Have you ever wondered if there are certain things you are doing that your neighbours might not like? A lot of people think they are good and friendly neighbours or at least, mind-their-business kind of neighbours.

But the truth is, sometimes, we might be the reason our neighbours are rolling their eyes, whispering complaints, or even plotting revenge in silence.  

Here are some ways you might be annoying your neighbours without knowing.

ALSO READ: How to deal with loneliness when you live alone

1. Playing loud music at odd hours

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favourite Afrobeats or gospel jams, your neighbours might not appreciate being part of your personal concert, especially when you are doing it at odd hours like 6 AM on a Sunday or 11 PM on a work night.

Just because you’re in a party mood doesn’t mean everyone else is.  

2. Running your generator non-stop

We all know the power in Nigeria is bad and generators are a must. But then, if your “I better pass my neighbour” or big industrial gen is constantly humming (or worse, roaring) through the night, you’re definitely disrupting someone’s peace.

If it’s belching smoke into their windows too? Even worse.  

3. Parking like you own the whole street

Limited parking is a struggle in many Nigerian neighbourhoods. But if you’re that person who takes up two spots, blocks someone’s gate, or expects everyone to adjust just because you came home late, your neighbours are probably not happy with you. 

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4. Keeping a ‘security’ dog that barks all night 

A dog that protects the house is great, but if it’s barking at everything such as passing cars, shadows, the wind, your neighbours might be losing sleep.

If your dog is aggressive and always trying to attack people on the street, that’s another level of neighbourhood stress.  

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5. Burning refuse and choking everyone

Burning refuse is common in some neighbourhoods, especially if there is no organised system of waste disposal. But then, burning in your compound can be quite a hazard as not everyone appreciates having smoke blowing into their house.

Worse, if you’re burning plastic, you’re not only annoying your neighbours but also polluting the air.  

6. Borrowing things and ‘forgetting’ to return them

In some neighbourhoods, community living where you can easily borrow stuff from your neighbours is common. But there’s a thin line between borrowing and outright collecting.

If your neighbour has to remind you five times about returning their bucket, extension cord, or even cooking gas, you might need to re-evaluate your borrowing habits.  

7. Having prayer sessions that go on forever

Praying is great, but if your early morning or all-night prayer sessions are waking up the whole compound, your neighbours might be praying too, but for peace and quiet. Not everyone is up for unsolicited deliverance sessions at 2 AM.  

Which of these habits are you guilty of? 

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If you’ve searched for a job in Nigeria, then you’ve probably heard the above statement repeated more times than you can remember.

The truth is that jobs in Nigeria are becoming more like a lottery these days, with more and more people looking for different kinds of jobs simultaneously.

This means that you must be at your best in terms of personality and qualifications to land your dream job. But how can you set yourself apart in an overcrowded job market where many people believe their connections can grant them express access to any job they want?

Here are smart tips that you can leverage to put yourself in a good position, even when you don’t know anyone.

ALSO READ: Job Hunting 101 – How to set yourself apart in the Nigerian employment market

1. Build In-Demand Skills

While it’s good to graduate with the best possible grades, you must realise that employers prioritize practical skills over formal education. Thus, we’ve often advised young graduates to acquire competencies in areas like digital marketing, software development, data analysis, and project management.

Thankfully, platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn exist these days for learning useful and in-demand skills. Some of these platforms even offer certificates from recognised institutions.

2. Craft an Outstanding CV and Cover Letter

Your CV and cover letter say a lot about you before the recruitment team officially meets you. So, you’d want to impress them from the get-go. This is why you should craft an outstanding CV that highlights achievements rather than just job duties.

For instance, instead of stating “Managed sales activities,” say “Delivered 30% sales growth within six months.” Tailor your cover letter to the specific role, demonstrating how your skills align with the job requirements.

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3. Leverage Online Job Portals and Social Media

Regularly check reputable job portals such as Jobberman, MyJobMag, and Hot Nigerian Jobs for the latest job updates. Maintain an active LinkedIn profile, join industry-related groups, and engage with content to increase visibility.

You can also add the following companies and industry leaders on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. These individuals often provide updates about available jobs and tips to succeed in interviews.

4. Engage in Internships, Volunteering, and Freelancing

Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or freelancing can enhance your employability. These opportunities not only provide hands-on experience but also help build a professional network. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be avenues to showcase your skills and earn income while job hunting.

5. Network Strategically

Attend networking events, career fairs, and seminars to meet professionals in your field. Prepare a concise introduction about yourself and follow up with connections made. Joining professional associations related to your industry can also provide access to exclusive job listings and mentorship opportunities.

ALSO READ: 5 Nigerians share their crazy experiences job-hunting after school

6. Be Cautious of Job Scams

While it’s good to work hard for your employment, you must also stay vigilant against fraudulent job offers. Be wary of job postings without specific titles or those requiring upfront payments for training. Always verify the legitimacy of companies and avoid sharing personal information unless you are certain of the employer’s credibility.

When I was a child, I longed so much to become an adult. Why? I loved the fact that adults have the freedom to do whatever they like and go wherever they want.

Unlike me, who could barely snaffle a biscuit without someone noticing, as I began to grow, things changed. Life itself began to teach me valuable lessons.

However, one of the biggest lessons life has taught me is that adulthood comes with many responsibilities. Now, it’s easy to see why people coined the slang ‘adulthood is a Scam.’

But as I switched on my laptop to write this morning, one question came to my mind: Is adulthood really a scam? Certainly not! But well, it’s close enough to it.

ALSO READ: 10 things to do if you’re trying to find your path in life as a young adult

Here are some lessons everybody picks up on their way to becoming full adults.

1. Salary is just a suggestion – The Unpredictable Finances of Nigerian Adulthood

Remember when you were a child and thought adults were rich because they had “a job”? Surprise! Between government taxes, transport hikes, and random bank deductions, adulthood often feels like earning money just to redistribute it to bills, siblings, and data plans.

So, as you grow, you’re forced to learn financial discipline or face the consequences of a failed adulthood. Fortunately, there are so many budgeting apps these days that can help you plan. So learn to make use of them.

2. The Myth of Independence: You Will Call Your Parents (Or Aunties) for Help

Independence sounds good until your landlord increases rent overnight or your gas finishes mid-cooking. You’ll find yourself calling your mum not for food, but for advice, prayers, and maybe a small loan alerts.

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But hey – that’s not a crime. After all, adulthood doesn’t mean isolation. It’s okay to lean on your community. Just don’t ghost them when things are rosy.

3. Career Realities: Passion Meets Nigerian Market

The dream was to be a fashion designer, writer, or game developer. But reality? You’re in customer service for a logistics company and doing makeup on weekends to keep up. But that’s not a problem. Pivoting is part of the journey. Nigerian hustling isn’t just cultural – it’s survival. Just don’t forget to rest before you burn out.

4. Mental Health Is Real, Not Just for “Oyinbo” People

From Lagos traffic stress to Abuja’s heat and PH’s constant fuel scarcity, Nigeria itself is a stressor. Combine that with societal pressure to marry, build a house, or “make it” before 30, and you can tell how quickly your mental health will begin to deteriorate.

Just find a way to protect your peace. Therapy helps, and sometimes, so does muting that cousin who won’t stop posting vacation photos on Instagram.

5. Social Media Is a Lie (Mostly)

ALSO READ: How to feel confident if you struggle with low self-esteem

You see curated “soft life” posts, but you don’t see the unpaid internships, the failed jollof, or the third time NEPA killed someone’s fridge. Don’t let it make you feel like you’re failing.

Learn to run your own race and focus on it. Social media is a highlight reel, not the full movie.

Adulting in Nigeria is hard, unpredictable, and at times hilariously absurd. But it also teaches grit, creativity, and the kind of resilience that can’t be taught in school. So no, it’s not a scam. But maybe—just maybe—they could have warned us better.