Hello Auntie,
I hope you are in good health. I’m a 19-year-old boy. Currently, I’m facing a lot complex problems in my life. Chasing a job, wanting to start a business and doing well at university.

I also want to start some freelance work. But my family is against it. I’ve tried to tell them that I’ll give proper attention and effort to all my endeavours. But they still don’t allow me to do so. They are also not supportive of my idea of starting a business on the side.

Kindly give some advice on how to go about it.
Someone in Need of Advice

Dear In Need of Advice,
You have a strong drive to succeed, but you’re torn between your ambitions and your family’s expectations. At 19, it’s normal to want to explore different careers, but balancing university, a job and a side business at the same time is a tall order. Therefore, it’s understandable that your family is likely concerned about how you will manage everything. They might fear that taking on too much at once could lead to exhaustion or failure in several areas, instead of excelling in one.

‘My Family Is Against My Working While Studying’

Instead of pushing back against them, try to understand their concerns. What are they worried about? Are they worried that your work will affect your studies? Do they think freelancing is unstable?

If financial independence is a goal, you may need to take baby steps... perhaps by freelancing in your spare time without making it a big deal. You don’t have to announce every move to your family.

Once you know their objections, you can address them with logic. So, if they are worried about your grades, show them a schedule proving you can balance both. If they think investing time and money in a business is risky, start small with low, or even no investment and build trust once you start getting results. You can also share success stories of students who have balanced studies with either freelancing or a business in order to ease their concerns.

If financial independence is a goal, you may need to take baby steps... perhaps by freelancing in your spare time without making it a big deal. You don’t have to announce every move to your family. Sometimes you just need to prove yourself through action rather than seeking permission.

At the same time, don’t kill yourself by overburdening yourself. University itself is a full-time job and overloading can lead to burnout. Prioritise, pace yourself and remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint.

Just remember that your goals don’t have to be all or nothing. You can test the waters and expand as you gain experience and confidence. Most importantly, keep an open mind... sometimes, the path to success winds into unexpected twists and turns, and flexibility can be your greatest strength.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is in crisis and/or feeling suicidal, please go to your nearest emergency room and seek medical help immediately.

Auntie will not reply privately to any query. Please send concise queries to: auntieagni@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, February 9th, 2025