Prince Ubakaeze is a Nigerian Nurse trading hospital scrubs for code. Frustrated by healthcare’s low pay and brutal hours, he’s learning frontend development and building a drip therapy startup. His motto? ”Either I level up or I level up.”
Can you introduce yourself the way you like to be introduced?
My name is Prince Ubakaeze and I am a nurse. I am invested in building accessible healthcare and creating opportunities for health professionals.
Hmm interesting. What do you currently do (or want to do) in Tech?
I am still searching for virtual Assistant roles and also learning Frontend development
Oh, you’re certified in VA, and currently searching for VA roles and currently learning Frontend development? That’s nice and you’re a nurse? You’re booked. Lol
Not booked enough if you ask me…
Being in Nigeria as a nurse is not worth it. Salaries are too low, work schedules are ridiculous, work load is maddening. I need something better.
I know right. They want to kill you, so you have to step up your game.
Either I level up or I level up. Its not do or die.
😂😂okay. Sounds good. So when did you join The Nebula’s Lounge and What Made you stay?
Can’t really remember when I joined.
But I stayed because one thing I have learned is that no matter what I want to be or the direction that I want to go I am limited to what I know is possible but to be in a community of tech leaders and enthusiasts gives me an access to their experience and wisdom which will help me as I navigate my journey in tech.
Oh great. What’s something you’re learning or working on right now that excites (or frustrates) you?
Frontend development excites and frustrates me at the same time
It happens sometimes. So what do you love doing on a norms?
Well when I am not working or learning i watch movies with meals, play video games.
You watch movies while eating and you enjoy playing video games? How about outdoor activities? With friends?
I do not have a lot of friends, just me and my phone, at the moment.
Ohhh. As long as you’re at peace, that’s all that matters. What’s your go-to food or snacks while learning?
I don’t like eating when I am learning. I prefer eating when I am watching a movie.
Ohh. That’s really interesting. How about water?
If I am tasty yes
Okayy, lol. If we looked through your tabs right now, what would we find?
Weird stuff 😅
👀👀sir?
😅I am kidding. I cannot really say what’s there i would have to check but I think movie site and some other stuff.
Oh okay. What’s a small win in your journey that meant a lot to you?
Umm building a startup. Even knowing the path to follow is a win for me
You own a startup? What is all about?
For now it is just drip therapy brought to the client where and when works for them.
Ohh. Keep up the good work. Fighting!💪🏾
What’s one thing people always assume about you that isn’t true?
Well I can’t really say. I have no idea.
Oh okay. What’s your favorite kind of day? the one where everything just feels good?
Work virtually, eat, watch movies, cuddle with my lady. Ow and before I forget video games. Well, that is an ideal day for me but I am not there yet.
So, it’s all in your imagination? Don’t worry, you’d get there soon😹
I pray so.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the realities of learning or working in tech
Tech is liberating, and it is as difficult as it is rewarding. But it is worth it. The regular 9-5 is going out of business and even to stay relevant in that space you still need to up skill in tech so there is no escaping it. We might as well just embrace it.
This is true. Have you made any meaningful connections or friendships through the community?
Not yet. I would really love to. But I am not so good with meeting people
I understand the struggle but you can begin from anywhere when you’re ready, just take your time😊 If The Lounge had a talent show, what would you perform?
What talent show?
Any talent show. If The Lounge had a talent show, what would you perform?
I guess I would sing But then I dont know songs by heart
Oh well. Complete this sentence: “I feel most like myself when…”
I would say when I am by myself with movies, food, video games.
What’s a quote, mantra, or tweet that has stayed with you on this journey?
I guess that would be “You some good days and you have some not so good days you keep going regardless”
I don’t get this one
Originally it should be ”You have good days and bad days
But I bad is such a strong words so I use “not so good days” instead.
