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 this week’s episode of Six Figure, we spoke to a software engineer earning ₦2 million monthly. He tells us how job hopping helped him 20x his income in less than three years.

What was your first job? 

I was a private tutor. 

How much were you earning? 

An average of ₦25k per client. I had about three clients. 

What do you do now, and how much do you earn? 

I’m a backend software engineer earning ₦2 million/month. 

That’s a massive income jump. Please give a quick overview of your income growth over the years. 

In 2019, I got my first full-time software engineering job paying ₦100k/month. My next job came with a 40% cut because I wanted enough time to improve my tech skills. 

Fast forward to 2021, I landed another job with a ₦300k/month salary. I did this job for nine months until I got an offer from an international company, where I currently work and earn ₦2 million/month. 

That’s 20x your 2019 income. 

Yes! 

What would you say contributed to that insane jump? 

Job hopping. A year and some months is the longest I’ve spent at a job. Also, I have invested a lot in upskilling and pursued top opportunities fiercely. 

Interesting. What is your most valuable skill? 

I can learn new things very quickly. 

Ever had a career mentor/coach? 

Yes. I had a mutual friend who introduced me to him. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity because he taught me strategies that have served me well. 

What’s your piece of advice for anyone who wants to earn six figures? 

Learn a skill that is accessible locally, valuable globally and remotely deliverable. 

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Key Takeaways 

• It’s okay to job hop: According to ACCA, employees who remain in the same job for more than two years will earn 50% less than those who switch jobs frequently. This explains why our subject managed to 20x his income in less than three years. You, too, can skyrocket your income by changing your jobs frequently.

• Leverage your network: Our subject met his mentor through a mutual friend, depicting the importance of a great network. So look around you. Who in your circle has meaningful, relevant connections? Look for ways they can connect you to those connections.