71. DO YOU REALLY NEED TO START WITH ODD JOBS? Jack’s Japa Empowerment - Diaspora Handbook - Nijaa Diaspora Empowerment - Carew

71. DO YOU REALLY NEED TO START WITH ODD JOBS?

The common gospel among new immigrants is usually to start with whatever you find.  Do odd jobs.  At the very least, you will survive.  While this counsel is well-intentioned, it might be misleading.  Yes, many Nigerians abroad begin their careers cleaning, caring for others, doing deliveries, or working in factories; which is quite acceptable.  But we must consider the more fundamental question: is it a stepping stone or a permanent label?  Because the danger is not in starting little, but in staying small due to fear or a limiting perspective.

Unusual jobs can be humiliating.  They teach discipline, time management, and the importance of money.  However, they can also trap you.  You become accustomed to the routine, the guaranteed hours, and the regular pay.  You lose your appetite for more. Before long, you find yourself defending the very job you once said was temporary. Years pass, your dreams fade, and you begin to convince yourself that you’re “doing okay.”

Some people start with odd occupations due to visa restrictions, language hurdles, or a lack of knowledge with the work market, which is OK.  However, if you have in-demand skills, whether in technology, health, education, or even entrepreneurship, they should be prominently shown.  Start placing yourself, early.  Update your resume, join professional organisations, and volunteer in your field if possible.  You have the ability to move, grow, and evolve, unlike trees.

The UK offers a variety of upskilling possibilities.  Government-funded training, apprenticeships, and even free online courses can help you transition from odd jobs to dream careers.  If you don’t know how to utilise LinkedIn, learn.  If your English communication skills require improvement, invest in them.  Don’t let your survival job derail your dream. Build while you earn. There’s no glory in burnout from multiple low-income jobs if you’re not building something bigger in the background.

And of course, Mentors and Coaches could help facilitate, and quicken your progress.

Those whom you spend time with, could impact the progress you make.