2024 — The Year of Nothingness

Did I Really Want to Write a Year in Review?
No.
Will I be writing it anyway?
Yes.

Why? Mainly for the sake of memory. It turns out future me likes reading what past me wrote.

So, let’s dive into 2024 — the year of extremes. On one hand, it was the year I made the most money I’ve ever made in my life. On the other, it was the year I faced the most suicidal thoughts I’ve ever had. If I had to sum up my general state of being in one word, it would be: TIRED.

(To my friends reading this: Don’t worry. I promise I’m okay!😭)

To keep this from turning into a long read, I’ll just do a quick summary of the good, the bad, and the ugly — starting, of course, with the ugly.

The Ugly

This year, I got a front-row seat to anxiety. Now, you might think, “Oh, it’s just anxiety. How bad can it be?” But for someone who has never ever struggled with it before — someone who barely panics in stressful situations — being constantly on edge was a rude awakening.

I’d wake up in the middle of the night and the first thing I’d check is work or I’d spend days glued to my laptop from sunrise till 2am — no food, no water simply because I had work to do and I didn’t want to be blamed and borderline insulted when something wasn’t working. That tech “blood money” everyone jokes about? Let me tell you, you’ll bleed for it.

Toward the end of the year, I did a personal evaluation with a friend, and it hit me: Despite all the work, I didn’t feel like I’d grown career-wise. Sure, I’d gained more general tech knowledge, but had my skills actually improved? Nope. So, what was I suffering for? Money? Purpose? Something on my CV?

As I write this, I can’t help but laugh. I did a lot this year, but there isn’t one major, significant accomplishment I can point to. Yet, amidst all the chaos, one constant remained: the reminder that God is on my side. You’ll see more on that in the “good.”

The Bad

As if the mental strain wasn’t enough, I also had to start NYSC.

Surprisingly, the three weeks in camp were some of the most physically demanding yet peaceful moments of my year. I enjoyed the routine, the friends I made. I liked that I wasn’t responsible for anything there but I still had a sense of purpose because there were always activities lined up.

But post-camp? Chaos. Weekly CDS, monthly clearance, and the infamous Nigerian bureaucracy took their toll. If you think Nigeria’s leaders are the problem, I’m here to tell you it’s Nigerians generally. The impatience, the disorganization, the “show of power” — honestly God knew what he was doing when he put all of us in this country.

The Good

Starting with the ugly might have been a downer, but here’s the truth: God was so good to me this year.

NYSC, which seemed daunting at first, turned out to be smooth sailing.

I finally completed the automation course I’d been procrastinating on and even taught two QA courses.

Travel became a big part of my year, too. At one point, after travelling from IB to PH my sister casually announced, “We’re going to Delta on Saturday,” and I just packed my bags without asking questions. Having money >>>

Speaking of money, my income multiplied like crazy compared to last year — even though I was doing the same things. The best part? I could finally give as much as I’d always wanted to. I could stretch out my card at the supermarket without doing any mental calculation. I could throw an elaborate birthday for my sister, I could buy things for my friends aside from their regular birthday gifts, I could give to the ministry. Things that I had always wanted to do.

Oh, and I found an apartment with my friends that fit our budget — a feat that felt impossible until God reminded me that there’s nothing too hard for Him to do.

My walk with God also grew stronger, thanks to my pastor, church, and friends. Shoutout to CCI Ibadan — you guys rock! That benediction about experiencing progress and joy in the faith? Too real.

Also, I finally collected my original WAEC result!!! This might not seem like a big deal to you, reader, but considering the fact that I’ve been putting it off since 2017, it was a pretty big deal to me. Surprisingly, it took less than an hour, no “begging the powers that be” required.

And my friends? MY FRIENDS?? MY FRIENDSSSS???? They carried me through this year. From quarterly goal meetings to constant life updates to showing up for each other in the hardest moments, to fighting with the people in our house environment, to making financial decisions together, they were my lifeline. God really knew what He was doing when He made us social beings that required companionship. Life Hack: Doing things with people is the best way to manage your finances.

Why Call It the Year of Nothingness?

Despite all of this, the year feels like a blur. Most days, I was on autopilot. The only times I truly felt something were on Sundays at church.

From a “matter of fact” perspective, it feels like I didn’t achieve anything groundbreaking this year.

But for 2025? I’m hopeful.

Usually, I approach the new year with indifference — neither expecting greatness nor dreading anything. Sure, I make goals, but I don’t stress about achieving them. This year, I want to change that.

My motto for 2025 is simple: Make Things Happen.
I’m an adult. If something isn’t going the way I want, it’s time to course-correct and steer it in a better direction. (According to God’s will, sha o!)

Here’s to 2025 — let’s make it count.