Hoi Li’s DM Cold-Brew: Is a ₦2M 9-5 Better Than Owning a Business? (The Great Debate)

Hello my ambitious in-laws! Hoi Li here. This morning, my DMs were on fire. One of you sent me a hot take that has most of the 'CEO' community sweating in their office chairs. The message was simple: "A stable 9-5 with a high salary is 100% better than the stress of owning a business."

Disclaimer: Before we dive in, remember that I am a CPA, but I am not your life coach. This is not professional tax advice or life-altering life advice. I'm just here to drink my cold brew and weigh the math. Consult a real professional (like me, in my office) for your specific case.

1. The 'Soft Life' 9-5 (PAYE is your best friend)

Imagine this: 5:01 PM on Friday. You close your laptop. You don't care about the exchange rate. You don't care if the company generator has fuel. You don't care if the NRS is knocking on the head office door. That's the beauty of a high-salary 9-5. Your taxes are deducted automatically (PAYE), and you sleep like a baby. No VAT filings, no WHT certificates, just pure "Soft Life."

2. The 'Oga Life' (CEO of Generator Noise)

Now, look at the business owner. They might earn ₦5M, but ₦3M goes back into rent, fuel, and chasing debtors. Plus, the NRS expects you to be a pro at VAT, CGT, and the new 2026 Electronic Transfer Levy. Unless you hit that ₦50M turnover exemption, you are in a boxing match with compliance every month.

3. The Math: ₦2M Salary vs ₦5M Turnover

A ₦2M monthly salary in 2026 gives you a predictable "take-home." A ₦5M business turnover sounds big until you realize the "cost of doing business" in Nigeria is basically an unplanned tax. The business owner has "freedom," but that freedom often smells like diesel and 3:00 AM accounting errors.

Hoi Li's Honest Take:

If you love sleep and low-stress weekends, the high-salary 9-5 wins every time. If you love the thrill of the "hustle" and don't mind the NRS knowing your name personally, then the CEO life is for you. Just remember: both paths lead to the Tax Man eventually. Choose your struggle wisely!