So, if the world were to lose the internet today, just if there's no more way to do zoom calls, no more need for data....Facebook, Instagram, tiktok and all disappeared, I would definitely panic, the internet has helped us, has helped me in a lot of way, but then again, I wouldn't feel bothered or stranded, In as much as I still have a handwork that puts food on my table, I won't deny the fact that internet has helped me publicize and reach wider audience, but still, since this disappearance would be affecting us all, I don't really have anything to lose.
Long before I even knew how to type properly, or was even able to use the smartphone/internet well, I had learned to mix cements, mix sand, make snd spread mortars, lay tiles, and form various designs with my own hands. Tiling is one of my offline and practical skill. It doesn't require internet connection, kt does not require a Facebook or insta account, I don't need to have a ring light and I've been doing it since around 2017.
It wasn't easy when I started, the first time I went to a construction site as a young apprentice I had to had to get a bed rest for two days after, It wasn't easy, tiles are heavy, cements are heavy, sands are heavy too and my palm which were still very soft and untrained. Later on when I was allowed to cut for the edges, the half cuts and all, fear sets in as my boss would keep insisting it must be neat and I must cut it once, meaning I must measure it accurately.
I wasn't so easy to cut corners, but when I am able to, I do feel on top, as if I just bagged a degree, the first time I was allowed to lay tiles for a whole room, come and see the smile and satisfaction on my face, when I wanted to start this work, I was scared and at the same time eager to learn. I can now look st a floor or wall plan and visualize beauty out of it, tiling taught me neatness, it taught me commitment, it taught me discipline, it taught me to work silently and see the result as something creative and lasting.
Writing now made me see how good it is to own/have a handwork that could be relied on, especially in a country like mine(Nigeria) where power supply is unstable, the economic is unstable and many more, having a skill immune to digital disruption is very essential.
Tiling is still in vogue, I know people now do different things now.. the 3D floor and lots more, but then tiling is still trending as well, people will always build, they would definitely want to beautify their floors and walls, especially bathroom walls, finishing will always be needed, and tiling does more than beautification, compare a bathroom that was built and tiled two years ago to a bathroom that was built and not tiled one year ago, the difference would definitely be clear. My skill will still be needed for a very long time even if the internet crashes.
This skill has fed me, paid my bills and has also kept me afloat. When others were waiting for a white collar job, I had something doing. I have been able to get referrals, I have worked for total strangers, I have worked alongside engineers, architects, construction companies who at first doubted me until they saw how neat and good my work is.....Tiling has given me confidence and a name, one that I don't need data/internet to retain.
I would always say...I am a work in progress, I am not stopping yet, growth is never a destination, I am still out to learn, to explore, to master certain installation, to learn new patterns and designs and even teach/train others someday, and if possibly open a finishing/tiling company also..... I want to be known for my skill, and for the beauty I bring to homes/offices.
I still want to learn another skill, you will agree with me that here in Nigeria just one skill isn't enough, though the skill might still be construction related. Also, I make frames as well, I do throw pillows, magic mugs and more.. but those definitely requires digital skills, I also have other skills, I do catering work, I own a farm nd those are ones that can never be hacked nor deleted, one that doesn't need a digital skill, ine that does not need an internet connection. I love tiling, the world can lose internet, but as long as people still build then I still have something doing as well.
All images were generated using AI.
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