It was small but tangible.
There is a Yoruba saying that says,"owo ti omode ba koko ri, o ma fi je Akara ni".
It means the first money a child makes will be spent on petty things and sometimes, irrelevances. "Child" in the saying doesn't necessarily mean a toddler, the word was only used to capture what an unmatured mind would do with the money when they get it either by earning it or receiving it as a gift or reward.
I wasn't the buying type when I was younger and I am still not that, I am very disciplined when it comes to spending because I usually put a lot of things into consideration. I don't know what the situation would have been if I was from a wealthy family but the fact that I was raised with struggle always made me plan for tomorrow, I usually don't let tomorrow take care of itself.
I got used to saving even as a kid and after I was cheated severally by adults who collect thrift, I decided to get a piggy bank for myself. I usually open my Piggy bank at the end of every school section and all I usually did was hand over the money to my mom when my mates use theirs for games, bicycles, and other. I was happy giving it to her because it was the best way I could help her and she usually compensate me with a gift. I got used to that way of living and I won't hesitate to support my family. I usually work during the holidays and I earned a little money before school resumes.
When I was in SS2, phone was becoming a trend. It was the Symbian and Java era back then and I really wished to have one.
A lot of my mates had gotten a phone but I couldn't because we couldn't afford one. I always wish to have one which would mean not supporting the family and it wasn't an option for me.
I continued working as a car washer during the holidays and saving for the time mom would need help. She got a better job and didn't really need that support anymore, she noticed I didn't break the piggy bank for some time so she asked me what I needed.
I told her that I needed a phone and she told me to get it. I was reluctant at first but she encouraged me and I saved more money until I could afford the phone. I bought a second-hand LG phone back in 2009 for 12,000.
I couldn't get it until I left secondary school, it took me over a year to raise the money but I am glad I did. Before I got the phone, I do spend a lot of time at the cyber cafe but everything changed after.
Aside from the fun, I was the curious type and I learn a lot through the internet, and owning an internet-enabled phone helped a lot.
I returned to my old way of supporting the family after secondary school and it was easier since I started working. We were growing and mom's responsibility was increasing as well but while supporting her at that time, I was saving up for my higher education as well which took me another five years to accomplish. It was a long time and I almost gave up on the dream of returning to school. I didn't get to enjoy those days as my mates did but I was proud of the things I did with my money.
I have come a long way in doing a lot of things for myself and it wasn't easy even though there is this pride and high level of satisfaction that comes with me doing things myself. I remembered renting an apartment for myself far away from home many years ago and I did it with ease because I was used to doing things for myself.
A lot of time has passed between now and then, and getting to do things for myself helped me to be independent not because I have enough but because I try to manage my earnings, live on a very low budget, and expect nothing from anyone.
This was just too sweet and warming.
I'm also not an impulse spender. I must have thought and re-thought before ever getting anything. I remember my siblings will tell me, ".. what are you saving all your money for? Spend it jare" I never listened. The habit has saved me.
It might be no big deal, but when you think back to what you spent your first money on, you'll be even more proud of you.
I enjoyed every bit of this.
Your family is blessed to have you.
Well-done!
There was always the pressure to spend when you see your siblings and friends doing some things and it takes lots of discipline to save.
That habit then eventually became something that is helping me as an adult, today I am proud of myself and I am sure you are too.
I actually never did feel pressured. I'll think to myself , " ..this wouldn't hold so much value to me in two weeks time". I just never cared. All our priorities are different.
You should. It's not an easy one. You can be certain I am proud of me too.
I love your mentality, understanding the fact that particular thing will become irrelevant in a few moment is not something many people put into consideration.
Yeah. Some persons enjoy spontaneity, which of course has its perks too. It's just these things that makes us different.
And, thank you!
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Hahah... This your Yoruba quote shaaa. I just understood 'owo' and 'akara' in it 😂😂😂.
This is a very interesting and insightful post and I think the path you've been walking through life is very similar to mine. Life has never been easy for me despite the fact that both my parents are still alive.
Being the first child makes it even tougher because I was forced to grow up very early and I've been carrying lots of responsibilities on my shoulder.
Life has been tough but there are very inspiring lessons that I've been able to learn along the way. I don't spend recklessly but whenever I spend money on anything, it is usually worth the amount spent.
You are doing well ✌️
Honestly, first born deserve a special support from God. It is really not an easy thing to be the leader because everyone is looking up to you.
Not everyone has been able to pick up themselves while struggling with being the first child and those who did always have vital lessons through the journey.
I don't know why Yoruba believe that the first time a child makes money he or she will waste it but my own case wasn't like that at all because I couldn't waste the money even though I saw some things that can make me waste it
I have been trying to help my mother with something and immediately I started earning I gave her what you could do as at that time
It is only if you don't have pity for your family you can squander money anyhow when you know how hard it is for your family to survive
The fact that many of us had a tough upbringing as made the saying irrelevant but it is true in the cases of people who had enough.
The experiences we had has helped us a lot and we can still see the impact on us even till today.
I can relate...I started being responsible for my self after secondary school, and that has shaped me and make me ready for life, the joy and satisfaction that comes with having your own money and doing things for yourself is unmatched.
A lot of us were not born with a silver spoon and life taught how to earn money at a very early stage. Being about to provide for oneself is incredible and the happiness that comes with it is very pure.
Thanks for the beautiful comment
you have traveled such a long way, and you have a very good principle to always think in advance what items you want to buy, without buying anything extravagantly, and it's true that when we can buy what we want it feels like we can get such high satisfaction
Hahaha. George, have you forgotten what the Bible said? Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself 😂😂😂
I understand you and how you have come this way with your story. From your past stories, you have been a strong guy who would do his best to get something done. You have been helping your mom right from time and I pray God help you more. It's not easy but one has to do those things.
Getting your phone at that time was self fulfilling and making you pride in yourself because you worked for it.
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