Economic difficulties in Nigeria have led to increased pressure on individuals to financially support family and friends, creating frustrations and strained relationships. Many people, employed in various sectors, experience overwhelming requests for help, leading them to establish boundaries for their own mental health. While some acknowledge the societal conditions that provoke these demands, the persistent need for support amidst financial strain continues.
In Nigeria, economic hardship has led to rising frustration among individuals who struggle to maintain their financial responsibilities. Passengers on public transportation often witness their fellow travelers engaging in extensive phone conversations while stuck in traffic. One man, for example, was unable to silence his phone despite complaints from others, responding to calls with excuses about poor network connectivity.
The pressure from family members seeking financial assistance is overwhelming for many workers, including those employed in the oil and gas sector. An engineer expressed frustration at his family’s unrealistic expectations, stating that even with a good job, he cannot provide endless monetary support for relatives. Many simply refuse to believe that financial resources are limited despite apparent job security.
Bank employees face similar distress as some relatives resort to visiting their workplaces to seek help directly. This leads to employees feeling compelled to give in order to avoid embarrassment. As the economy worsens, people feel increasingly pressured, leading them to ignore or refuse assistance requests altogether.
Individuals from various professions, including accountants and business executives, express a desire to prevent their relatives from transferring their frustrations onto them. One accountant highlighted the impracticality of familial demands, such as covering excessive tuition fees relative to their income. They establish boundaries to protect their mental health and financial stability.
Others, however, like an economist, point to the socioeconomic factors at play, reflecting a reality where many individuals are unemployed or struggling to meet basic needs. They argue for understanding and compassion when dealing with requests for help, suggesting that sometimes it is crucial to provide assistance despite personal financial strain.
A father who persistently asks his relatives for help believes recipients of assistance should reciprocate. He notes that while current circumstances may lead to feelings of frustration, one must remember that roles can always reverse, re-establishing the cycle of support and need. With economic stress, some may face a point where opportunities for communication for assistance dwindle altogether.
As telecom costs rise, many will find it inconvenient or impossible to reach out for help, exacerbating the cycle of hardship for those in need. Despite personal challenges, relatives will likely continue to reach out for assistance as the economic landscape shows no signs of improvement. Ignoring calls may be a temporary solution for some, but it does not resolve underlying issues related to inability to support family or friends in times of need.
The article highlights the increasing distress among Nigerians facing economic struggles, leading to strained relationships and overwhelming requests for financial assistance from family and friends. Many individuals feel the need to set personal boundaries to protect their mental health, while others point out the societal conditions that drive persistent calls for aid. The ongoing economic crisis renders it difficult for both sides to navigate financial expectations and support systems effectively, suggesting that broader socioeconomic reforms are necessary to alleviate these pressures.
Original Source: businessday.ng
