During the week, I came across a LinkedIn post by my university colleague, Ojomu Ibrahim. He had just landed a new job, I believe, and was sharing advice for job seekers and recruiters. His story resonated deeply with me.
In Nigeria, one of the most common sayings in our local parlance is: "Go and learn tech." It's seen as the ultimate solution for escaping the tough economic realities. However, while this isn't entirely about Nigeria, it's impossible to ignore how the nation's systemic challenges have shaped the struggles of its youth. The failures of what was once the giant of Africa have left an entire generation searching for stability—constantly adapting, learning new skills, and looking for the "next big thing" just to make a living.
The allure of landing a tech job is often dangled like a carrot before many young Nigerians, but the reality is that tech, like any other field, isn't immune to the harsh economic landscape. When demand rises exponentially, opportunities often dwindle. This is becoming the case for tech roles, not just in Nigeria but globally.
I was fortunate enough to secure my first tech job four years ago, and while I’ve had great opportunities since then, I must admit it has been a rollercoaster journey. After working at four different companies (and counting), I’ve had the privilege of building fantastic products with incredible tools, while collaborating with some of the most diligent and inspiring people on the planet. However, even with these successes, I’ve faced two major periods of unemployment.
The first lasted for 9 months in 2022, and the second stretched for 10 months between 2023 and 2024. You might be thinking, "Why didn’t you just apply for jobs?" Well, I did—relentlessly. Over both periods, I must have sent out over 1,000 job applications. Out of those, only five led to interviews, and none resulted in an offer.
“Maybe your CV wasn’t good enough?” That thought crossed my mind too. I tried numerous CV formats and templates, even tailored mine after those of successful colleagues in the industry. Yet, nothing seemed to change the outcome.
By now, you probably get the idea: there’s no definitive rulebook for getting a job. I tried almost everything I could think of.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience:
It’s okay to try your best, but don’t blame yourself if nothing turns up. The job market can be unpredictable, and often, factors beyond your control are at play.
Use the waiting period productively. Whether or not you stay active, time will pass. You might as well use it to develop new skills, explore hobbies, or simply take a break to recharge. Trust me, it helps.
Leverage your network. You never know who might come through for you. All four of my jobs to date have come from referrals. Building and nurturing professional relationships can make all the difference.
When you land a gig, save as much as possible. If you find yourself in another dry spell, your savings will be your safety net until you find a new opportunity.
Believe in yourself. If you're seeking a job in a particular field, it's likely you already possess valuable skills. Don’t let imposter syndrome or self-doubt hold you back.
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There's no universal guide to success. As Ecclesiastes 9:11 (KJV) reminds us:
"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."
I hope this message encourages someone out there who’s struggling, waiting, or wondering if things will ever get better. Keep going, believe in yourself, and remember that time and chance can happen to anyone.
"Go and learn tech" o
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