Suleiman, a graduate with an engineering degree from the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Niger State, found himself in a situation far from his field of study. After completing his degree, he began his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assignment in Abuja but soon decided to relocate to Lagos in search of better opportunities. He moved in with his uncle, who generously provided him with a weekly allowance of $25 to cover his commuting expenses and emergencies. With free access to food and transportation, Suleiman felt like he was living a life of luxury.

Instead of focusing on his job search, Suleiman found himself drifting into a lifestyle of indulgence. He spent his days applying for software developer positions online, but his nights were a different story. Bored and looking for excitement, he befriended locals and soon became a regular at the Lagos Cooperative Club. Every night, he and his friends would gather for fresh fish and drinks, and their weekends were filled with parties. It was a carefree lifestyle, funded entirely by his uncle's allowance.

One day, Suleiman noticed that one of his friends had stopped coming to the club. This absence made him pause and reflect on his own habits. Curious, he calculated how much he was spending on alcohol each month—$10 a day, totaling $300 a month. The realization hit him hard: he had been living in his uncle's house for over a year, with nothing to show for it. He had wasted all of his allowance on fleeting pleasures, with no savings or achievements to speak of.

Determined to turn his life around, Suleiman recalled a proverb his father often quoted: "A young man will always waste his first revenue on something useless and stupid." Motivated by these words, he decided to make better use of his time and money. He invested in learning a practical skill—haircare—by hiring a roadside stylist as an apprentice for $100. For three months, he dedicated himself to mastering the craft.

Upon completing his training, Suleiman rented a shop five miles from his uncle's house and opened his own barbershop. After months of hard work and dedication, he finally shared his new venture with his uncle, admitting how he had squandered his allowance for over a year but had since turned it into something worthwhile.

Suleiman's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change course. While alcohol and other forms of entertainment may provide temporary pleasure, they should never become a regular drain on one's finances. Instead, Suleiman advises setting aside even small amounts—like $1 a day—for the future. Over time, these small savings can grow into something substantial, proving that with discipline and foresight, anyone can transform their life from wasted time to thriving success.