My landlord raised my rent 80% and I almost begged him. Then I remembered who I am.

So my landlord hit me with the new rent and my brain just... short-circuited. 80% increase. I did the math in my head and felt my chest tighten. I almost called him to beg, to explain that I'm just a small girl trying to make content and pay bills.

Then I remembered that begging doesn't work in Lagos. It just makes you look weak. So I did what any self-respecting Gen Z would do. I started packing my boxes and scouting new places. Found a smaller spot in Yaba, cheaper, closer to the energy I need for work anyway.

The thing is, landlords here think we have no options. But we always do. We just forget sometimes. This move scared me but it also woke me up. I'm not a victim, I'm just in transition.