I slept in my car for 3 weeks so nobody would know I was broke

Two years ago, I was living my best Lekki life. Well, pretending to. I had this cute apartment in Lekki Phase 1, the one with the yellow kitchen cabinets I used to post on my finsta. My landlord at the time, Chief Adebayo, was this old man who smiled too much.

One Tuesday evening, he knocked on my door and said, "Chiamaka, the rent is now double. You have two weeks." No warning. No discussion. Just like that. My salary could not cover it, and my side gigs were dry that month.

I was too ashamed to tell anyone. My friends thought I was fine. My mum thought I was fine. I would drive to work, park in the office lot, and just... stay there. Sleeping in my car those nights, I learned that Lagos at 2am is actually quiet. The only sound is your own thoughts and the occasional okada passing.

I eventually found a smaller place in Ajah and told everyone I wanted a "change of scenery". Nobody knew I cried packing those yellow kitchen things.

The lesson? Pride is expensive. It costs you sleep, dignity, and your favourite kitchen. I should have asked for help. But God when? I'm okay now. Still paying for that decision emotionally though 😭