All year round, while many of our followers and readers were cooling off with our memes and weekly career stories, they had a lot going on in their work lives. I know this because I recently reached out to a couple of them to share their 2022 work-life stories and the responses are a mix of all possible emotions.
The dwindling economy was a thing; from the startup crisis affecting employees to the massive Japa syndrome, 2022 was a lot. But even outside the workplace, there have been the good, the bad, and the ugly, making the year one to reflect on and just go…
Before the new year jumps in and resolutions begin to fly around journals, it’s necessary to pause and reflect on the year; the ups and downs to make better decisions for the coming year. So, I had a chat with five of our followers, and here’s what they have to say about their career lives in 2022:
“2022; Plenty of Bathroom Crying” –@Merit
Omo, wins dey o. Plenty of bathroom crying. Panic attacks. Plenty of bathroom tears again. Promotion. Joined a new team. Skilled up. 2022 was the year and 2023 will be that year.
PS: Careerbuddy musing was a fave!
I’m one of the few Nigerians who actually love their job and can’t wait for January!” – @Pase
I’m Pase. A Corporate Lawyer in Lagos, Nigeria
2022 was a year of ups and downs. I moved to Lagos two months ago because I got a new job. The first few months of 2022 were hard; navigating through Lagos traffic each day which I wasn’t used to as a PH Babe or an ex-PH babe, trying to meet deadlines, and dealing with Lagos House agents because I needed to find the perfect apartment was not all rosy.
Fast forward to May; that’s when the fun began. Work became less stressful and I had enough time for myself. I started taking my professional exam to become a certified HR. I practically went out every weekend; I mean, it was a chill period.
I should have known it wouldn’t last forever because July came and I don’t know what it was but I could’ve sworn I had a heart attack. Work became so stressful; I was given more clients to handle, had a bunch of meetings I mostly slept through because a girl was tired, deadlines were killing me, and I hardly slept. Omo! it wasn’t funny at all. I considered moving back to my father’s house but my mama ain’t raise no quitter. I pushed through it and here we are.
Well, my lowest point in 2022 was when I interviewed for an internal role and didn’t get it. I remember going into the toilet to cry because I also had some personal issues then. That period was a dark time. But I’m glad I’m out of it and extremely happy for my colleague who eventually got it because he’s doing an amazing job.
I would say my highest point was having to head the new Startup Advisory and Business Incubator department we are building in the Company. It’s something I am really passionate about and to be able to spearhead. Really, it has been amazing. I am very hopeful for 2023, especially with this new role that I have received and I’m one of the few Nigerians who actually love their job and can’t wait for January!
“I would be relocating to Europe next year” -(Anonymous)
For me, it was a mix of the good, bad, and ugly. I rage quit my first real 9-5 job after spending six months there. Honestly, it was scary. I didn’t have any other job or even an interview but I couldn’t continue. The pay was small and I was spending more than my salary on transportation. Two months after I left there though, I got a remote job and it’s been a smooth ride since then. If you must know, I would be relocating to Europe next year; the company’s policy is to have me work from here for the first four months and join them later. I should also mention that your newsletter has been a great companion. Shout out to whoever is “Seye from Careerbuddy!”
“Attending two editions of Workitout with CareerBuddy was amazing” -@Omotayo
At this point, Christmas needs to come quickly because my bank account needs some Christmas spirit.
I started working around April 2022 and I am currently doing my NYSC. I haven’t been in the workspace throughout 2022 but I did a lot of freelance jobs this year. I started a full-time job in October/November.
It was a struggle getting a job from interviews, to negotiations to sending emails and not getting a reply. Just a few wins from freelance jobs to getting a full-time job by the end of the year. Also attending two editions of Workoitout with CareerBuddy was definitely an amazing win!
(Insert aww meme)
“2022 started with a spark and it’s ending with an explosion for me!” -@ecommtechy
Well, 2022 started not so great for me. I was working a dead-end job and wasn’t really focused on my agency. I wasn’t even working in digital marketing at the time, because I recently left a toxic workplace in 2020, where I worked as an in-house social media manager. After that, I became an inventory specialist and it isn’t the most fun job. I had to work Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm and I was spending a lot on transportation.
There was a transportation hike and I couldn’t keep up. I was living hand to mouth. I quit and got employed with a brand as an in-house social media manager. It was great until it wasn’t anymore. I became tired and dejected. People weren’t seeing my worth and I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck. So I decided to quit altogether and build my agency, if I starve I starve. I put myself out there and went back to my God. A few weeks later, a lady reached out to me saying I was referred by someone to manage their page. We discussed the price and she accepted without any further arguments. Although they were in Lagos, it was fully remote.
From there on, things become absolutely fabulous for me. I got a role with a big-shot business expert. Got connected with Tricia Biz (yay!) via her husband whom I’m serving. Assisted her at an event and she shouted me out. It’s been all rosy ever since. From August till now, I’ve made a lot of money. In fact this year, I’m sure I’ve made up to 7 figures. I need to get to my accounts.
2022 started with a spark and it’s ending with an explosion for me!
While taking time out to relax for the year, keep the plans rolling for the coming year. Before I drop my wishes, remember January has 1000 days and next payday isn’t until the last week in January. So detty December with sense!
Happy Holidays!