By Ejiofor Toochi
20s are a critical time for young women to lay the foundation for a fulfilling career. This period is often characterized by new jobs, responsibilities, and ambitions. For many Nigerian women, the pressure to prove oneself is increased by societal expectations and the challenges of navigating career options. Mistakes are part of a growing career, but learning to avoid a few can save you from unnecessary setbacks.
Here are seven common career mistakes Nigerian women make in their 20s and how to avoid them:
- Underselling Yourself
Many women struggle with confidence. They feel underqualified, hesitant to negotiate better pay, or reluctant to apply for certain roles. Chikadibia, a fashion designer, struggled with this early in her career. “I accepted less pay out of fear. When I started, I wasn’t so good, but then I got better. Whenever I give people my price for making a dress, even though I know that I’d deliver, their initial response to my price shows that they are no longer interested. Because I don’t want to lose a potential customer, I reduce my price so low that I end up not seeing gain at times.”
Apply for roles even if you don’t meet all the requirements or have all the experience, but sell yourself well. Men do it all the time! Patricia, a 40-year-old business relationship manager with 15 year’s experience advises, “Never belittle yourself because you want to get hired. Self-esteem is much more powerful.”
- Overlooking Networking Opportunities
Networking in today’s world may seem overused, however, its importance cannot be overemphasized. It’s essential, especially in Nigeria, where personal connections often open doors. Avoiding networking events or failing to cultivate relationships could limit your career growth. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry events, or reach out to mentors in your field. Remember, your network determines your net worth!
- Neglecting Financial Planning
Earning money is just the first step, you also need to manage it wisely. Overspending, failing to save, or not investing in opportunities early can lead to financial instability, especially when unexpected expenses arise. As a young woman in your 20s, it’s advisable to build financial discipline, as it sets the stage for future independence.
- Saying Yes to Everything
Another important career mistake to avoid as a young woman in her 20s is saying yes to everything. This often occurs when women try to prove themselves in their workplace, desire more pay, or fear being disliked. However, not only does it lead to you being taken advantage of, it can lead to burnout as well. Set boundaries and don’t be afraid to turn down tasks you can’t handle or ones that don’t align with your goals.
- Letting Societal Pressure Influence Your Career Decisions
In Nigeria, societal expectations often dictate the ‘right age’ to settle down as a woman. Due to this, many young women feel pressured to make career compromises based on these timelines, sacrificing their aspirations for traditional roles. As a young woman, in her 20s, don’t let society influence you. Choose your path and grow your career to the peak.
- Failing to Invest in Skill Development
In today’s job market, relying solely on your degree won’t cut it. Many women get too comfortable in entry-level roles without upgrading their skills, which could limit their opportunities for promotions or new roles. Take advantage of free or affordable online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy. Investing in skill development makes you a valuable asset in any workplace.
- Getting Too Comfortable
Landing a stable job is great, but staying in your comfort zone for too long can hinder growth, especially for women with aspirations. Chidozie, who has worked in the hospitality and catering industry for years, shared that fear kept her in a job longer than she wanted. “I’ve stayed in a job for too long out of fear. But breaking free has been amazing.”
As a young woman, continuously seek new challenges, learn new skills, and network to explore better opportunities. “I have accepted less pay,” Patricia admitted. “But I always knew when it was time to take a walk.”
By avoiding these common mistakes; underselling yourself, ignoring networking, and more, young women can set themselves up for long-term careers. As Chikadibia advises, “Know what you want and go for it. Also, never stop learning and unlearning. The business world is an ever-evolving one.”
