Imagine a time when a hardworking father struggles to keep his family afloat, when a mother sacrifices her dreams to secure a future for her children, and when a young girl is faced with the distressing choice between education and a forced marriage all because of a crumbling economy.
This is the story of Echoes of Hard Times1. I remember reading the book around 2013, and even as a young reader, I could relate to its themes of economic hardship, social inequality and corruption. Those were hard times. But looking back, they almost seem like the good old days compared to now.
This begs the question – will we, in the next 20 years, look back at today and call it the good old days? Take a moment to think about it.
The Inevitable Truth: Harder Times Are Coming
From the dawn of time, life has only gotten more complex. Things get more expensive, wars happen, and unexpected challenges arise (hello COVID). This isn’t to be a prophet of doom, but history tells us that life rarely gets easier on its own. And while national progress largely depends on government policies, the reality is that your personal trajectory is in your hands.
So, what do you do?
You future-proof yourself. Planning for the future is still one of the best pieces of advice out there. Here’s how:
1. Master Financial Planning – Because Inflation Won’t Wait for You
“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” — Warren Buffett
Money isn’t everything, but let’s be honest, it makes navigating life a whole lot easier. The cost of living is constantly rising, and if you don’t plan for your financial future, you may find yourself struggling when you least expect it.
Actionable Steps:
- Save at least 20% of your income if possible. If that feels like too much, start small and increase gradually.
- Invest in assets that appreciate over time: stocks, real estate, mutual funds, or even a side business.
- Avoid lifestyle inflation. Just because you’re earning more doesn’t mean you should be spending more.
2. Upskill with Technology – AI is Not A Threat
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” — Stephen Hawking
Think of AI and automation as the industrial revolution of our time. Just as factories replaced handcrafting, AI is transforming how we work, eliminating mundane tasks and making workflows faster than ever. But here’s the catch: AI doesn’t replace people; it replaces tasks. The people who thrive will be the ones who understand how to work with AI, not against it.
Take coding, for example. Developers who embrace AI-assisted programming tools like GitHub Copilot are writing code faster and fixing bugs before they even break something. Meanwhile, those who refuse to adapt spend hours solving problems AI can highlight in seconds. Read more about how AI can transform your life here.
Actionable Steps:
- Identify AI-powered tools in your industry and start experimenting with them now.
- Shift your mindset from fearing AI to learning how to manage and optimize it.
- Stay informed. AI evolves fast, and those who keep up will lead the way.
3. Choose the Right Life Partner
“Marry someone who makes you laugh because life is hard, and if you have someone who makes it easier to bear, you’re winning.” — Unknown
Your choice of life partner is arguably one of the most critical decisions you’ll ever make. The right partner can be a pillar of support, helping you grow and navigate life’s challenges. The wrong one? Well, let’s just say divorce lawyers aren’t struggling to find work.
Actionable Steps:
- Look beyond attraction. Shared values, financial habits, and emotional intelligence matter just as much.
- Discuss long-term goals early. Do they align?
- Observe how they handle stress, failure, and money. These traits reveal more about a person than their words ever could.
4. Expand Your Network – Your Net Worth is in Your Network
“Info Leyan Fi’n Fo. (It is information that makes one fly)” – Isaac Olayiwola “Wasabi”
Opportunities often come from people, not job openings. Ask any 5 people you know working in high paying jobs and 3 or 4 out of them will tell you they got the jobs by referral, not by submitting 300 applications. Building a strong professional and personal network can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Peter didn’t know walking on water was possible, until he saw Jesus doing it. If the 4 people in your circle are doing well, very soon you’ll be the 5th. This goes the other way too.
Actionable Steps:
- Attend industry events, even if they make you uncomfortable.
- Use LinkedIn wisely. Engage with thought leaders, share your insights, and make meaningful connections.
- Nurture existing relationships. Check in with people without always needing something.
5. Prioritize Your Health – Because Hustle Culture Won’t Save You from Burnout
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” — Jim Rohn
Working hard is great, but if you burn out in the process, what’s the point? Success means nothing if you can’t enjoy it. Hustling non-stop might help you climb the career ladder, but can cost you everything that actually matters – joy, strength, family time, and even years of your life. No achievement is worth chronic stress, high blood pressure, and constant headaches. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Pause to take care of yourself.
Actionable Steps:
- Get enough sleep. No, four hours a night isn’t a flex; it’s a health hazard.
- Exercise regularly. Even a 30-minute walk counts.
- Watch your diet. It’s not everything you should be eating. Some food and drinks are harming you.
While you can’t predict the future, you can prepare for it. Financial stability, technological adaptability, the right relationships, a strong network, and good health are all pillars of a secure future.
The good old days are never truly as good as we remember them.
- Echoes of Hard Times is a book written by Nigerian Author, Felicia Onyewadume in 1996. I couldn’t find the book anywhere online, but I found this journal from African Journals Online that gives a good synopsis of the story. Worth a read, if you’ll also like to go down memory lane. ↩︎
