Why You Don’t Have to Leave that Low-Pay Job of Yours Quickly

Jobs in Nigeria has proven to be one of the scarcest commodity for newly turned graduates and even the existing ones which brought about people occupying different positions lower than their expected paycheck based on their educational qualification.

It is also no longer news that the majority of youths currently in the labour force are underpaid either in public or private sectors. The reason for this situation is linkable to governments’ role, organisation’s prized goal, and the population of the yearly turnout graduate vs the available jobs. This is apparently not the focus of this piece but its inclusion is worthwhile to set the ground running for the much-needed information. The advice not to leave a low-pay job quickly may seem awkward to you but with the reasons below, I am confident you will have a re-think of it. Kindly see the reasons below: 

Freedom 

This is one factor that determines how long people stay in a job – low-pay ones in particular. The extent to which employees enjoy the freedom of speech and movement goes a long way to inform their longevity on the job. For instance, the freedom of employees is usually restricted or monitored in a private firm unlike the public sector in Nigeria – where little or no restriction exists. 

In essence, the low-pay job you hold on to today with much freedom – to study – to do other business – to move/travel as at when necessary is worth the stay when no better opportunity is at sight. 

Employers Personality 

The way and manner employers treat employees goes a long way to determine their stay in the job. Although, it is crystal clear that permanent staff enjoys preferential treatment than the contract staff who are often subjected to rigorous working conditions and its accomplice. 

In essence, where you are privileged to enjoy a very good treatment from the employers regardless of your status as temporary staff, it is worthwhile to hang in there a little more as better opportunities tarry. 

Relationship/Connection 

Connection has proven to be the basis for moving from one’s low estate to a higher one all over the world. This is where who you know matters. In your low-estate, sound connection/relationship with superior colleagues at workplace regardless of their department is worth considering for its benefit is not just for the moment but futuristic in totality. Building networks is a very good reason why you don’t have to leave that low-pay job so quickly. 

Stress/Job Demands 

It is usually a thing of joy to work in a demanding organisation for personal development as an industrious fellow in one’s field. On another note, it is quite worrisome when an employee is left to work under a terrible condition cushioned with a job description usually meant for two (2) to three (3) fellow. This is simply the reality of the contract staff working in Nigeria financial sector.

For instance, I was privileged to witness one cashier under duress this year. As I came in and greeted him, his response was different from the usual. I exercised a little bit of patience when he noticed a sum of N50,000 was missing in his account. Although the sum is worth panicking for by any banker (either temporary or permanent) with what I saw in the eyes of the cashier and his body language, I could say there’s more to it. After leaving the bank, I made a brief enquiry about the cashier in the bulk room from my friend after narrating the experience. I was told he is a contract staff whose salary is just a little higher than the missing figure. Nonetheless, where you work as a low-pay employee with little/manageable job demands, it is worth the chill before finding yourself in the scenario presented above. 

Support 

The workplace is simply another world on its own – where employees spend most of their days/time of the year. In this kind of a place, how much support do you enjoy? Do you receive support emotionally in your darkest hour? Do they support you socially regardless of your low-estate? Do they gift/borrow you money when you in dire need? Check all the raised questions and provide relevant answers to them and see if it's necessary to stay in that work or not. 

Opportunity 

I will like you to consider this saying “Opportunity Comes but Once”. Can you tell me categorically where/when opportunity will come? This saying in itself confirms the idea that a low pay job remains a better stake rather than idleness for opportunity sake. Many of us usually get displeased at our low-pay jobs especially when we find someone with a lower qualification earning more than us. I was once a victim of this message, when I was so frustrated to leave that low-pay job, a confidant warned me sternly of the dangers ahead saying "don’t leave a certainty for an uncertainty". 

I took that advice without knowing the latent benefit of working in that organisation. After a while, I began to see and enjoy some opportunities. This, therefore, gives me the confidence to say opportunities lie where you work regardless of your temporary state. Don’t be surprised when you get a better job offer or business opportunity from someone (not necessarily your superior) in that centre. 

As opportunities tarry, it is advisable to stick and appreciate what you have strategically. But, if you have a rough business idea (or a long-term ambition), having evaluated, assessed and developed it with the necessarily needed resources, the low-pay job is worth quitting in a highly demanding situation. 

P.S Act and Think in a Strategic Manner