The Epidemic of Easy Money: Monday Musing

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Are We Raising a Generation Allergic to Hard Work?

As much as I’m grateful for the opportunities technology and globalization have brought, how the internet breaks barriers, makes life easier, and connects us like never before, I can’t ignore an uncomfortable truth: a growing number of today’s youth seem allergic to hard work.

Let me be clear, I believe in truly working smart, as there are easier, faster, and more efficient ways to get things done these days. From apps that automate tasks to creatives earning real money from their talents, and of course, social media, which can make someone go viral and successful overnight, these are tools that should empower people.

But the downside? They’ve also created a shortcut culture where patience and genuine effort are quickly becoming outdated.

Too many young people today want instant success. They crave the rewards without the process. Long-lasting wealth, as we know, is built over time. But patience? That’s in short supply.

And the consequences go beyond just money. Because many youths now believe there must always be an easier, quicker way to get what they want, you’ll find them lacking patience not just in business or career, but even in their marriages. It’s a full-blown pandemic of impatience. This mindset has crept into every area of life, even their hustles.

That’s where the get-rich-quick syndrome really begins. No one wants to build slowly anymore. Everyone wants the fast lane, even when there’s no clear destination.

Let’s not lie to ourselves, there’s a crisis here. The “Yahoo boys and girls” phenomenon isn’t just a Nigerian issue; it’s a warning sign for the world at large.

What’s funny is that many are hiding behind that label to cover up serious crimes, money rituals, cyber fraud, and even organ trafficking. It’s terrifying. And even more heartbreaking is the thought that this generation will be mentoring the next.

We’re also witnessing the slow death of skilled trades. Before now, when families couldn’t afford to send their kids to university, they’d put them in artisan shops to learn real skills like tailoring, bricklaying, photography, carpentry, makeup artistry, and more.

Today? Ask any artisan. They’ll tell you the same thing: no one’s coming to learn anymore. the numbers of  apprentices has greatly reduced. Why spend years learning a trade when you can drive a Lexus, live in a posh estate, and look successful on Instagram with zero skills?

But shortcuts come with a price. And sometimes, that price is steep and quick.

I saw first hand, the Yahoo boy in my estate who lost his mind and had to live in a herbalist’s compound, doing rituals to “fix” what he started. Or another one who has been barking like a dog for years, unable to speak or reason normally.

We also have to admit something uncomfortable: many of us are enablers.

We rent houses to people whose income sources are clearly suspicious, just because they can pay upfront, no questions asked. We give unearned respect to people with flashy cars but zero visible means of income. And by doing so, we reinforce the illusion that fast money is not just acceptable, it’s admirable.

This isn’t just a youth problem. It’s a societal one. If we don’t call it what it is, we’ll raise a generation who believe that success comes instantly, without struggle, skill, or ethics. And the fallout will affect us all.

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