My days lately have been filled with early mornings, early sleep, sometimes-tiring daily commutes and a lot of rest deprivation. If I could go back in time, I would scrap this NYSC of a thing and maybe turn it into a vocational or high-tech skill training that doesn’t box you into a job role you are not willing to do every day of the week.
If you read this post (a get-to-know-me piece), you would know how much I couldn’t wait to finally go for my National Youth Corps Service (a 12-month mandatory program that requires graduates in Nigeria to undergo a basic work lifestyle). Basically, you get to work a regular job based on the Federal Government’s choice (most times). So as interesting as it might sound for some people, it can still be a little tricky.
If you are lucky enough like me to be placed in a nice company, you would most likely enjoy it for the priceless experiences and training you might pick up. While some prefer to be placed in less popular companies or firms due to limited work and flexibility, I think I might just be rethinking this luck of mine.
Have I learned a lot? Definitely but there’s still much to learn.
Am I enjoying the process? I was.
Do I love it here? On a scale of 1-10, I’m on a 6.
Okay so what went wrong? As much as I feel privileged to be here—talk about the people, experience, and opportunity to learn beyond what I know—I’m struggling.
First off, I’ve been used to remote work for over 2 years now and suddenly jumping into the 8-5 work life cycle is sending me to the bricks. I don’t get enough sleep; I’m simultaneously juggling the multiple demands of my life, and my body is seriously calling for rest. It’s been almost a month, and I can’t believe I want it to stop already.
Everyone around me has told me, “Oh you will get used to it”, “your body will adjust”, and “It is part of serving your fatherland”, but honestly, I might as well just disappear into space and come back when it’s all over. I know I never really liked this traditional work lifestyle, but I was so eager to experience it because of my introverted nature but oh well…
As much as I have ranted and said my peace, nothing isn’t going to change. I’m bound here, at least until I’m done and errm, I can only hold my Saturdays and Sundays very dearly. Also, I’ll try not to think about how miserable I feel right now but instead, I’ll think of the people that love me in this chaos I call my life.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope it gets easier soon. Is it possible to work some days from home?
Mehnn. I can imagine how it feels.
And there's me who hasn't served yet because I don't think I'm ready for all of these yet. But sooner or later..