Men are often told from a young age that they must become financially successful. They are expected to have a good job, earn enough money, provide for their families and be ready to take responsibility.
Because of this, many men grow up believing that their value is connected to how much money they make.
A young man may feel embarrassed if his friends are earning more than him. He may feel pressure when someone he is dating earns more. He may worry about whether he can afford marriage, children or a home.
Social media can make this pressure even worse. Every day, young people see men showing expensive cars, businesses, houses, holidays and lifestyles that look perfect. It can create the feeling that everyone else is moving forward while they are being left behind.
The truth is that success does not happen at the same age for everyone. Some people get their first good job at 22. Others find their direction at 30 or 35. Some build businesses early, while others spend years learning before they find something that works for them.
The pressure to become successful quickly can also lead men to make poor financial decisions. They may take loans they cannot afford, spend money to impress people or stay in jobs that make them unhappy because they are afraid of looking unsuccessful.
Men also need space to admit when they are struggling. Being responsible does not mean pretending everything is fine.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to provide for your family. It is a good goal. But men should also understand that their worth is not measured only by their bank balance.
A man can be hardworking, responsible and ambitious even when he is still building his career. Success is not a race. What matters is making progress, learning from mistakes and building a life that you can actually sustain.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10