
Gosh how did I get here? I blinked and became one of those African aunties, offering unsolicited advice. But issokay, for today, I will own it with my full chest. Here’s the thing; when I was younger, I slept a lot, like A WHOLE LOT. I actually had two “sleeps” every day. I’d sleep at night, then wake up in the morning, and do the after-sleep sleep. Then I’d come back from work or school and just lay on my bed for hours, because why not? And just like that, pooof! Valuable time gone.
Now in my thirties with two young kids, a career, and a tad bit too much ambition, I’m wishing I could get back time from when I had it in surplus. So dear young people…
1. You have time, and I’d like to see you max the heck out of it. “But Abisola, you don’t understand how crazy busy I am,” you say. Oh honey boobo, I know you are, but trust me, it only goes downhill from here. So you might as well sign up for that Master’s degree you’ve been putting off, like tah-day.
Shortly after we got married, Oko mi and I volunteered with a refugee family from Burma (Southeast Asia). A couple times a week, we’d go to their apartment after work, help the kids with their homework, practice English with them, and play some games. It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Would I love to keep doing it? Absolutely! How practical is it at this stage of my life? Basically, ummm odikwa very divicult sontin.
So while you have time ish, be intentional about everything – your health, self care, serving at church or volunteering wherever, advancing in your career, building friendships, hobbies, side gigs, traveling… so much to do than to just Netflix away your life.

2. Relationships matter, so build a “wealthy” network. The other day, Oko mi got a call from a connection he had made a couple years ago at a random conference. They wanted to know if we were interested in investing in a natural yogurt company that was about to go into Wholefoods. Fam, not every time, go to an event to find boyfren/gefren. We should often try to have authentic conversations to learn about people, what they do, and what gets them excited.
Also, be intentional about your relationships. I have a friend who (before COVID), would schedule monthly dates with me. Nine out of ten times, she’d come to my house and join me in dinner prep and we’d just talk and laugh the whole time. Friends, now is the time to hang out/in with your friends and form depth in your relationships. Once you birth Johnny and his little siblings, how do I say this without being ummm… I’ll just say it – it’s a wrap.
As you build these relationships, remember that whatever you do, don’t ever burn bridges; life gets interesting with its twists and turns and you just never know when you will need that burnt bridge to cross over a ditch. Be extra extra extra kind, even when others are not kind to you. Don’t buy into that toxic “cancel culture” behavior; give everyone the benefit of doubt and forgive easily.

3. Invest as much as you can as early as you can. Twenty seven. That’s how old I was when I bought my first investment property. Oko mi and I were beyond blessed to have stable jobs, but also, we were living the most basic of the basic-est lifestyle. Now just imagine what that first investment property will be worth 12 years from now when our son is getting ready to go to college? We could sell the property and pay cash down for his 4-year degree, and just like that, set him up for success!
Dear young friends, be wise about your dollarses. It’s real simple; be disciplined and live within your means. Then carry that extra ego and throw it into an investment as soon as possible. It is lack of discipline when you go on a vacation with your last penny, or even worse, on a credit card. I promise, the time will come when you can travel anywhere you want without your wallet crying for help. If you want to read more on how to invest, start here.
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Regardless of your age, what is one piece of advice, based on your experience, that you’d add to this list?
Great advise sprinkled with bits of comedy. I love eet! And I’m going to be sharing with my contacts in Nigeria. One bit of advise I’ll add is be careful what you see and hear. If you surround yourself with much negativity from friends, social media or news, slowly but surely that’ll be your story but if you carefully pick motivational content and network with good people, you’ll become a bit wiser in your doings with time.
Thanks for sharing Mrs Abisola! This is impeccable…
Yes! That’s great advice. We are essentially what we take in. Thanks for sharing!
Abisola, how have I been missing your posts? I love the way you write; facts mixed with comedy. And the way you refer to your husband as oko mi 😍😍😍.
Thank you so much 🥰
That time one is a biggie! Gosh I had so much time and I thought I was busy! Lol. Wish I started side gigging much earlier.
If also say if you think you’d want to do any advanced degrees, the sooner the better. It’s just easier when you’re younger.
That’s some real good advice. The earlier the better for school while the brain is still sharp lol.
You had to say, “…Netflix away your life,” right? Tryna hurt a girl’s feelings. 🙂
Really great advice.
I’d add this: you can still start. Yes, this is addressed to young people and you may have read this wishing you had seen it earlier, but it’s okay, you can start now and do what you can.
Lol a little Netflix (YouTube for me) won’t hurt.
That’s some sound advice! Our people say when you wake up, that is your morning.
Nice ✍️
This is an awesome post! I’ve been learning recently to build relationships and I’m always open to meeting people
I’m also trying to be more intentional about investing so I will look into it.
Thank you!