Juggling It All: Tips from UNILAG Working Students

By Ayodeji Adora, Ajibero Oreoluwa, Bodude Ooreoluwatomiwa, Osigunwa Ibukunoluwa and Ogunekun Titilayo

Financial independence is a journey many students embark on for their reasons. Some students work to gather hands-on experience in their desired career industry, while others enjoy providing the services or products they offer as entrepreneurs. These pursuits end with cool cash in their pockets at the end of the day. Awesome!

Being a working student can be difficult, particularly when you need help to balance your work and academics. However, for some University of Lagos students, the obstacle is another chance to succeed. To learn more about how they handle it all, we spoke with two amazing people: Mofeoluwa Jeje, a 300-level law student and the creator of Mo Cakes and Treats, and Eniayo Ojo-Ami, a 300-level mass communication student who works as a digital strategist.

Jeje’s passion for baking began at home, inspired by her mother’s delicious recipes. Surprisingly, selling cupcakes to high school classmates has become a full-fledged business in 2021. 

“I developed an interest from watching my mum bake, and my love for baking has been the foundation of my business,” Jeje explained. 

Ojo-Ami’s studies in Mass Communication have significantly contributed to her professional development, from creating press releases and other news content to managing social media.

“My studies in Mass Communication have greatly influenced my work. Whenever I write anything news-related, I approach it with the structure and professionalism I learnt in class.” Ojo-Ami shared.

Jeje acknowledged that juggling your personal life, career, and studies is challenging. 

“I don’t take orders once tests and exams draw near.” 

Juggling it all is not a walk in the park for Ojo-Ami, either.  

“Sometimes it’s due to clashing classes, and other times it’s simply exhaustion from managing many responsibilities. However, I’ve learned not to dwell on these challenges. Instead, I focus on doing my best and ensuring I don’t take on more than I can handle at a time. When things don’t go as planned, I reflect on what went wrong and work on doing better the next time.” 

 Jeje admitted to experiencing burnout despite her detailed planning.

“When I am burned out, I shut off entirely. I treat myself to an ice cream date, sleep without thinking about anything, and wake up the next day ready to start again.”

Ojo-Ami equally shared her experience with burnout.

“Yes, I have experienced burnout. To be honest, I don’t have a specific coping mechanism. I just keep going. Despite the challenges, I focus on pushing through and doing what needs to be done. However, I try to take short breaks whenever possible to recharge and regain balance.”

According to both students, attending UNILAG offers unique opportunities. Jeje emphasises how the college environment supports her business. 

“Every time I bring cupcakes to class, I sell out, and there’s always someone who needs cake,” she explained. 

As graduation approaches, Jeje has big ambitions. In addition to taking advanced baking classes that she could not attend while in school, she plans to expand her baking business full-time. One thing is certain: her love of baking is here to stay, even though she is unsure how baking fits into her legal profession.

When asked for advice, Eniayo emphasises one word: prioritise.

 “If you don’t, you’ll fall short in both,” she warned.

The experiences of Jeje and Eniayo show UNILAG students’ perseverance and desire to attain financial independence and build their future one step at a time rather than merely studying for it. They demonstrate that it is possible to juggle everything with intentionality, planning, and effort.