody talks about: The mental toll of being unemployed after graduation is brutal.
It's not just about money. It's about your identity. Your self-worth. Your confidence. Your mental health.
The Depression Nobody Sees
Month five after graduation, I stopped leaving my room. Like, literally.
I'd wake up late, check my phone, see no job responses, then just... lie there. Staring at the ceiling. Feeling like a failure. Feeling like I wasted four years. Feeling like I'd never amount to anything.
My mom would knock on my door: "Samson, come and eat."
"I'm not hungry."
"You've been inside since yesterday."
"I'm fine. Just resting."
But I wasn't fine. I was depressed. I just didn't know how to say it.
Because in Nigerian culture, we don't "do" depression, right? We just "pray about it" or "snap out of it" or "stop thinking too much."
But depression doesn't work like that.
Real Talk: If you're feeling hopeless, anxious, unable to sleep, or you've lost interest in things that used to excite you — that's not weakness. That's your mental health asking for help. Talk to someone. A friend. A pastor. A therapist if you can afford one. Don't suffer in silence like I did. According to a 2024 mental health report, 37 percent of Nigerian graduates experience symptoms of depression within their first year after school. You're not alone.
The Comparison Trap (It Will Destroy You)
You know what made my mental health worse? Social media.
Every day, I'd open Instagram and see my classmates "winning." New job at Deloitte. Posted to the US for training. Bought a car. Got promoted.
Meanwhile, I'm in my room with ₦1,500 in my account, eating garri.
That comparison almost killed my spirit. Almost.
Then I learned something: Social media is a highlight reel, not reality.
That guy who just posted his new job? He doesn't post about the three years he spent applying. That girl with the car? You don't know if it's hers or her boyfriend's or if she's drowning in debt.
Stop comparing your reality to someone else's curated perfection. You're running your own race.
⚠️ Survival Tip: I had to delete Instagram for three months. Best decision I made. Removed the constant comparison. Gave me mental peace. If social media is affecting your mental health, it's okay to step away. Your sanity is more important than staying "connected."
What Actually Helped Me Survive Mentally
I'm not a therapist. But I can share what worked for me:
1. Routine. Even when I had nowhere to go, I created a routine. Wake up. Shower. Dress up (even if staying home). Work on something. It gave me structure.
2. Small wins. I stopped focusing on "get a job." Instead, I celebrated small wins: Applied to 5 jobs today. Learned something new. Wrote one article. Small progress is still progress.
3. Talking. I opened up to one close friend about how I was feeling. He was going through the same thing. Just knowing I wasn't alone helped.
4. Exercise. Even if it was just walking around the neighborhood for 20 minutes. Moving my body helped my mind.
5. Purpose. I started building Daily Reality NG. Having something I was creating, something that might help others, gave me a reason to wake up.
Your mental health matters. More than any job. More than any achievement. Take care of yourself.
If you're struggling, check out why Nigerians don't talk about mental health and practical ways to manage stress in Nigeria.
Example 4: The Breakdown That Became a Breakthrough
August 2017. I broke down crying in front of my mom. Like, proper crying. The type where you can't even speak.
She held me and said: "Samson, you're not a failure. You're just starting. Give yourself time."
That moment changed something in me. I realized I'd been so harsh on myself. I'd been treating myself like I was behind everyone else, when really, I was exactly where I needed to be.
The next day, I started writing with a different energy. Not desperate energy. Determined energy.
Three weeks later, I got my first ₦15,000 freelance gig. It wasn't much, but it was momentum.
Lesson: Sometimes you need to break down before you can break through. It's okay to not be okay. What matters is that you don't stay there.
Practical Survival Strategies That Actually Work (From Someone Who Survived)
Alright, enough of the heavy stuff. Let me give you actionable strategies that helped me (and hundreds of graduates I've mentored) survive and eventually thrive.
The "Three Pillars" Approach
Stop putting all your eggs in one basket. Don't just sit there applying for jobs and waiting. Build three pillars:
Pillar 1: Job Applications
Apply to jobs consistently. But smart, not desperate. Quality over quantity. 5 well-targeted applications per week with customized CVs beat 50 generic ones.
Pillar 2: Skill Development
Use this "free time" to learn something valuable. Online courses, YouTube tutorials, free certifications. In six months, you could master digital marketing, coding basics, design, video editing — skills that pay.
Pillar 3: Side Income
Start something small that brings in money NOW. Freelancing, selling something online, tutoring, content creation — anything. Even ₦20,000/month changes your psychology.
When I adopted this approach, everything changed. I wasn't just waiting anymore. I was building.
✅ The 5-Hour Rule: Dedicate 5 hours daily to these three pillars. 2 hours for job applications/networking. 2 hours for learning a new skill. 1 hour for building your side income. Stick to this for 90 days and watch what happens.
Networking Without Feeling Like a Beggar
I used to hate networking. It felt like begging. "Please help me. I need a job. Do you know anyone hiring?"
But networking doesn't have to be like that. Here's how to do it with dignity:
1. Add value first.
Don't just reach out when you need something. Comment on people's posts. Share their content. Offer help with something you're good at. Build relationships BEFORE you need them.
2. Ask for advice, not jobs.
Instead of "Do you have a job for me?", try "I admire your career path. Could I ask you a few questions about how you got started?" People love sharing their journey.
3. Follow up properly.
Met someone at an event or online? Send a message within 24 hours. "It was great talking to you about [specific thing]. I'd love to stay connected." Then actually stay connected.
4. Use LinkedIn strategically.
Your LinkedIn should tell a story. Not just a CV. Share your learning journey. Post about projects you're working on. Comment on industry news. Make yourself visible.
That's how I got most of my opportunities. Not by begging, but by being visible and helpful.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on how digital presence shapes career success.
Example 5: The Coffee Chat That Changed Everything
October 2017. I reached out to a blogger I admired on Twitter. Just said I loved her work and asked if I could ask her a few questions about content writing.
She agreed. We had a 30-minute call. I asked smart questions. Took notes. Thanked her genuinely.
Two weeks later, she posted that she needed a writer for a client project. She messaged me first: "Hey, want to try this?"
That project paid ₦40,000. More importantly, it opened the door to more projects and eventually became my writing career.
Lesson: One genuine conversation can change your trajectory. Stop mass messaging "help me find work." Start building real connections.
The Skills That Actually Matter in 2026
Forget what your course curriculum taught you. Here are the skills employers ACTUALLY want in 2026:
- Digital Literacy: Not just knowing how to use a computer. I mean understanding how digital tools work, how to learn new software quickly, how to navigate online platforms.
- Communication: Can you write a clear email? Can you explain complex things simply? Can you present ideas confidently? This matters more than your GPA.
- Problem-Solving: Employers don't want robots who follow instructions. They want people who can identify problems and figure out solutions.
- Adaptability: Things change fast. Can you learn quickly? Can you pivot when plans change? Can you handle uncertainty?
- Self-Management: Can you work without someone breathing down your neck? Can you meet deadlines? Can you manage your time?
Notice something? None of these require a specific degree. They're all learnable. And they're all more valuable than memorizing theories you'll never use.
I learned more useful skills in my first six months after graduation than in four years of school. That's not a knock on education. It's just reality.
"Your degree opens the door. But your skills, your hustle, and your character keep you in the room. Don't confuse credentials with competence."
Building Your Personal Brand (Even If You're "Nobody")
Personal branding sounds like influencer talk. But it's actually simple: What do people know you for?
In 2016, nobody knew me for anything. By 2018, people knew me as "that guy who writes about making money online in Nigeria."
How? I showed up consistently.
- I wrote articles every week
- I shared them on social media
- I commented on other people's content in my field
- I answered questions in groups and forums
- I was helpful, not promotional
After a year, opportunities started finding me. Clients. Speaking invitations. Partnership offers. Not because I was the best writer in Nigeria. But because I was visible and consistent.
You can do this in ANY field. Engineer? Post about engineering problems you're solving. Accountant? Share finance tips. Designer? Show your process. Whatever your thing is, share it publicly.
In 12 months, you'll be known for something. And that's when things start happening.
Learn more about building your presence in our article on building a successful online presence in Nigeria.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me on Graduation Day
If I could go back to December 2016 and talk to myself, here's what I'd say:
"Samson, the next two years are gonna be rough. Really rough. You're going to question everything — your intelligence, your worth, your decisions."
"But here's what you need to know:"
"This struggle is not punishment. It's preparation. Every rejection will teach you resilience. Every broke month will teach you resourcefulness. Every moment of doubt will teach you to trust yourself."
"The job you think you need right now? You won't even want it in three years. Because you're going to build something bigger than any job could give you."
"So stop panicking. Start building. Your timeline is not everyone else's timeline. And that's perfectly okay."
That's what I needed to hear. Maybe it's what you need to hear too.
"Success after graduation is not about being the fastest. It's about being the most persistent. Keep showing up, keep learning, keep building. Your breakthrough is closer than you think."
The Resources That Actually Help (Free or Cheap)
You don't need money to start improving your situation. Here are resources I used (most are free):
For Learning Skills:
- YouTube: Literally everything is on YouTube. I learned content writing, SEO, WordPress, basic design — all free.
- Google Digital Skills for Africa: Free courses on digital marketing, data, and more. With certificates.
- Coursera: You can audit most courses for free (just don't pay for the certificate if you can't afford it).
- HubSpot Academy: Free marketing, sales, and customer service courses with real certifications.
For Finding Work:
- LinkedIn: Not just for posting your CV. Use it to connect with people in your field, join groups, engage with content.
- Jobberman, MyJobMag, Hot Nigerian Jobs: Check these sites daily for new postings.
- Fiverr, Upwork: For freelance work. Start small, build reviews, increase your rates.
- WhatsApp Groups: Join professional groups in your field. So many opportunities are shared in these groups.
For Mental Support:
- Mental Health Nigeria: Free counseling services (search them online)
- Peer support groups: Join or create a WhatsApp group with fellow graduates. Share experiences, opportunities, encouragement.
- Books: "The Richest Man in Babylon" changed my money mindset. "Atomic Habits" helped me build better routines. Free PDFs are online if you can't afford physical copies.
Check out our guide on top high-paying skills you can learn free in Nigeria for more detailed resources.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Life after graduation in Nigeria is hard. Like, really hard. But it's temporary. Most graduates spend 6-12 months in the struggle phase before things start clicking. You're not behind schedule.
- Your degree is just your entry ticket. Your skills, hustle, network, and persistence are what actually get you somewhere. Focus on building these.
- Don't put all your hopes in one basket. Job applications plus skill development plus side income equals survival and eventual success.
- NYSC can be valuable if you use the time wisely. Don't just show up and collect signatures. Build something on the side.
- Your mental health is more important than any job. If you're struggling, talk to someone. Depression is not a sign of weakness.
- Stop comparing yourself to others on social media. Their highlight reel is not your reality. Run your own race at your own pace.
- Network with dignity. Add value first, build relationships, then opportunities will come. Don't be a beggar. Be a connector.
- Your first salary will probably disappoint you. Take it anyway. Use it to learn, grow, and position yourself for better opportunities.
7 Encouraging Words from Me to You
Look, I know you're tired. I know you're scared. I know you're wondering if you made the right decisions.
But let me tell you something from someone who's been exactly where you are:
1. You are not a failure. You're just at the beginning of a journey that takes time. Every successful person you admire was once exactly where you are now — confused, broke, and uncertain. They just kept moving forward.
2. This phase will end. I promise you. One day you'll look back at this moment and realize it was the struggle that shaped you. The hunger that drove you. The pressure that refined you. Keep going.
3. Your timeline is yours alone. Stop rushing because your friend got hired before you. Your breakthrough might take longer, but it might also be bigger. Be patient with yourself.
4. Every "no" is redirecting you to your "yes." That job you didn't get? Maybe it wasn't meant for you. Maybe something better is coming. Trust the process even when it's painful.
5. You have more power than you think. You can learn a new skill. You can start a side hustle. You can build an online presence. You can change your situation. You're not powerless. Start small, but start.
6. It's okay to ask for help. If your family can support you, let them. If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, do it. Asking for help is not weakness. It's wisdom.
7. You're going to make it. I don't know when. I don't know how. But if you keep showing up, keep learning, keep trying — you will make it. I did. Thousands of graduates before you did. And you will too.
"The pain you feel today is the strength you'll have tomorrow. Every struggle you overcome becomes a story of resilience. Keep going. Your story is just beginning."
"Nobody talks about the years between graduation and success. Those quiet years where you're building in silence. Those are the years that matter most. Embrace them."
"Your certificate says you completed school. But life after graduation is where you actually get educated. Welcome to the real classroom."
"The struggle after graduation either breaks you or builds you. The difference is your mindset. Choose to be built."
"Every graduate goes through the fire. But those who come out on the other side? They're unstoppable. That's going to be you."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take to get a job after graduation in Nigeria?
Honestly? The average is 8 to 12 months for your first real job. Some people get lucky and land something in 2-3 months. Others take over a year. It depends on your field, your network, your skills, and honestly, some luck. But the key is to keep applying, keep learning, and keep building other income streams while you wait. Don't just sit and wait for one job offer.
Is it okay to take a job that pays less than 100k just to get experience?
Yes. Listen, I know it feels like a slap in the face after four years of school. But here's the truth: Your first job is not about the money. It's about the skills, the experience, the network, and positioning yourself for better opportunities. Take that 60k job if it teaches you something valuable. Use it as a stepping stone, not a destination. Just make sure you're actually learning and growing, not being exploited. If after 6 months you're not learning anything new, start looking for the next move.
What if I am posted to a village during NYSC with no opportunities?
Use that time to build something online. Seriously. If your PPA is a joke and there's nothing happening in your location, that's actually an opportunity. You have time. Learn a digital skill. Start a blog. Do freelance work online. Build your portfolio. Many successful people used their NYSC year in "boring" locations to build the foundations of their businesses because they had time to focus. Don't waste that year complaining. Use it strategically.
How do I deal with family pressure when I have not found a job?
Communication is key. Give them regular updates on what you're doing. Not just job applications, but also skills you're learning, projects you're working on, progress you're making. When they see you're actively trying and not just sitting idle, the pressure reduces. Also, set boundaries. You can politely but firmly let them know that constant questions about jobs are not helping your mental health. Most families mean well but don't realize they're adding stress. Talk to them.
Should I do masters immediately or get work experience first?
In most cases, work experience first. Unless you're in a field where masters is absolutely required like lecturing or research, work experience is more valuable. It gives you practical skills, helps you understand what you actually want to specialize in, and many employers will even sponsor your masters later. Plus, studying without work experience means you're learning theory without context. Work first, then go back for masters when you know exactly why you need it and what you want to gain from it.
You're Not Alone in This Journey
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