Every so often, social media wakes up and chooses violence: “A 9-5 will never make you wealthy.” And just like that, your timeline is flooded with motivational gurus preaching the gospel of quitting your job to “become your own boss.” But to be honest, if making money was that simple, we’d all be billionaires by now.
The truth? A 9-5 can absolutely make you rich. In fact, for many people, it’s the smartest way to do it. But hey, let’s not argue, let’s just look at the facts.
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, reportedly earns ₦8.5 million per day. That’s not from selling wigs on WhatsApp or flipping crypto; it’s a salary. And he’s not alone. Top executives, senior consultants, tech leads, these people make millions every month, and guess what? They’re employees. Now, sure, you don’t start at the top. But neither does a business. Nobody wakes up, opens a boutique, and starts raking in billions overnight. Just like entrepreneurs build their businesses, employees build their careers. The only difference? Employees get guaranteed paychecks while doing it.
Now, that said, getting a good job in Nigeria isn’t a walk in the park. The unemployment rate is high, and job hunting can feel like playing the lottery. This is why so many people turn to business instead. And for some, it works. But let’s not pretend entrepreneurship is the easy way out. Starting a business is hard. Not everyone who opens a skincare brand or runs a clothes plug actually makes a profit. And let’s not forget, most businesses need capital. Where do many business owners get theirs? You guessed it; their salaries from a 9-5.
The idea that “jobs can’t make you rich” also ignores something important: salaries grow. You might start at ₦150k, but with skill, networking, and a little strategic job-hopping, that number can skyrocket in a few years. Look at industries like tech, finance, and consulting, they pay top talent millions. A senior software engineer or investment banker isn’t out here begging for side hustle money. They’re living very comfortably off their salaries.
And let’s talk about something most people ignore; investment power. A salary isn’t just money to spend; it’s capital you can use to invest. Real estate, stocks, mutual funds, even a small side hustle, you can grow your money without risking your entire livelihood. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs often have to pour every naira into their businesses, hoping it works out. And let’s be frank, 90% of startups fail. So, when a 9-5 worker is securing steady income and investing wisely, who’s really winning?
Now, this isn’t a battle of jobs vs. business. Some people will thrive as entrepreneurs, and that’s great. Others will climb the corporate ladder, negotiate six-figure salaries, and make smart investments along the way. The real question isn’t “should you work a job or start a business?”, it’s how are you making, saving, and growing your money?
So, next time someone tells you a 9-5 can’t make you rich, just smile. Then ask them how much they’ve actually made from their imported sneakers business. For more career insights, financial tips, and real success stories, visit our website and follow @InsideSuccessNigeria for exclusive updates!
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