So... What Now?

Usually, when I’m in a state of limbo, I find myself restless — constantly worrying about what’s next. Like after uni, before I wrote the MDCN exam — the nothingness was draining. The days felt painfully repetitive, every one blending into the next.

But this time, "fortunately" (read: unfortunately), I already know what’s next: NYSC — the one-year mandatory service that every graduate has to complete. “Serve your country,” they said. As if the country has ever returned the favor.

I’ve always thought NYSC was kind of… pointless. A full year that delays real life. It doesn’t feel like a launchpad — it feels like a setback. And nearly everyone I talk to agrees. It’s one big collective sigh, like “let’s just get it over with.” From the registration process, to camp, to the monthly clearances, to the consistently questionable pay — everything about it feels like stress on top of stress.

And then there’s the unpredictability: not knowing where they’ll post you, not knowing if your PPA will be decent or if you’ll be stuck fighting to get relocated. For medical professionals, we’ve also been told that due to the shortage of staff, if you're posted to a government facility, switching out is almost impossible. Basically: you’re trapped. Congrats.

I guess what makes NYSC frustrating isn’t just the process, it’s the feeling of being stuck in a system you didn’t design, doing things that feel more symbolic than practical. It’s knowing you have so much more to offer, but you’re being handed a plastic ID card and told to “go and serve” like that alone will build a nation.

Still, as much as I hate to admit it… maybe there’s something to be gained from this next phase. If nothing else, it’s another chapter. Another year of experience. A chance to learn more — even if it’s what not to do. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll get lucky and end up somewhere decent. With decent people. Doing halfway decent work.

In the meantime, I’m also exploring private practice — dipping a toe into the real world beyond government postings. Trying to find a rhythm that feels more like my own. It’s scary. It’s uncertain. But it’s also the first time in a long time that the road ahead isn’t fully mapped out — and weirdly, that’s kind of exciting.

I’m thinking about joining a private practice because I want to experience what people call “real” dentistry — beyond the limitations of a government facility. A space where things work the way they’re supposed to, where the equipment is actually up to standard, and where the care reflects that. Hopefully, I’ll be able to refine my skills, gain solid hands-on experience, and just grow as a clinician.

Even though I’ve heard it’s intense — long hours, weekend shifts, lots of physical and mental energy — I’m ready for it. Even if it’s just one or two days a week, I want to stay productive. I want to feel like I have something going on, like I’m actively building toward something. Sitting around waiting has never really suited me anyway.

So here I am — somewhere between what’s next and what’s now. NYSC is coming whether I like it or not, and private practice is slowly starting to feel like a step I need to take, not just to grow, but to feel like I’m moving. Forward. Out of limbo. Into something real.

I don’t know exactly how this next chapter will go. I don’t know if it’ll be exciting or exhausting, probably both. But I’ve gotten this far, and somehow, I’ve managed to make it work. So I’m trusting that I’ll find my pace again. Find my people. Find my place.

Whatever comes next, I’ll be there — showing up, figuring it out, and trying my best not to complain too loudly (no promises though).