The most confusing money lessons I learned living between two financial worlds

I grew in Nigeria in an economy based on cash, where money was physical, simple, and predictable. After graduating, I entered a new world -- one that was digital, global and platform-driven, where money comes from many different countries and currencies change overnight. Getting paid is dependent on algorithms, withdrawal fees, and other systems that I didn't know existed.

Money lessons I didn't expect were taught to me by moving between these two realities. Some were confusing; others surprised me. Others completely changed my perspective on stability and value.

What I have learned.

1. The value of your money depends on where you are

The value of money changes when you move between currencies or countries.

In one country, your paycheck can be a comfortable amount. But in another place it may not feel as secure. The same $100 could be a luxury, enough to buy a week of groceries or just barely cover a single bill, depending on where you are.

Money isn't only numbers. It's also about context.

2. Financial advice doesn't travel well

Most money advice is geared towards one type of audience, one currency and one system. All of these suggestions sound good until you consider:

• Your bank does not offer the same tools.
• Your currency fluctuates dramatically.
• Or the platforms you use simply do not exist in other countries.

I learned that universal advice is not always universal after living in different financial ecosystems.

3. Digital money moves fast — until it doesn’t

Online work, freelance on global platforms, and earning money, introduces a new relationship with time.

Some payments are received instantly. Some payments take up to a week (or more, you never know). Some platforms charge fair fees. Others charge fees that are so high you'll laugh before you cry.

Most traditional jobs do not prepare you to deal with unpredictable withdrawal times, conversion losses and delays.

4. Your income is just one aspect of your financial reality

What is equally important:

• Currency strength,
• Local cost of living,
• Fees,
• Exchange rates,
• And the stability of the systems you use.

In some financial circles, earning dollars is a privilege. In another world, converting dollars into local currency is a loss of a percentage each time. And yet another, your bank may limit the amount you can transfer at one time.

After friction, your "real" income is what's left.

5. Even when you do everything "right", money anxiety can still occur

Living between two different systems brings a strange tension:

You may be earning more money than ever before, but still feel behind.

Your currency can drop overnight and you would feel unsteady, even thought you save consistently.

And you could invest and feel as if you are guessing because the rules of where you live do not match those where you work.

Nobody prepares you to deal with the emotional side of managing your money in a constantly changing world.

6. What is the most important lesson? Money is not an identity, but a skill

It taught me to be flexible. It taught me how to adapt and learn. I also learned to question old rules, build a customized system to suit my needs, instead of copying other people's.

Money isn't fixed.

We aren't either.

This is not a disadvantage; it's a benefit.

It didn't take me forever to understand that I was living in two different financial worlds. It has expanded me.