Feeling Burnt Out but Still Struggling to Make Ends Meet
It’s a story we hear all the time in Port Harcourt’s offices, markets, and even online conversations: Nigerian workers, from fresh graduates still on NYSC to seasoned professionals, often say they feel overused, underpaid, and undervalued. But this is not just a matter of salary or workload. It’s a complicated, layered problem tied to how jobs are structured, how employers sometimes value (or fail to value) staff, and the realities of our local economy.
Why Are Nigerian Workers Overused?
- Expanding Roles Without Extra Pay: You might start as a junior officer, but suddenly your job description balloons. Maybe you’re expected to handle marketing, customer relations, and even some accounting. Employers often rely on staff multitasking rather than hiring additional personnel.
- Work Culture That Rewards Presence Over Productivity: Some companies expect you to stay late or work extra hours just to show dedication, even when the workload doesn’t really demand it. This creates an environment where “face time” is more valued than actual output.
- Digital & Gig Economy Pressures: With the rise of freelancing and online side hustles, many workers juggle multiple jobs to survive. This double or triple workload leaves people exhausted but still financially insecure.
Why Are Workers Underpaid?
- Stagnant Salaries Despite Inflation: The cost of living in Port Harcourt keeps rising—transport fares, food prices, accommodation—and yet, salary reviews are slow or non-existent.
- Entry-Level Wages Remain Depressingly Low: For many fresh graduates finishing NYSC or entering the job market, entry salaries are barely above the minimum wage, yet employers expect young workers to deliver high value.
- Lack of Transparency and Negotiation Power: Many employees accept poor pay because they don’t know their market worth or fear losing their job in a tough market.
Why Do Nigerian Workers Feel Undervalued?
- Poor Recognition and Promotion Systems: Even when workers put in extra hours or bring innovative ideas, recognition is rarely tied to career growth or salary increments.
- Communication Gaps Between Management and Staff: Feedback is often one-sided, and workers rarely get honest appraisal or support for their efforts.
- Lack of Investment in Training: Many firms fail to invest in professional development, making workers feel like expendable resources rather than valuable assets.
Real-Life Example: A Tale from a Port Harcourt Office
Take Chika, a 28-year-old graduate and NYSC alum working in a mid-sized tech company in Port Harcourt. She manages customer service, tracks deliveries, assists with social media, and even helps the marketing team on occasion. Despite her versatility, her monthly salary has not changed in two years—still just enough to support her basic needs.
Chika often works weekends, but her effort doesn’t translate into any form of promotion or bonus. Management rarely acknowledges her contributions beyond a polite “thank you.” She’s looking to leave but fears a gap on her CV without another job lined up, a common dilemma for many Nigerian workers.
What Can Be Done?
- Employers Must Review Job Designs: Stop overloading employees and hire adequate staff to distribute workloads fairly. Clear roles create better efficiency and less burnout.
- Create Transparent Pay Structures: Workers should know how salaries are determined and have opportunities to negotiate based on performance and market rates.
- Invest in Employee Development: Training and mentorship reinforce worker value and improve productivity. It also signals that the company cares about their growth.
- Promote Healthy Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to clock out on time and discourage unnecessary overtime. Happy workers are productive workers.
What Can Workers Do?
- Know Your Worth: Research typical salaries in your field and location. Use resources like job boards or salary surveys.
- Set Boundaries and Communicate: Learn to say no when asked to do unreasonable tasks without compensation.
- Upskill Continuously: Whether through free online courses, workshops, or mentorship, keep improving your skills to increase your value.
- Build Your Network: Sometimes job opportunities come through connections, not ads.
Final Thoughts
Feeling overused, underpaid, and undervalued isn’t a personal failure. It’s a systemic issue that involves employers, employees, and even government policies around labor laws. Port Harcourt, with its booming industries, particularly oil and tech, has potential but needs more equitable workplace practices.
For many Nigerians, especially the youth and new entrants into the workforce, understanding these dynamics can help navigate the often harsh realities of work life here. Change won’t happen overnight, but informed workers and conscientious employers can push the needle forward.
Your Turn:
- Have you ever felt stretched too thin at work without proper pay or recognition? How did you handle it?
- What practical steps do you think Port Harcourt companies should take to better value their employees?
- For those who have changed jobs recently, what signs helped you decide to move on from underpaying employers?