The truth is that even if money is framed as the purview of men, women have always made efforts to create wealth and grow their income.
However, the above is very easy to forget especially in the age of people advocating that women stop working in order to preserve their “femininity” and “softness”.
But femininity and softness will not pay the bills most times.
Rather, it is a dedication to making money and building your career that will ensure you are not at the mercy of anyone when you need to get the good things of life.
In our latest article, Urban Woman Magazine asked some women to share how they made their first money and what they used it to do.
Read their responses below.
Anietem
I earned my first pay when I was 16. Gosh, I was so happy to finally be able to work and also finally support my mum at that crucial time.
It was 8k, and I don’t remember exactly how much I gave my mum, but I know that it was majority of it. I think I kept about 1-2k for myself (for food, airtime and toiletries – mostly pad). I trekked to and fro work back then, so it was easy to give my mum everything like that.
JO
My first pay was as a primary school teacher and I used it to buy food items in my parents house. It was either that or I give them the entire thing. I was 17.
PN
My first pay was in secondary school. I wrote notes for my classmates that were too lazy to complete their notes.
I can’t remember what I used it to buy then but I remember I used one of the money to buy Essential Biology textbook so the teacher can leave me alone.
OP
My first pay was from my teaching job. I had waited years for a University admission, so I decided to be productive.
My first salary as a primary school teacher was N4000 and I took it home, presented it to my dad, he prayed for me and told me to do whatever I wanted with it.
I remember giving my siblings from it, bought a few clothing items, and just used the rem for data and airtime.
MO
My first pay was from doing research and writing. 🥹
I miss doing this so much. I don’t remember what I spent it on, but most likely, food😂🤭.
PE
My first pay was me working in my dads school after my jss3 exams and he paid me 3,000 naira after owing me for months (he didn’t want to pay).
Anyways I bought soft drinks, airtime and I just kept the remaining cash around for spending. I was just happy to have all that money. This was around 2011 or so.
EN
My first pay was during my SIWES at age 18. I worked in a lab, and they paid me 7k naira. This was in 2013. I bought shoes and a Nicholas Sparks novel with the half I was allowed to keep.
Since my mother was paying for my transport to and from work (my transport was almost double my salary lol), she got half of my pay each month.
BY
My first pay was 10k. I worked as my mother’s P.A. I went shopping with the money 🤭.
PH
My first pay was 10k, and this was in 2020 when I was working in a boutique.
I used the money to buy some secondhand clothes.
MI
There was a writer whose blog stories and articles I followed every week when I was 17. One day I reached out and told her I would like to work for her.
That’s how I started earning 10k in 2018. I used my first salary to buy my cream, soap, and other toiletries. I also subscribed data of 2k, which was a big deal for me back then. I felt so proud of myself. I knew I always wanted to feel the way I felt that day.
UC
My first pay was 10k for a modeling gig I did then. I can’t remember what I used the money for though. Either to take care of myself and buy essentials or eat food.
ON
My first job was a lecturer’s assistant and it paid 12k monthly. The first time I got paid, I just used it to get a powerbank from Jumia and the power bank turned out to be fake, used the remaining to send the powerbank back and pay for shipping for a new one.
Thinking back, that was a funny mess 😂😂.
AM
I think the first money I can remember is from my Adventures From article. I was 19, and it was $100 which at the time was like 60k. Can’t remember what I used it for.
Angel Nduka-Nwosu is a writer, journalist and editor. She moonlights occasionally as a podcaster on As Angel Was Sayin’. Catch her on all socials @asangelwassayin.