Elum Julius

Two weeks to our final exams at the University, I had a conversation with a friend, he says, so after these four years, finally, in a few weeks now, we are graduate, what next? what am I going to do with my life? where do I start from Julius?

He was not only confused, he was frustrated and couldn't see beyond the present, don't know where to start nor what to start with, had no skill, no job, family support will soon be over, he was alone, faced with reality.

To be honest, I acted as if I had figured myself out and the path I was going to take in other to encourage him and not portray hopelessness.

But deep down inside of me, I was faced with the same question, but my only hope was on the fact that I learned a couple of skills while in school including computer software repairs & smartphone flashing even before I gained admission, another hope was on a none-monetizable writing skill I had. (I called it none-monetizable because I haven't written paid content ever in my life as at then).

But my joy was, while I was a student, I stretched myself to engaging in practical things that armed me with lots of skills. I capitalized on every single opportunity to learn skills - something we were exposed to since our first year. But not many took that opportunity.

The gist is, when all noise is gone, when activities lower, and when you are alone, reality will set in. Your mind is filled with all manner of questions. Questions that have answers before asking. Questions about the future and of living. Questions about the reality of life. Which are the glaring questions most people neglect to ask themselves while in school, or some were so naive that the thought of life after school doesn't cross their mind?

The only difference between me and some of my mates was that I was exposed earlier to and among people who are already tackling the reality of life so much so that I started asking myself these questions and seeking answers to them right on time.

So many people are at the stage where my friend was, especially those who recently graduated, NYSC members, and even otondos seating in their parent's houses now, eating free food and whining away their time in the name of waiting for ASUU to end the strike to run back to their different lazy grounds called Universities.

Ladies and gents, It's time to make hard decisions. Decide on what to do (a skill to learn, a career path to build, focus on yourself, invest, develop values, start up a business, set goals) and commit the next 100 days to actualize them.

Let me be sincere with you, life after school is hard. Don't be deceived, and some people are still in the struggles of trying to break out from the effects of our failed universities today. Don't add to those numbers, intentionally, reduce the numbers.

Here is a little plan I've got for you; tackle first the question of value (invest in your self - learn, gain knowledge, develop skills), create an income source (develop a sellable product or service), and work out your physique and health (give attention to your looks & grooming, go to the gym to build a great body and finally stay on healthy dietary).

When you and your friend decided to die in front of your laptop screen analysing the crypto market

Things to know;

(1) When someone gives any suggestion or advice that you already know, respond by saying "thank you, your advice is helpful" rather than saying "I know, thank you" you would sound nicer and diplomatic.

(2) Listen carefully to how a person talks to you about other people, that's how they talk about you to others. Always remember, great minds discuss ideas, ordinary minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.

(3) If you want to gauge a person's character, observe how he treats people that of not much help to him. Notice how he treats the cab driver, the waiter, the gateman, etc.

(4) The man who embraces chaos is the man who will taste success.

(5) Trust the process and stay consistent, your time will eventually come.