For many Africans, working abroad — particularly in the West — is seen as a dream: higher salaries, better living conditions, and a life of opportunity. Movies, social media, and friends’ success stories often paint this picture of prosperity. But the truth is far more complicated.
While opportunities exist, they come with challenges that are often overlooked. For every success story, there are countless tales of struggle, sacrifice, and survival. Here are five harsh realities Africans often face abroad.
Yes, salaries abroad are higher, but so are costs of living. Rent, transport, taxes, health insurance, and childcare quickly eat into your paycheck.
Many Africans find themselves earning in dollars but spending just as quickly, leaving little room for savings or sending money home.
Some imagine that moving abroad eliminates all challenges. In reality, struggles change shape. Immigrants often face loneliness, cultural shock, and discrimination. Unlike home, where communities are tight-knit and neighbors check on one another, life abroad can feel isolating, especially in individualistic societies.
Many navigate daily life alone — from job hunting to paying bills — which can take a serious mental and emotional toll.
Many Africans move abroad expecting to work in their field, only to discover that their qualifications are not fully recognized.
Some face systemic bias or subtle discrimination that undervalues African degrees. This often forces highly skilled professionals to start over, retrain, or take jobs below their qualification level.
Instagram and television often present a glossy version of life abroad: coffee cups, snow-covered streets, and stylish clothing. But these platforms rarely show long night shifts, multiple jobs, or physical exhaustion. Comparing oneself to curated images can be misleading and demoralizing.
It’s easy to assume that Africans abroad aren’t helping their families back home out of selfishness. In reality, many are struggling to balance multiple financial responsibilities, including repaying debts, sending school fees home, or saving for trips.
The pressure to succeed, fit in, and support family can be overwhelming, affecting both finances and health.
Working abroad can be enriching and life-changing, but it’s not the paradise it’s often made out to be. Africans planning to move should:
• Research thoroughly
• Prepare for challenges
• Be ready to start at the bottom
• Prioritize mental health
• Build a supportive community
• Redefine success beyond location
For those already abroad, it’s important to remember that real success is not about where you live but how you live. Empathy, not envy, is the most helpful response to the quiet struggles many face.
“Africans abroad carry ambition, responsibility, and resilience — often invisible to the outside world,” the author notes.
