In Nigeria, there’s a popular term known as “forming mugu,” which translates to pretending to be a fool to gain an advantage. This concept often surfaces in the context of starting one’s career or learning a new skill. The idea is that, initially, you might have to “form mugu” for a big man—a term used to describe someone wealthier or more influential, such as an employer or mentor. This strategy involves accepting lower pay, working longer hours, and even being taken advantage of to acquire skills, experience, and eventually becoming successful as a young nigerian.
Many young people today lack this perspective. They expect immediate rewards and high salaries from the onset, which, while ideal and fair, is not always realistic. The path to indispensability is a gradual process that involves moving through various stages: from being seemingly useless, to useful, and finally to being indispensable. Here, we will explore this journey and provide some key insights for young Nigerians embarking on their professional paths.
The Path to Success
Being Useless: The Starting Point
At the beginning of your career, you may feel useless or undervalued. This phase is characterized by steep learning curves, low pay, and long hours. It’s a period of absorbing knowledge and skills, often by observing and assisting those who are more experienced. It’s crucial to embrace this stage, as it lays the foundation for future growth.
Becoming Useful: The Middle Ground
As you acquire skills and experience, you start contributing more effectively to your role. You may still be underpaid or overworked, but your value to your employer or mentor begins to show. This phase is about proving your worth and demonstrating reliability and competence.
Reaching Indispensability: The Pinnacle
Over time, through dedication and hard work, you become indispensable. At this stage, your skills and experience are so valuable that your employer or mentor relies heavily on you. This is when you gain the bargaining power to negotiate better pay and working conditions. Your indispensability makes you a key player in the organization.
Understanding the Timeline
The timeline from being useless to indispensable varies. It depends on factors such as the nature of your job, the industry, and the personality of your employer or mentor. Some benefactors are empathetic and may recognize your value sooner, while others may take longer due to their own hardened experiences. It’s essential to understand that the timeline is not fixed and to be patient yet strategic in your approach.
Words of Caution
While embracing the “form mugu” strategy can be beneficial, it’s vital to be cautious:
Don’t Be a Fool for Life: The purpose of forming mugu is to learn and grow, not to be perpetually exploited. Set a timeframe for yourself. If you find that after a reasonable period, you’re not progressing or being recognized, it may be time to reassess your situation.
Recognize the Red Flags: Some employers or mentors may never see you as indispensable, regardless of your efforts. If you notice that there’s no progression despite your hard work and loyalty, it may indicate that you are in the hands of someone who lacks moral fiber and intends to use you indefinitely.
Assess the Employer’s Character: Understand that different people have different timelines for recognizing value. Some are quicker due to their empathetic nature, while others take longer. However, if you find yourself in an environment where your efforts are continuously overlooked, consider seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Conclusion
This approach, while pragmatic, should also be balanced with self-respect and awareness. Your journey to professional success is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the process, learn continuously, and strive towards becoming indispensable in your chosen field.
At our non-profit organization, we believe in nurturing talent and providing meaningful opportunities for growth. We understand the challenges young Nigerians face when starting their careers, and we are committed to being the kind of environment where you can learn, grow, and eventually become indispensable. Our approach is grounded in empathy and support, ensuring that while you contribute to our cause, you are also gaining valuable skills and experience.
We invite you to join us as a volunteer and be part of a community that values your growth and development. Volunteering with us is not just about giving back; it’s also about investing in your future. We provide training, mentorship, and a supportive environment where you can thrive.
Take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Register as a volunteer today and become part of a team that makes a difference while helping you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Your journey to becoming indispensable starts here. Join us and let’s grow together.