Goodness* is a 33-year old woman living in Lagos, Nigeria. She stumbled on her career as a social media manager when everything else seemed to be failing, and has gotten quite good at it. In this episode of 9-5 math, she shares her life as a single mum and firstborn daughter raising a child on one steady income, in the thick of the worst inflation yet.
Tell me a bit more about your job
I manage social media for a digital marketing agency and it is a hybrid role. We have 3 clients on retainer and I manage their Instagram and Twitter accounts, sometimes Linkedin. I like the job because it is a little flexible and my boss lets my son stay at the office after school so that we can go home together when I finish. I am glad I picked up social media management during the 2020 lockdown. It was either that or continue following every gossip blog on Instagram, LOL.
So, this career path has worked well so far?
I mean, it wasn’t my dream job but it pays our bills to an extent. My son’s father sends money during his birthdays and Christmas, but asides that, I rely on my job or favours from family. The job helps a lot.
I see. Please tell me about your family
I am the first child out of five children, so naturally, my mother was very upset when I told her I was not marrying my son’s father. I remember telling her that I didn’t think we liked each other well enough and she eyed me from head to toe, but I don’t blame her. I lost my dad early, and my siblings are in Canada and the UK, doing well for themselves. I hate that they worry about me, when it should be the other way round. It doesn’t mean that I am not grateful for their random credit alerts. Ashamed yes, but grateful nonetheless.
Nice. How long does your salary last in a typical month?
I cannot afford to go completely broke because of my child, so I usually ride it out till the end of the month. Even on a “bad” month – which is every month in 2024 anyway – I always have at least 20k from my salary by month end.
That is impressive. Asides your son, do you have any mandatory financial obligations?
Of course. I send 30k to my mum every month. I may be the lowest earner in my family, but I am still the Ada. She does not demand it but I don’t even remember a time when I did not send her money, so she has come to expect it.
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt worried about your job?
Oh yes. One time, they slashed salaries at the office and said we could only get paid 50% for three months because clients were refusing to pay up. I was terrified because my biggest fear is borrowing money from anyone and not being able to pay back, so I did not attempt it. For those three months, I had like one meal a day and started using my son’s bathing soap and creams so I didn’t have to spend on toiletries. My baby ate properly of course, but it was one of the scariest moments of my life. I would rather steal something than be embarrassed for owing money, so I tried to cut my coat according to my cloth.
Interesting. Won’t the embarrassment be worse if you get caught stealing?
LOL. I have been a single mum for eight years and have had to fight every day. The picture you are painting will never happen.
How do you break down your salary for monthly expenses?
N20,000 – Rent savings
N50,000 – Ajo
N50,000 – My son
N7,000 – Electricity
N100,000 – Food
N20,000 – Toiletries
N23,000 – Transportation
N10,000 – Data
N13,000 – Entertainment/Gifts
N20,000 – Miscellaneous
This looks neat. What is your greatest money hack in these times?
I always try to buy food items in bulk, and from the market in my area. You won’t catch me buying anything I can cook from a supermarket, not even frozen chicken.
Wise. If you could have any job with any salary you wanted, which would you choose?
I would be an artist and sell one small frame for one thousand dollars. I liked drawing and painting as a child. I think I would be unstoppable.
*Name has been changed to maintain anonymity.
9-5 Math: A single mum who would rather steal than borrow
9-5 Math: A single mum who would rather steal than borrow
