Turning your passion into a career is the best way to find joy and fulfilment in what you do. PiggyVest had the opportunity to sit down with a marriage counsellor who did just that, and she talked to us about her career path, sharing some insights along the way.

What was your first job ever?

I worked as a counsellor in a specialist hospital.

How much did that pay, and how long did you stay there?

₦‎32,000 a month, and I worked there for one year.

What did you do after that?

I worked as a secretary for a couple of years at a non-profit organisation. The pay was lower than my previous job and inconsistent — after a while, there was no pay at all. I eventually resigned.

How did you get into marriage counselling?

I’ve always been passionate about helping people have healthy relationships and marriages. [Laughs] I guess I talked about it a lot because people would come to me for relationship advice and then come back with testimonies.

Have you had any formal training?

I studied Psychology at the university, and I took a certified course with the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology. I know, I know, that is not nearly enough, and that is why I’ve never pitched myself as a professional marriage counsellor. 

I want to take more courses and get more certificates before I feel truly comfortable with that title.. 

I get that! How much do you earn as a marriage counsellor?

I earn ₦‎20,000 – ₦‎30,000

Is that monthly or per session or…?

₦‎30,000 is for four sessions, and ₦‎20,000 is for three. So far, I’ve gotten four clients who have been paying the monthly fee for some months now. We meet once a week, that’s 4 times a month.

That’s amazing! Do you have any other streams of income?

Oh, yes. I am a hairstylist, and I specialise in making braids and wigs. I have some other streams of income, too, and they’re all based on skills I’ve had no formal training in.

Not many people are brave enough to step out and engage in a profession they have no training or certificates in. What is your advice for them?

I will advise everyone to follow whatever they are passionate about, regardless of the societal rating. The most important thing is that you are adding value to people. And, you can always learn on the job and get your certifications as you go.

What is the one piece of financial advice you swear by?

Grow your finances gradually but steadily.

What advice would you give someone who wants to use a skill like yours to earn money?

I would advise them to be patient. You won’t make it big overnight. It’s a gradual process because it involves other people’s will and emotions. So, patience is the keyword.

Awesome. It was great talking with you, thank you so much for your time!

You’re most welcome, and thank you too.

---

Takeaways

1. Your passion can turn into a paying job. As long as it is meeting a need, someone will be willing to pay.
2. Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you. People will pay if you can solve their problems, whether you have the certificates or not. 
3. Be patient! You could become successful overnight, but that’s unlikely. Just keep working at it, doing the best you can, and it will eventually pay off.