Chidera felt like a boss the moment she received her NYSC certificate. She has just completed the mandatory one year of serving her father's land.
Many were worried about how to job hunt and get a job and avoid being stuck in the unemployed world. She was confident that her future was already secured.
"You people don’t understand," she told her roommates whenever they asked her why she wasn't worried. "My uncle has already promised me a position at a top oil company. So once this is over, I'll just head straight to Lagos for my six-figure job." She would brag while fanning herself against the Abuja heat.
Ife looked at her with concern. "I still think you should apply for jobs."
"Oh, ye woman of little faith." Chidera laughed. "When I have connections. Applying is for people without connections." Her mouth kept running.
"I'm just saying. Men may disappoint you but..."
Chidera cuts in. "Not my uncle. He loves me so much."
She was so sure of it. She didn't just know why her friends couldn't get it. She wasn't about to waste her time on LinkedIn begging companies for a chance to work for them. Her path was already paved.
Weeks passed and she was already on her way to Lagos for her dream job. She couldn't help but picture herself in her air-conditioned office on Victoria Island. Then, by the end of the month, her account will be credited with a six-figure. She imagined herself dining with the high and mighty.
But reality hit sooner than she expected.
A few days after her arrival, she called her uncle to find out when she would resume work, but for days, he didn't answer. When he did, he told her he was busy and would get back to her. But he didn't.
She devised a new means of sending him different text messages. Both online and offline.
"Good afternoon, sir. I hope you’re well. Just checking in about the job offer."
Her uncle will read but he won't reply.
She will stare at her phone for long. Heart pounding and mind adrift. She would wonder why the man who had once assured her of her place at the top was now ghosting her.
She watched her savings begin to deplete. Lagos's life was beginning to tell on her savings. She began to switch from her regular Uber rides to public buses. She began eating with control. She moved from the costly service apartment she was staying in into a rented apartment in a cheaper neighborhood.
One morning, she found herself staring at her laptop. It wasn't long before she was applying for Entry-level jobs in Lagos through LinkedIn. The same LinkedIn she once mocked became her best friend. The job applications she dismissed became her lifeline.
She edited her CVs, arranged them neatly in a file, and began walking from place to place, seeking a job in Lagos. A life she never imagined.
Trekking under the dusty streets of Lagos. With the hot sun threatening to melt off the soles of her shoes. All to get the usual line of "We’ll get back to you" from HRs who would barely glance at her CV.
One day she bumped into Ife in a supermarket where she had gone shopping. She tried to hide at first but Ife saw her before her plan could hatch.
"Chidera, what a good day it is to see your face again." Ife had called happily, walking up to meet her.
"Ife!" She had called back avoiding her stare as they hugged themselves.
"How have you been and how's life as an oil company employee treating you?" If asked, pulling off her embrace.
Chidera felt her stomach tight out of frustration and shame.
"Ife, I wish that life works just as we planned it.".
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not working yet."
"What do you mean? Your uncle, what of his offer?" If asked with her brows raised and unbelief etched on her face.
"My dear, he hasn't picked up my calls since I arrived in Lagos." Chidera let her eyes fall from Ife to the floor.
Ife shook her head. She pitied her. "Don't worry, all hope is not lost. My company is hiring. I can refer you if you're interested."
Chidera's eyes quickly lit up. "Are you for real?" She asked in excitement.
Ife nodded. "You're a brilliant girl. I can put it in words for you with my HR. He likes me and might consider me."
Chidera took a deep breath and replied "Please, I’d appreciate that."
"Just send me your CV in my email. I have to run along now my lunch break is almost over."
"Thank you so much."
That night, as Chidera prepared her CV again, she thought about how quickly things had changed.
Next time, she’d believe any promise until it was fulfilled. Even if the promise was from her parents.
A few days later, she got the job at Ife's workplace. She sat in her tiny room, staring at the offer letter in her hand. It was clear that wisdom was better than blind confidence.