Living alone in Nigeria is one of the things most people look forward to mostly because of the freedom of having to do what they want, and at anytime they desire. However, living alone in Nigeria is not all rosy. It has its thorns in its flowers that we're usually aiming for. This is because living alone away from your parents technically means that you're no longer living with your parents, and you have assumed the role to take the responsibility for yourself and your actions.
But often times, this responsibility leans more towards finances. Being able to provide for themselves.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some insightful details about some of the things you should expect while living alone in Nigeria and the best way to navigate these changes.
What Are The Things That Changes When You Start Living Alone
- You become responsible for yourself: As earlier mentioned, the first assumption that is being readily laid upon you once you've decided to living alone is that you've decided to become responsible for yourself. You take decisions by yourself, and sometimes other people's advices. You sustain yourself and own up to your mistakes, and find the most best ways to get by each day as an adult.
- You provide for yourself financially: Another thing that happens is that you start providing for yourself financially. Things that your parents would normally buy or sort out on your behalf are reduced or erased. While this is not the same for everybody, this is mostly the situation. The lucky few still get some of their bills sorted out by their parents.
- You start cooking for yourself: Another thing that most people would often not take their minds to, but exists and is critical is that once you start living alone, you'll start cooking meals for yourself. Food is a daily basic need and you wouldn't understand how much of a necessity it is, and how easily it comes while living with your parents until you start living alone. This is also one of things I struggled with. Sometimes, I have to resorted to buying food outside which is not financially sustainable in comparison to cooking myself.
- You have freedom: Another thing that you have is freedom to do what you want and at anytime you want it. You get to compromise with your feelings and make decisions that seems plausible or reasonable to you. You can decide to go outside late at night without anyone calling you or disturbing you that you ought to have returned home at a specific time. You get the chance to go to parties, events and travel. You get to bring your girlfriends to your place, and decorate your place however you deem fit. In all honesty, the freedom can however be intoxicating and lead you astray. I had my own very fair share of that. The best thing is to surround yourself with the people that share the same interest with you, and can direct you to the right path and offer you the best advices when you're confused or can't ascertain if what you're doing is either wrong or right. In short, have the most helpful people surround you to help you in the journey of life.
Why Living Alone Is Exhausting
One thing many people fail to mention when discussing independence is why living alone is exhausting. Most people focus on the freedom, privacy and excitement that come with having your own space. While these are true, they often overlook the amount of work required to maintain that freedom.
When you live alone, every responsibility falls on you. If the room is dirty, you're responsible for cleaning it. If there's no food at home, you're responsible for buying groceries and cooking. If your clothes need washing, there's no one else to do it for you.
There are also days when work, school or business activities leave you mentally drained. On such days, the last thing you want to think about is cooking or washing dishes. Yet, these are tasks that still need to be done.
The financial aspect also contributes to the exhaustion. Rent, electricity bills, transportation, feeding and other expenses constantly compete for your attention. Sometimes, it feels like you're working simply to maintain your lifestyle rather than actually enjoying it.
Why I Love Living Alone
Despite the challenges, there are several reasons why I love living alone.
One of the biggest reasons is the peace that comes with having your own space. There is a certain level of comfort in returning home after a stressful day and knowing that everything around you is arranged according to your preferences.
I also enjoy the freedom to organize my day however I want. I can decide when to work, when to relax, when to go out and when to stay indoors. There is no need to constantly explain my decisions or seek approval for simple things.
Living alone has also helped me understand myself better. When you spend a significant amount of time by yourself, you begin to identify your strengths, weaknesses, habits and priorities. You become more self-aware and intentional about the choices you make.
Perhaps most importantly, living alone teaches independence. It forces you to develop life skills that many people take for granted while living with family.
How To Deal With or Cope With Living Alone
If you've recently moved out, one of the first things you'll likely search for is how to deal with or cope with living alone. The transition can be difficult, especially during the first few months.
One thing that helped me was creating a routine. Having a structure for your day makes life significantly easier. It helps you manage your time better and prevents important responsibilities from piling up.
Another helpful approach is maintaining relationships with friends and family. Living alone does not mean isolating yourself from everyone around you. Regular conversations and visits can help reduce feelings of loneliness.
You should also learn basic life skills as early as possible. Knowing how to cook simple meals, manage finances, clean your living space and plan your expenses can make living alone much less stressful.
Most importantly, learn to enjoy your own company. There will be moments when you'll have nobody around, and that's perfectly fine. Use those moments to read, learn a new skill, watch movies, exercise or engage in activities that make you happy.
How To Afford Living Alone
One of the biggest concerns for many young Nigerians is not necessarily moving out, but how to afford living alone. With the rising costs of rent, feeding, transportation and utility bills, living independently can quickly become expensive.
The first thing I would recommend is having a stable source of income before making the move. While this may sound obvious, many people underestimate the actual cost of maintaining a household. Rent is only one aspect of the expenses. There are also costs associated with food, electricity, internet subscriptions, transportation and unforeseen emergencies.
Another thing that helps is budgeting. Once you start living alone, you begin to realize how quickly money disappears. Creating a monthly budget allows you to track your spending and prioritize essential expenses before spending on luxuries.
Learning how to cook can also significantly reduce your expenses. While buying food outside is convenient, it becomes costly when done consistently. Preparing meals yourself is often more economical in the long run.
You should also avoid lifestyle inflation. One mistake people make after moving out is trying to replicate lifestyles they see online. The goal should be comfort and sustainability, not impressing people. Start with what you can comfortably afford and improve your living conditions gradually.
If necessary, you can also consider sharing accommodation with a trusted friend or colleague. This helps reduce rent and utility costs while making the financial burden more manageable.
Ultimately, how to afford living alone comes down to proper planning, financial discipline and understanding your earning capacity before making the transition.
In Conclusion
Living alone in Nigeria is a unique experience. It offers freedom, privacy and opportunities for personal growth. At the same time, it comes with financial responsibilities, household duties and occasional moments of loneliness.
The reality is that living alone is neither entirely glamorous nor entirely difficult. It is simply a phase of life that teaches responsibility, resilience and independence.
While there are many reasons why living alone is exhausting, there are equally many reasons why I love living alone. The key lies in learning how to deal with or cope with living alone while making the most of the lessons it offers.
Whether you choose to live alone now or later, understanding the realities involved will help you navigate the experience better and make informed decisions about your future.
