If 2023 was a rollercoaster, 2024 felt like I was riding it with my hands in the air — terrified, thrilled, and somehow still holding onto snacks. It was a year of crazy highs, challenging lows, and a lot of unexpected twists. But before we dive into all that, let me just say:
Happy New Year! 🎉🎆
If I’m being honest, I didn’t journal as much in 2024, so this is me trusting my memory to do its thing. Hopefully, it doesn’t fail me. 😂
Let’s get into it!
I ended my previous Year in Review, by quoting Bo Peabody:
“The best way to ensure that lucky things happen is to make sure a lot of things happen.”
Well, I took that to heart and did a lot — some of it intentional, some of it just trying to survive my final year of university.
Trying Times
After the storms of 2023 — losing my job, getting scammed, and everything that followed — I picked up the lessons, shared my experiences, and moved forward, believing firmly in Romans 8:28:
“…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
But I wasn’t prepared for everything that came in the first quarter. I don’t think I’d ever felt as exhausted or helpless as I did then.
I was broke — so broke that I went days without a proper meal. Just three months earlier, I had invested everything into a new laptop, and whatever little I had left went into buying data and aggressively applying for jobs.
I sent out applications daily — on LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups, Twitter — anywhere I could find an opportunity. I revamped my resume, optimized my portfolio, and landed a few interviews, but I kept falling short of the final stages. At some point, I considered selling my laptop and giving up on tech altogether. That’s how bad it got.
Meanwhile, my first-semester exams were ongoing, but I was barely prepared. Survival was my priority.
Desperate for income, I started taking on guitar recording sessions and small graphics design gigs within the university — designing FYB (Final Year Brethren) banners, dinner invitations, and other event materials. The pay wasn’t great (₦5K jobs weren’t exactly life-changing), but they helped me stay afloat.
By March, my partner pointed out that I was having frequent mood swings 😂. Not having money hits hard, bruh. In April, a few people even commented that I was losing weight — I knew exactly why.
To Focus on School or Tech?
Then, in May, things took a turn. Gigs started rolling in, one after another, as if God had strategically placed me in people’s minds. Or maybe it was some form of divine strategic positioning — a concept I’ll revisit later.
After months of rejection and struggle, I finally started getting well-paying gigs! But just as things were looking up, a new challenge arose: balancing tech with school.
I had neglected my final-year project for too long, and my supervisor wasn’t having it. In my mind, I thought, I’ll just rush everything and be fine. Oh, how wrong I was!
By June, mid-semester tests were here, and I was barely prepared. My grades reflected that. Honestly, I didn’t even spend much time in my department throughout the year. Sure, I attended most classes, but I’d leave immediately afterward to focus on work.
Lock in Season
From June to September, I worked like a machine running on sheer willpower. I was juggling three contract jobs at once, and it was a lot. Cherie called it “Extreme Sports” 😆
Then, in the first week of June, something incredible happened. I got a DM on LinkedIn from a recruiter at Gitroll. An employer was interested in my profile!
The interview went great — one of my favourite parts was explaining my thought process behind animations and micro-interactions in my projects (something I’m passionate about). A week later, I received an offer letter. Two weeks later, I officially started the job.
God did! 🙌
It’s been quite interesting, it feels like the job was curated for me, and am thankful for that. I get to provide great value while enjoying my work. But in the first few months, impostor syndrome hit hard. After months of struggling to land opportunities, it felt unreal to finally be in a position I hadn’t even applied for. “Do I really deserve this?” I often wondered.
Looking back, though, I realize it wasn’t just luck. The quality of my projects spoke for me, and my involvement in open-source projects helped position me as a strong candidate. But beyond strategy and effort, the way things aligned felt undeniably divine. God was really intentional.
Meanwhile, school became an unbearable weight. My final-year project hit setbacks, and at one point, it seemed like I wouldn’t graduate. But people stood by me — especially my parents 🤍. With their support, I overcame the challenges and resolved everything just in time.
Life After School
Fast forward to October — after my exams and final sign-out — I moved into my own apartment and started building my dream workspace!
I had always wanted to live alone, and now I finally could. 😄 But I quickly realized that post-university life can feel a little isolating. Thankfully, I enjoy my own company and loved ones visit often, so it’s not too bad.
Convocation and Baecation 🌹
Finally, in December, I graduated! 🥳 After eight years, the journey had finally come to an end.
This chapter of my life was filled with incredible friends, unforgettable experiences, challenges, and pivotal decisions — like switching departments, joining tech communities, and getting involved in church and music.
The last quarter of the year was the best. Plans I had envisioned for years finally became reality, and it all felt surreal.
I had promised myself last year that I would travel more, but I only left my state once — right at the end of 2024. But that one trip? Absolutely worth it. I spent an amazing time with my Cherie, and I look forward to more adventures ahead.
2024 in Highlights
Wins 🎉
Landed a full-time job
Graduated from university
Moved into my own apartment
Worked on exciting projects that went live
Got myself a couple of gadgets and things that had been on my “To Buy” list for years
Joined an amazing team and worked with incredible people
Started building my dream workspace
Achieved a 10x increase from my previous annual income
Supported family & friends when they needed me most
Explored a new city
Expanded my library with new books
Proved to myself that I could thrive with the resources I had at any given time
Almost had a carryover in my final year but got it resolved.
Finally got swag from Hashnode! 😄
Setbacks 🚧
Didn’t upskill as much as planned (API Documentation, React Native, Tech Writing.
Had to withdraw from a few gigs, disappointing some clients
Faced multiple rejections from job applications which caused doubt in my abilities for a little while.
Didn’t invest as much as I wanted to
Didn’t read as many books as I had hoped
Spent too much money eating out after moving — could’ve cooked more
Conclusion
2024 was a year of resilience, breakthroughs, and divine alignment. The struggles tested me, but the victories reassured me.
I’ve laid the foundation for 2025, and I believe it will be a year of massive growth — personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Here’s to a new year of building, thriving, and becoming! 🚀