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Job hunting is stressful as hell, but we have no choice because capitalism stays winning. Since online jobs are in vogue, and you probably want to get one soon, just brace yourself because these things will surely happen to you.
When you realise you actually need money to survive
“Who created this system?” “What is life?” “Why are we here?”
And you know it means you have to find a job
“The pressure is getting wesser”
This is you on LinkedIn every single day
Baba drop something for the boys now. Anything at all.
You start looking for job openings like your life depends on it…
For some students, it’s an endless wait for the strike to end, while for others, it’s time to keep busy one way or the other, at least till school resumes.
I spoke to five students who have been using the time to make money online, and they told me how they came across these money-making sites and why they don’t care how long the strike lasts.
“To be honest, I’ve moved on with my life”
— Arin*, 19
For the first two months of the strike, I just sat at home washing plates and doing nothing else. I tried to convince my dad to let me get a job, but he kept going, “What if they call off the strike soon?”
Luckily, a friend introduced me to Fiverr, and since I’m good at making designs, I thought to try offering graphic design services. She kept telling me that it might be a long time before I make any money on Fiverr, so I spent time learning about the website in order to understand it better.
I’ve done two gigs since I joined in April 2022, and while it may not be too impressive, it’s a big deal for someone just starting out. The strike can go on for as long as they like; I want to get better at this and earn dollars abeg.
This strike has me stuck in final year, and as someone who already feels too old to be in school, it’s been more than annoying.
Immediately after they extended the one-month warning strike, I decided to take my freelance writing more seriously. I collated all my write-ups using Journo Portfolio, an online writing portfolio website, and started reaching out to connections on LinkedIn.
I eventually connected with someone who needed blog articles for their baby food site, and that’s what I’ve been doing. I earn ₦80k (more if I get other freelance roles that month), and I’m actively searching for more [writing] opportunities. School is the last thing on my mind.
“I’m trying to get better at affiliate marketing”
— Ola*, 21
I’ll always advocate for the “school is a scam” narrative. I’m almost grateful for the strike because I’m not even looking forward to struggling to graduate with a second class lower in Physics.
I already know my degree may be useless, so I’m always looking for other opportunities. I got into affiliate marketing with Expertnaire in July 2022, and I just made my first sale last month. I’m already on the path to making good money with it, and that’s my priority now.
“I want to work in a foreign firm before the end of the year”
— Tinu*, 21
I started looking for a job immediately after they announced the one-month warning strike in February 2022 because I knew there was no money coming from anywhere. This proved difficult cause I live on Lagos mainland, and everything I saw was Island-based.
I have some skills in social media management, so when my church organised a free content marketing training in March 2022, I jumped on it. I now work with the organiser of this training (she has a company) and I’m good, if I do say so myself.
I’m really inspired by this Nairalife subject who earns $93k a year doing the same thing I do, and my goal is to work [remotely] for a foreign firm and earn in dollars before the end of this year.
“I’ve made $200 in a week. Who school epp?”
— Josiah*, 20
I’m a writer, and I’ve been on Upwork for about two years but had only done two gigs before this strike started.
When the strike looked like it’d be everlasting, I got bored and decided to revamp my Upwork profile and actually pay attention to it. Just last month, in July 2022, I got a copyediting gig that paid $200. It was for an entire book, and man, when I tell you that I went above and beyond, I overdid sef.
I was so excited. I’ve not withdrawn the money yet because I’m waiting for the exchange rate to get even higher. I’m ready to die on Upwork now. ASUU and the entire federal government will be alright.
*Names have been changed, and answers slightly edited for clarity.
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As a young Nigerian well aware of the current state of the economy, you’ve probably toyed with the idea of exploring alternative options to earn more money.
The rise of internet-based business opportunities has transformed the traditional approach to work, allowing users to connect with service providers globally. However, the young Nigerian looking to make money online has to consider certain factors: What are the trusted online sites accessible from Nigeria? What are the opportunities for securing payment in foreign currencies with a Nigerian bank account?
Let’s explore some of the trusted money-making sites worth considering:
1. Upwork
Upwork is a favourite among individuals who seek out freelance opportunities. The website allows freelance writers, designers, translators, editors, and consultants (almost every category, really) to bid for jobs and land paying clients.
How to make money on Upwork
To get started as a freelancer, you would need to complete your profile and upon approval, the site goes ahead to highlight the ideal jobs for your skillset. What follows involves bidding for jobs (which have been posted by clients who require a service), interviewing, and eventual hiring.
All processes, including hiring, contract tracking, and payments are handled through the site, ensuring that freelancers are certain of due payment. Upwork currently charges between 5%- 20% service fee per successful contract.
How do you get paid?
Transactions on Upwork are typically done in US Dollars. Facilitating payment to your Nigerian bank account is relatively easy; users just need to input their bank details and required sort codes and receive the naira equivalent of the dollar payment via wire transfer.
Is Upwork legit?
Yes. The site was launched in 2015 after two major freelancing sites, oDesk and Elance, teamed up to rebrand. Upwork is currently one of the world’s largest freelancing platforms with over 18 million users.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Freelancers rarely have to bother about ensuring clients pay for service rendered as the site ensures that funds are confirmed in escrow before the job is done. It’s also fairly easy to get jobs on the platform and make money.
Con: The commission fees on every contract are a common complaint. At the end of the day, Upwork is still a business.
2. Skillshare
Skillshare offers creators the opportunity to teach an online class and get paid for it. Classes can range from subjects like film or fashion, UI/UX Design to entrepreneurship and photography. Teachers can then promote their classes and participate in related Skillshare forums.
How to make money on Skillshare
Teaching degrees are not required and when people take your class, you get paid a percentage. It also costs nothing to publish a class on Skillshare.
How do you get paid?
Payment is done via monthly royalties based on the number of minutes (usually between $0.05 to $0.10 per minute) watched in your classes plus a referral bonus for every student you refer to Skillshare. For users in Nigeria, payment is made via wire transfer, and funds are usually received after a day (or as determined by the bank).
Is Skillshare legit?
While there have been certain issues with usability for certain customers, teachers generally find the site easy to use. Skillshare is one of the largest websites in the e-learning space with over 27,000 classes.
Pros and Cons
Pros: There are no degrees required; anyone with the required knowledge can publish classes for free. It is also a good source of side income.
Con: It might be difficult to earn a lot of money as a beginner.
3. Fiverr
Fiverr is another website that connects freelancers with clients willing to pay for a service, commonly referred to as “gigs”. As the name suggests, gig pricing starts at $5.
How to make money on Fiverr
Upon profile completion, freelancers then list out the services (and pricing) offered. Services can range from writing, designing logos, creating online content, providing voice-overs, and many more. Fiverr gigs are typically quick and the freelancer (or seller) needs to include well-written descriptions that communicate the expected value.
How do you get paid?
Nigerians can withdraw their earnings from the platform using Payoneer; a payment platform that is open to use in Nigeria.
Pros: It is relatively easy to use and with the right skills, freelancers can quickly make money from the site.
Con: Due to the popularity of $5 gigs, many clients expect low rates, and competition can be stiff.
4. Jumia
Jumia is easily the most popular online marketplace in Nigeria and even if you’re not interested in selling directly on Jumia, you can still make money on the site.
How to make money on Jumia
Jumia offers affiliate partnership (also referred to as the Key Opinion Leaders program). This means that you can promote the products on Jumia and can get up to 11% commission on every successful order made using your affiliate link. This option works best if you have a social media presence or blog community; all you need to do is sign up for the affiliate program, find the products your community needs and encourage purchase.
How do you get paid?
Partners can track their earnings and commissions are usually paid at the end of the month, using a pre-selected mode of payment such as a bank transfer.
Is Jumia legit?
Yes. Jumia is a legitimate online marketplace, and this should build trust in your prospective customers.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Jumia has a trusted presence in Nigeria and with the affiliate program, partners do not need to buy any product and registration is completely free.
Cons: Payment is dependent on the frequency of successful orders and prospective partners will need to have considerable influence to make the most of the affiliate program.
5. Guru
Guru is another freelancing site that offers users the opportunity to turn their skills and expertise into lucrative businesses. Membership is free and the site caters to freelancers with a wide range of skills like finance, photography, web design, business consulting, etc.
How to make money on Guru
Similar to most freelancing sites, you can create a profile outlining your key skills and capabilities for free. After completing your profile, you can browse jobs online and can bid on jobs that you like. You can also set up notifications for new job postings.
Guru allows users to set a fixed price for jobs and ensures freelancers’ earnings are protected using Safepay protection.
How do you get paid?
Nigerian users can process payment using wire transfer to a Nigerian bank account or via Payoneer.
Is Guru legit?
Yes. While Guru might not be as well known as other similar websites, it is a trusted freelance site with millions of users.
Pros and Cons
Pros: The site offers free membership, secure payment and job listings customised to the user’s skills.
Con: There is the possibility of potential fake clients and users are advised to take caution.
Note: While these are all trusted sites for money-making online, prospective users are advised to do due diligence when interacting with clients and other users.
Nigeria is hard and everybody is looking for how to make money to ease things, including students. Here’s a list of online jobs for Nigerian students.
1. Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing is one of the jobs with a low barrier to entry. All you have to do is take a course online. It’s flexible too, so you can choose a field that works best for you or combine your skills in one role. Digital marketers earn six-figure salaries monthly depending on their expertise and the people they work for
2. Content writing
Content marketing is a fast-growing marketing strategy that many companies are taking advantage of because Companies need content to sell their products or services. You could find jobs on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or LinkedIn. It’s one of those jobs that anyone can start from the comfort of their home. Content marketers earn ₦70,000 and above depending on the industry they work in.
3. Freelance Writing
If you are a good writer, you could pitch articles to publications sourcing for contributor entries. All you have to do is write a good pitch with relevant stories per publication and you could earn up to $500 per article.
4. Social media manager
Almost every business today has a social media page or wants a social media presence. Managing a social media page is hard work, especially when you combine it with other things like running the day to day dealings of a business. This is where you come in. Managing a social media account means more than just posting relevant content and interacting with customers. It requires monitoring competitors, keeping up with trends, and experimenting with content amongst other things. It’s worth a try if you are good at social media.
5. Transcription
The process of transcribing audio to text is often tedious and many people would pay money to have it done. Students can make money on the side from transcribing audio files. The best part of this job is that it requires little to no educational background, aside from being able to read and write.
6. Ebook author
People are always looking to add value to their lives. Sometimes they do so by reading a book. Students can earn money from writing practical books that help people reach their goals. Writing a book is a careful process but when done right, people will continue to pay money to read your book. You could write a book on effective social media management or an introduction to graphic design. The important thing is to find a niche that would benefit from reading your book and write for them. You could design your book on Canva and sell it on other websites.
7. Creating online courses
Similar to writing an ebook, creating a course could earn students money on the side. Like writing a book, it has to be a course people need. Find a niche, find a pain point of that niche, and create a course around helping people understand that better. If you do it right, it may never stop earning you money.
8. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is an internet selling method that allows you to sell third-party products without having to see or ship them. The internet has made it easy to set up an account and start running a business online. All you have to do is post pictures of your products on the account. When you receive orders, you order directly from the shipping company and have them delivered to the customer.
9. Virtual assistant
A virtual assistant is simply a remote office assistant that helps individuals with administrative tasks such as managing appointments, booking hotels and sometimes making calls amongst other things. A typical virtual assistant has basic word processing and communication skills. It is another easy way to earn cash on the side.
10. Video editor
If you are good at editing videos, you could take it up as a job. Take a few video editing courses on the internet to brush up on your skills and then put yourself out there. The money you can make as a video editor varies depending on your skills so the more you know, the more you can earn.
11. Voiceover acting
A voiceover artist is someone who uses their voice in video and audio presentations. It could be for radio, television, or theatre. If this is something you are good at, you could try it. It’s an easy way to earn money in school. Like other jobs, you will require a bit of training first.
12. Data entry
Data entry is an easy side job for a student. Many entrepreneurs have to deal with inventories every day and are always open to people helping them sort through these. The good thing about data entry is that you don’t need any educational or professional background to start. As long as you can use the internet to do basic tasks, you can work a data entry job.
13. Graphic designing
Graphic designing is in high demand as visuals are now a priority in communicating on the internet. To communicate and build a connection with customers, every website owner and marketing content needs a superb graphic or visual job. If you have the skills for it, you could earn a lot of money designing graphics for clients.
14. Blogging
Consider starting a blog if you can write well and have outstanding ideas, skills, or information that can help others solve their problems. You could start a food blog or a travel blog depending on what you enjoy. It is a steady climb to earning money from your blog so this requires patience.
15. Proofreading
Editors and authors are always looking for someone to proofread their work before publication. Another job you could start as a student is proofreading. It is also a low entry barrier job with minimal skill prerequisites.
