Six Figure is a biweekly PiggyVest series that focuses on how real Nigerians achieved dramatic income growth that made them millionaires.

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For our debut episode of Six Figure, we spoke to a 22-year-old tech sales expert who went from earning ₦30k a month to ₦700k in just three years. He shares how he managed to achieve that impressive income jump (over 2000% increase), and how it’s changed his life. 

What was your first job and the salary? 

My first job was an internship at an investment company. There I received ₦30k monthly. 

And what was your role in the company? 

I was a business developer, majorly specialising in the update and auditing of oil & gas companies’ financial models. I also had to do research, guiding the work of my supervisors. 

How many months did you do this for? 

Three months, between February 2019 to April 2019 precisely. 

Can you list your income by year for as long as you’ve been working?

2019: I was earning ₦30k as a business development intern. 

2020: I began work as an analyst in an investment bank. My initial pay was ₦50k.

2021: I received a promotion that increased my salary to ₦150k in January 2021 and ₦180k in June. Then I got another job in a tech company paying me ₦500k.

2022: In April, I got a promotion, increasing my monthly salary to ₦700k

Thats impressive. What’s your current job title?

I’m an Integration Sales Manager. Beyond the ₦700k I take home for the role, I still get some mouthwatering perks. 

In simple English, what does your job entail? 

Essentially, my company provides API for banks and other financial institutions across Africa. So my role involves enabling, establishing and closing deals and partnerships with those financial institutions and banks. Think of me as the salesperson for my company. 

Interesting. In 2021, you moved from a ₦180k/month to ₦500k in less than a year. That’s a staggering income increase. 

Yeah, it is [Laughs] . 

What life changes happened because of that increase? 

Well, I’ve stopped living from salary to salary, and I’ve managed to build financial security. I’m also able to live a baby boy lifestyle comfortably. 

Nice. What would you say is your most valuable skill? 

I’d say negotiation and communication. I’m great at communicating in a way that makes people perceive my solution as the best outcome for both parties. I’m able to do this through active listening, adequate preparation (before I negotiate) and staying flexible. 

Have you ever had a career mentor/coach? 

No. 

LOL. Why? 

I don’t believe there’s anybody who has life figured out. So I’d rather figure stuff out on my own. And whenever I need to learn from those ahead of me, I binge their content or read their stories. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to earn six figures? 

First, do all it takes to be ridiculously great at what you do. Also, understand the financial worth of your skills and experience, particularly as you advance in your career. This will help you negotiate for a good salary when applying for jobs. 

Lastly, do a lot of job-hopping. In the past three years, I worked in at least two companies. This was how I was able to get a fantastic income jump. Similarly, you should change jobs frequently if you’re looking to earn six figures.

Your employer won’t hesitate to dump you if they have to, so why stay loyal to a job that doesn’t pay you your worth?