From ₦160,000 to $7,800: How I Transformed My Career and Income
In just a few short years, I transitioned from earning ₦160,000 a month as an executive assistant to securing a lucrative position as a Product Marketing Manager, earning $7,800 monthly while living in my cozy apartment in Lagos. This journey was fueled by determination, resilience, and an unwavering desire for growth.
The Beginning of My Journey
The First Step: Executive Assistant
My professional journey began in 2018, right after finishing university. As the first-born of four siblings, I carried the weight of expectations on my shoulders. Struggling to find my passion, I dabbled in front-end development but soon discovered it wasn’t for me. I craved a role that would ignite my creativity.
On a fateful day, I took a bold step. While working at a coffee shop in Victoria Island, I introduced myself to a woman who was the CEO of a Lagos-based company. To my surprise, she offered me a job as her executive assistant for ₦100,000 a month.
Juggling Multiple Endeavors
In addition to this role, I began tutoring on the side and quickly increased my income. A family I tutored for appreciated my efforts enough to hire me directly, bumping my earnings to ₦160,000 a month. Life felt promising until the company I worked for crumbled due to fraud allegations. It was a harsh wake-up call, but I was determined to forge ahead.
Building Skills and Exploring New Opportunities
The Content Assistant Breakthrough
I wasn’t going to let a setback stop me. After months of searching, I landed my first international role as a Content Assistant for a U.S.-based hair extension brand in 2019. This experience was my first taste of the remote work lifestyle, allowing me to interact with a global audience. Despite earning just ₦150,000 a month, I persevered, continuously juggling my tutoring job alongside.
Gaining Expertise in Content
By late 2019, I secured another opportunity as a Content Specialist in a B2B SaaS company. Despite a limited background in writing, I learned quickly, diving deep into SEO and content marketing. For the first time, I truly felt the power of storytelling and brand communication.
After securing another role as a Content Coordinator at a fashion startup, I managed a variety of content strategies and learned how to lead teams.
The Game-Changer: A Pivot to Product Marketing
Seizing New Opportunities
In early 2023, a friend connected me with a content specialist role under a well-known crypto company. I didn’t take it too seriously, but after a few rounds of interviews, they offered me the position with a salary of $1,000 a month—more than double my previous earnings. This role allowed me to engage deeply in product marketing, combining my passion for content with my newfound skills.
After requesting a title change to Product Marketing Manager, I embraced the role, crafting go-to-market strategies and product narratives that mattered.
The Leap to Financial Freedom
A Transformational Journey
By 2022, I yearned for more. After months of strategic job hunting and coping with numerous rejections, I secured a Product Marketing Specialist role at a start-up, earning $2,000 a month. Within two months, my salary increased to $3,000. However, I realized I needed more stability and fulfillment.
Eventually, through AngelList, I landed another position, this time with an incredible offering of $6,500 per month. It felt surreal. I had finally reached what I believed was my peak—until funding issues pushed the company to its limits.
The Final Breakthrough
Just before leaving that role, I received a LinkedIn message that would change everything. A job opening with a global tech company looking for someone with my experience was available. After negotiating, I accepted an offer of $7,800 per month.
Launching Products for a Global Audience
As a Product Marketing Manager, I’m now responsible for launching products that serve millions. The financial success I enjoy allows me to send ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 each month to my family, lifting the weight of financial stress from our lives.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons
Exploring the World of Venture Capital
I’m now contemplating a future in venture capital. I aspire to leverage my product marketing skills not just for one product but multiple innovative startups. To prepare for this next chapter, I plan to pursue an MBA, enhancing my business acumen and opening doors to exciting opportunities in the VC space.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
To anyone starting out or feeling stuck: never stop learning and showing up. While quick wins may seem enticing, deep growth occurs when you commit to mastering your craft. Whether it’s product marketing, writing, or any other pursuit, strive for excellence. Because, in the end, being genuinely great at what you do is the key to standing out in a crowded field.
Conclusion: Your Path Awaits
My journey from earning ₦160,000 to $7,800 is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability. If you’re willing to work hard, embrace opportunity, and commit to continuous learning, incredible transformations await you too. The world is yours—go chase your dreams!
Related Reading: Curious about other inspiring success stories? Check out this Consultant’s Journey from ₦183,000 to ₦2.6 Million a Month in 5 years.
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