Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reflections and, frankly, some worrying. I hear the conversations, and I see the struggles, especially for young people around the world. Here in Lagos, and across Nigeria, I see so many vibrant, brilliant young minds hustling so hard just to survive. They’re doing incredible things with so little, showing immense resilience, but the results often feel… small. Insignificant, even, when you’re just trying to keep your head above water.
And the question that keeps coming up, and honestly, it’s a valid one, is this:
How are we supposed to chase dreams with no jobs, no money, and AI seemingly taking over everything?
We’re told to “work hard and follow your dreams,” right?
It’s the mantra. But when inflation is eroding every naira, when AI and automation are replacing jobs faster than we can adapt, when companies are laying people off, and when basic stability feels like a luxury… how do you even begin to think about chasing a dream? Most days, it feels like just affording to live is the dream.
I get it. I truly do. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re doing everything right, putting in the hours, pushing yourself, and still feeling stuck.
But here’s what I believe, and it’s a belief born from seeing the raw talent and ingenuity that exists, particularly here in Nigeria, against all odds. This isn’t about ignoring the very real challenges; it’s about seeing the emerging path forward.
The future of work, for all its uncertainty, is actually leveling the playing field in some profound ways. It’s becoming less about your degree, less about who you know, and increasingly, about what you can actually offer.
Think about it:
- AI isn’t just taking jobs; it’s creating new ones. Roles we haven’t even fully defined yet. But these roles aren’t just about technical skills; they’re about problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability – uniquely human skills that AI can augment but not replicate.
- The “gig economy” and remote work are democratizing access to opportunities. You don’t have to be in a big city or work for a big corporation to contribute value and earn a living. The internet has opened up the world.
- Your experience isn’t limited to a formal job. Every project you work on, every challenge you overcome, every skill you learn and apply—that is experience.
Your Superpower: Problem-Solving & Proof
So, what’s the path forward? It’s about shifting our mindset from waiting for a traditional job to actively building a portfolio of real-world problem-solving. Instead of just saying what you can do, start showing what you’ve done.
This is exactly why we built Rapidsolve at Talenvo. We saw this future coming. We saw the incredible, untapped potential in young people who just needed a way to prove their skills, regardless of whether they had a formal internship or a “traditional” job.
With Rapidsolve, you can tackle real tasks, get instant, personalized feedback from our AI reviewer, Quinn, and build a portfolio that truly reflects your capabilities. Whether you’re a budding software engineer, a UX writer, a virtual assistant, or a product manager, you now have a platform to showcase your talent.
This isn’t about downplaying the harsh realities we face. It’s about empowering you with tools to navigate them. It’s about focusing on what you can control: your skills, your ability to solve real problems, and your drive to create your own opportunities.
Companies, increasingly, are looking for those who can show up and deliver. They want problem-solvers, not just people with degrees or internships. And for all the challenges, this is a massive opportunity for every talented individual, especially those of you who’ve been forced to be resourceful and resilient your entire lives.
Keep honing those skills. Keep building. Keep proving what you can do. Your future isn’t defined by the current economy; it’s defined by your ability to adapt, create, and solve. We’re here to help you showcase that.
What are your thoughts on this? How are you all adapting and building in this new era?
No Comment! Be the first one.