Life is full of ups and down. Sometimes we go through some experiences which are meant to groom us for the future, though the process might not be palatable. But in it all, it's a way to challenge us to desire something better out of life. Coming down to the topic. A bad job. This reminds me of the bad job experience I had.
A few years ago, After completing my undergraduate program at one of the prestigious universities in Nigeria. I was waiting for my NYSC. NYSC is a compulsory program that was initiated for every fresh graduate in Nigeria. While waiting for my call-up letter. I decided to take up a teaching job just to keep myself busy rather than whiling away time without doing anything, which will also be of help to me in generating money for my upkeep. I informed my parent about it and they supported my idea.
So I decided to look for a close-by school around my neighborhood. Luckily for me, I got one that was less than a 10-minute walk to my house. I was so excited not knowing I was signing up for a mess.
The next day, I woke up as early as possible, I dressed corporate and went in excited that I have gotten a job. Hmmmm🤔, can I call that a job or something else.
I went to the principal office she was so accommodating, she asked me about my course of study and I told her with excitement. She said "Ohh, you are the best for this job, you are so young and vibrant". No knowing she's planning to drain the life out of me. Then, she said further, "since you studied a Science course. I think you will be able to teach science subjects like biology, agricultural science, etc". I smiled and said Yes ma, how I wish I understand better. Kai. Then she said, "you will be taking basic science for Jss1, Jss2, and JSs3". Down within my mind I said that's okay. Until she added by also saying "Biology and computer for SS1, SS2, and SS3". I screamed and said Ma, How do you expect me to teach 3 subjects with 6 classes? She said, "Don't worry we will soon employ more teachers that will assist you". Not knowing she was playing tricks on me.
The innocent me accepted the offer, to crown it up, the salary was so disgusting, I was paid less than 20 dollars per month. Chai, I worked tirelessly, and it got to a stage that I was losing weight. I resume at 7:00 am and leave school at 5:00 pm daily. It was a tough time for me.
Most times when I get home I'm always tired and always in pain which later resulted in me taking painkiller drugs frequently. Once I get to school I work round the clock because I had to teach all the classes.
The most disheartening of it all is that if I try to sit down and rest for a while, it's just like she's monitoring me. In fact, she's a monitoring spirit😂😂😂. Once I sit down, She appears and the next question she will ask is "how many classes have you taught today" I too will start listing them including the hours I used in each of the classes. After that, instead of her saying well done. She will say "the day is still young enter five more classes". That's so bad, she doesn't care about her staff. The only thing she want is work, work and work while she pays you peanut.
Do I remember to inform you that I don't sleep at night? Yes, I don't, How can I sleep, when I haven't prepared lesson notes? I had to stay awake all night to write lesson notes.
When I discover the job was draining the life out of me, I heard to quit. That was the best option for me at that time because it was affecting me physically, emotionally, and mentally. Despite all, The job has taught me how to be more diligent and hardworking which is still of help to me till now. And the most exciting part of it all is that I got introduced to Hive through a staff of the school. That's one of the most exciting moments for me.