Aunty Bella: Ms. This Student Needs an Alternative Source of Income

Aunty Bella is our  agony aunt column on BellaNaija. We launched this column in the early days of BN and periodically feature issues sent in by BN readers. We hope the BN family can offer insightful advice.

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Hello Aunty Bella.
I would like to know what sort of job opportunities exists for students here in Lagos.
I’m a student and I’ve been searching for the longest time for a job that would provide an alternative source of income. I can’t seem to find any job at all, and it’s not from lack of trying. I have responded to many job listings and ads, but none ever comes through. I have literally applied to all the media publications I know even when they are not hiring, but I never get a response.

Life as a student is quite hard. Contrary to popular belief, not every girl has a man/men who’s footing all their bills. The temptation does exist, and it’s strong, and there are times where i’ve just wanted to damn it all and go along with the status quo, but somehow I’ve always stuck it out. I used to do ushering jobs, but those are never regular and I hate the negative attention it brings me.

I just need something stable. I’m tired of living not knowing where the next money will come from, not knowing which Aunt or Uncle I’ll ask next. I’m tired of hearing my mum say I should manage myself, when manage is all I’ve been doing for the longest time. I love beauty and make up, but I need capital to start because of the training and the different products I would need to get.

I also love writing, and I’m a new media enthusiast, that’s why I apply to so many publications, and it’s also flexible. I got my first tertiary certificate from another school prior to this, hence I’m a bit older than most of my classmates. This is why I’m trying to find opportunities for myself.

I don’t want to be just another graduate when I’m done with school, I want to have something else going for me. What do you recommend?

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