Nollywood Actor Deyemi Okanlawon Walks Away from Acting Over “Nonsense Pay”
Nollywood star Deyemi Okanlawon has candidly shared that he quit acting in 2019 after becoming frustrated with what he described as “nonsense pay” and unfulfilling work. He said the low compensation and lack of creative satisfaction made him question why he had left a stable 9‑to‑5 job to pursue mediocre projects.
“So, I quit acting in 2019. I quit because the pay was nonsense, the work was nonsense. And I just felt like I didn’t leave 9 – 5 work to come and do mediocre work,” he explained. The actor added that waking up each day felt pointless when his passion was not being rewarded, prompting him to step back and return to conventional employment.
Handling Pressure and Seeking Emotional Support
Beyond his career decision, Okanlawon opened up about how he manages stress when life feels overwhelming. He revealed that his wife is the first person he thinks of during tough times, though he tries not to disturb her frequently because she balances her own work and family responsibilities.
In moments when the pressure becomes too intense, he will wake her at night to talk and find comfort. However, he stresses that he does not rely solely on his spouse for emotional support.
Okanlawon has built a broader support network that includes a therapist, trusted mentors, and close friends. He encourages men not to bottle up their problems, noting that carrying everything alone can quickly become unbearable.
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