Five days a week (and some weekends inclusive), many youngsters wake up to face the hustle and bustle of capitalism. From main jobs to side hustles, work takes an average of 90,000 hours of adult life, according to this study. But for a few like Lola (not her real name), the subject of this article, the story is different.
We'd call them trust fund babes— mostly from privileged backgrounds who do not have to work to make money. Goals, right?
Curious about what it feels like to be one, I had a conversation with Lola and she takes me through her life —how the money comes and goes, her own ambitions, career fulfillment, and what it's like not to depend on a payday for her account to bling.
If I could take just one thing from our conversation, it will be that for her, there's no pressure!
(Read this too: A conversation with Peace Itimi on her work life and career switch)
I'd start by saying I'm envious. I mean, you don't have to work!
(laughs) Well, just so you know, I started working somewhere last month.
Oops!
But nothing has changed. The pay is just to show for the efforts, it's not exactly a big salary. I just really want to go out to work in the morning and return home later like everyone else.
So, it's not fun being a trust fund babe?
That name is hilarious! Trust fund babe. But I'm not saying it's not fun. I'm saying it could get boring and you may feel like you are not making any impact or there's no meaning to you. But I would not trade this privilege for anything, I'm super grateful for it.
Let's pause on that a bit and talk about family. What's it like at home?
I'm the second of two children and the only girl. I never really lacked anything growing up. My parents are principled though and would not let you indulge in frivolities. But I had all I needed and was a bit spoilt. I'm the typical daddy's girl and mummy's bestie. I've also been pretty guarded all my life, so I didn't get the chance to explore a lot growing up. It explains why I didn't even go to uni abroad.
My parents and older brother are quite protective of me. The pressure of what next after school wasn't in the picture for me. Of course, I was curious about life and what I'd do with my time and talents, but it wasn't like others who were concerned about getting jobs, starting businesses, and avoiding being broke and jobless after school.
So, has it always been the plan to just relax and be taken care of?
Well, I wouldn't call it a plan. There was no conversation about it. I mean, I went to school where I studied Public Administration, went for service, and even did a professional course at some point. But the pressure wasn't there. Whether I got a job or not, I'd be fine.
For my parents, it has always been making sure their children are comfortable and would not have to struggle. For me, it's always been making sure I'm doing something, even if it's not bringing money. However, there's a measure of satisfaction or fulfillment that making your own money gives you, and I'd like that.
Aside from your recent job, have you ever had to work anywhere?
I volunteered with an organization after my final exams at uni. I was in the events management team and we weren't paid as such. We got meals twice a week, tips, and occasional stipends from time to time. Many of us there were young people looking for the experience or to keep ourselves busy, either because of university strikes or waiting for call-up letters.
I was also part of a popular talent group that worked with teenagers and young adults. Even for service, the only reason I redeployed was because I was posted to a very far place and my mum couldn't stand it. I eventually came to Abeokuta and I went wherever I was posted, which eventually turned out to be a school. So, yeah, I've worked for a bit. But they were all driven by the need to just do something, not make money.
Before your new job, what was a typical day like for you?
Basically just being home all day. See why I said it could be boring? The only thing that took my time was church, an acting group I belong to, and time spent with my boyfriend. But I've also wanted to start a vlog for long and I started working on it until the job came. I love the performing arts and social work, and that's one of the many things my vlog is centered around.
What's the relationship with money like?
Really, it's just there. I think my parents' principles made me become someone who doesn't spend so much and I like it. I'm not the type to go shopping all the time, even though I can afford to. My latest big expenses were a new phone, a MacBook, and a few things I needed for my vlog. I get allowances from home, and a few singing or acting gigs that don't come frequently, and because I don't spend a lot, the money simply stays. It doesn't mean I don't have fun or go shopping at all.
So, while there's no pressure to get the money in, I really don't do too much with the one I have. But do I like the money? Yes! The sound of alert turns me on! (Laughs)
The thing is, I want to make money, I want to earn, I want to do stuff and explore, but given my background, the most important thing for me right now is to be busy and relevant. So, I care less about making too much money.
Now that you have a job, what does it feel like?
Interesting. I go only three times a week. Remember I said I'd volunteered somewhere after my final exams, I got this job from a referral there. It's a similar company and a similar role, so it kinda feels the same, even though it isn't. But it's been a long time and I'm glad I'm back here. What would be really different would be doing a full 9-5 as an employee, experiencing all the corporate structure, and looking forward to payday. I'd like to feel that.
How did your parents feel about getting a job?
They were supportive. My parents know I have wants, dreams, and ambitions and they support me. They even pulled a few strings. The only restrictions I'm still battling are going far away from them and doing everything on my own. Fortunately, I'm not a Lagos person like my brother, and I don't even like the place, so the Lagos wahala is out of it. But I'd like to break out and live life. Maybe I'd experience that when I leave the country, but I also have family outside waiting to baby me.
So, Japa is not a big deal for you?
It's not a big deal, but I'm definitely going. There's no urgency about that. It could be this year, next year, or even five years from now. I even tried to apply for a Masters in Social Work sometime last year but I didn't take it seriously. When it's time, I'd go.
What's the plan for work and the future?
If you'd asked me this question months ago, I would have rolled my eyes and told you I have no idea. But now, it's making more sense. My vlog is taking shape, I'm gaining traction at work, and I have a couple of things I want to get formal and informal knowledge of. So, there are goals and I'm on a good path. Marriage will come when it's time and it won't halt anything. I might just go from being my parents' baby to my husband's baby.
What three sentences would describe how you feel right now?
I have dreams and ambitions, and I'm achieving them one step at a time. There's no pressure. And for my privilege, I would not trade it for anything.
Let me also add that I'm also glad my parents didn't spoil me so much that I would not value money. I am financially wise and I am not complacent, and that's a good balance.
Do you have an interesting career story to share? Reach out to me here and let's have a fun conversation about it!