There is no love lost between Monday and the majority of the working class in today’s world. Its approach generally signals a return to the grind of making a living, and too often it feels like it was only minutes ago that exultant cries of “cheers to the weekend” filled the air as “thank God it’s Friday” adorned Facebook updates, tweets, BBM personal messages and DPs.
While some love their jobs and others despise theirs, the working Nigerian who has a love-hate relationship with their job is not alone. In the midst of impractical targets, mundane tasks and less-than-comfortable working conditions, many find that there is still something they love about their job; one thing that makes the choice between getting out of bed and hitting the snooze button easier to make and causes an involuntary smile of satisfaction to curl their lips – even if only momentarily.
Being of help to others and making a difference is one of the top reasons Nigerians love their jobs. And it is no wonder; this country isn’t the easiest place to survive in.
“I think it’s the joy of solving people’s problems,” says Timothy, a customer service manager at a bank. “When a father walks into your office with no money to pay the kids’ fees and asks you for a solution you do your best to find one. Yes I know we charge for the service but that service helped the father so much, enough to say thank you or God bless you. Then all the work is worthwhile. So, the joy of being able to satisfy the customer or leave them better than when they came; that’s what I love most.”
Yinka, a self-described midwife and well woman specialist, feels the same way. “I love the relief from counsel and care that my job allows me to provide for others,” she says with a smile.
Joy’s reasons are not much different. As a Senior Program Officer at the Society for Family Health, she loves the fact that her job allows her to help women and children stay alive through maternal and child health interventions. “Helping to empower grass root communities to lead healthier lives gives me satisfaction,” she says.
Ngozi, an event planner and decorator, is no stranger to the happiness that comes from contributing to someone else’s happiness. “The joy of seeing a happy bride always lights up my day; knowing I was a full part of someone’s special day.” For her, like many others, this joy goes hand in hand with the dignity of labour and the fulfilment that comes from expressing creativity. “It’s also the joy of transforming an empty space into something very colourful and creative. The ability to constantly meet expectations, widen your intellect by consciously upgrading your style and brand. I also love the fact that I can combine my job with fun.”
Many times, being needed at work is fulfilling on its own. Farida is a Business Monitoring and Performance Analyst, aka Madam Budget. What does she love most about her job? “The fact that everyone needs my help,” she says, grinning widely.
For others however, work is simply something they need to do to survive, and what they love most about their jobs is how much they can stay
away from it, and how little it restricts them.
Patrick is Chief Finance Officer for an oil servicing firm and his job entails overseeing the account staff. “It gives me time to devote my life to God, family and making money. I have time to engage in writing. I have time to just sit and play computer games with my sons. And when I travel it gives me time to see the world.”
Time is also what Ratsonel loves about her job as a school administrator. She especially loves the huge chunk of it she gets when school is out of session, as her one word answer to the question, “what do you love most about your job?” suggests. “Holidays,” she says succinctly.
“I love the flexibility,” says Mabel, a Personal Assistant to the CEO of an event management company who also fills the role of Project Manager. “Dress code is not strictly official – a pair of jeans and a jacket can do. I also love that I get to meet celebrities and different people from various social classes.”
This flexibility is also what Nse loves most about her job-handling Facility Management and Travels for her company. “I can decide to work from home or come in a bit late or leave early if I need to, with my supervisor’s support of course.”
For others, being able to do what they love doing is what makes a job great. Toni Anne, an Internal Communications Specialist wastes no time in answering. “That one is simple. It’s the fact that I enjoy what I do; write! I get to comb the papers, do research, etc.” Avoiding what she does
not like to do is also important. “Since it’s not math or figures related I’m good.”
Efe, a Human Resources Analyst, is also the team lead for performance management, policy development and procedures. “I discovered I loved coaching and counselling people, especially on career development and developing yourself in the workplace. So I love the fulfilment I get because I’m doing what I always wanted to do so to me it’s not just a job, it’s more than a job.”
Yet there are those for whom financial reward is the real motivation. For Ivy, an administrative executive, and (surprisingly) many other Nigerians like her, however, it is just the money. “I don’t really love anything about my job, except the fat salary. I have a lot of responsibilities, younger ones to support in school and aging parents to care for. My job gives me no joy, but it pays my bills very well, so it will have to do for now. When my siblings can stand on their own feet and join me in taking care of our parents, then I can pursue my dreams.”
Kemi, Head of Fund Transfer at a bank, agrees. “It’s the salary. I love hearing my customers express their heartfelt gratitude, but it’s the money more than anything else.”
Be it time, money, flexibility or fun, every Nigerian will undoubtedly agree that in the midst of all our challenges as a nation, finding something to love about work is a blessing.
What do you love about your job? We would love to hear from you, do leave a comment.
