There is a silent clock ticking in many young Nigerians’ minds.
By 25, you should be earning well. By 28, you should have assets. By 30, you should be “settled.”
Social media accelerates the timeline. Success stories travel fast. Luxury appears normal. Comparison becomes constant.
The pressure to achieve early is intense.
Some of it fuels ambition. But some of it distorts perspective.
Not every career grows at the same speed. Not every industry rewards early. Not every success is visible.
Yet the expectation persists.
This pressure is influencing decisions. Risk tolerance is increasing. Quick-money schemes appear attractive. Long-term career building feels slow.
Patience is losing cultural value.
But sustainable growth rarely follows viral timelines.
There is nothing wrong with early success. But there is danger in believing that delayed success equals failure.
Nigeria’s youth population is energetic and bold. That is an asset. The challenge is balancing urgency with strategy.
Ambition should not erase mental health. Speed should not replace stability.
The conversation needs nuance. Making it at 22 is impressive. Making it at 35 is equally valid.
Timelines are personal. Comparison is corrosive.
The race feels urgent. But life is longer than social media suggests.
There is a silent clock ticking in many young Nigerians’ minds.
By 25, you should be earning well. By 28, you should have assets. By 30, you should be “settled.”
Social media accelerates the timeline. Success stories travel fast. Luxury appears normal. Comparison becomes constant.
The pressure to achieve early is intense.
Some of it fuels ambition. But some of it distorts perspective.
Not every career grows at the same speed. Not every industry rewards early. Not every success is visible.
Yet the expectation persists.
This pressure is influencing decisions. Risk tolerance is increasing. Quick-money schemes appear attractive. Long-term career building feels slow.
Patience is losing cultural value.
But sustainable growth rarely follows viral timelines.
There is nothing wrong with early success. But there is danger in believing that delayed success equals failure.
Nigeria’s youth population is energetic and bold. That is an asset. The challenge is balancing urgency with strategy.
Ambition should not erase mental health. Speed should not replace stability.
The conversation needs nuance. Making it at 22 is impressive. Making it at 35 is equally valid.
Timelines are personal. Comparison is corrosive.
The race feels urgent. But life is longer than social media suggests.
