Should I live in my Oga’s BQ?

Ishould not call my Boss’s servants quarters a ‘BQ’ (short term for boys quarters). I mean, bq’s do not have air conditioners do they? Or vitrified tiles on the floor, expansive toilet and shower facilities and fitted kitchen? I believe it is more appropriate to call it a guest chalet because the standard of what I was being shown was definitely a five star apartment.

“Well, what do you think?” the look on the face of my employer was expectant. My enthusiasm was obvious. “It is a fantastic place” I replied but I will have to tell my parents about the offer. I could see that Oga was disappointed that I did not take him up immediately on his offer of free accommodation at his ‘bq’.

He had been very cross when I got to the office late for the third day in a row and I had to tell him that coming from Isheri North at the extreme of the Mainland to the Lekki office meant that I had spent all my salary on transport and had to wait for a free ride to get to the office. My heart was pounding as he considered my reply. I sent up a silent prayer to the Almighty for the man not to sack me. I had been looking for a job for three years and in fact was just managing this one until I got my dream position in an oil company.

“Well, we can sort this out. I have a vacant bq that you can stay during the week. We can come to the office together, in fact you can drive me to and from the office.” Without waiting for my reply, he tossed his car keys at me, and we drove to his palatial residence. I then drove him back to the office. He was in between drivers as he never seemed to be able to keep one.

As I endured the four-hour journey back home, I considered and reconsidered the offer. I realised that not only was I going to get rent-free accommodation, I would not pay for transport, which usually devoured all my salary. Also, with less time spent on the road, I could spend more time studying for my professional exams. Lastly, I would be free from the petty snide remarks of my sister in law who used every excuse to remind me that I was sponging off my elder brother, with whom I lived.

I had made up my mind by the time I got home and told my brother and his wicked wife. She was elated and clearly supported my taking up the offer. My brother waited until we were alone. He then gave me several reasons why I should not take the offer: I would become more useful as a driver to my boss than an office worker; my boss would control my life as he held the keys to my job and accommodation. He went on and on. At the end of it all, I was very confused.

Please advise me. Should I stay in my Boss’ bq or not?