In the age of social media and global connectivity, the phrase “the grass is always greener on the other side” has never rung truer for many Nigerians. The term “japa”, a Yoruba slang meaning to flee or escape has become synonymous with the mass exodus of young professionals seeking better opportunities overseas. Stories of Nigerians landing in the UK, Canada, or the US flood X (formerly Twitter), painting pictures of financial freedom and stability.
But beneath the glossy Instagram reels and success testimonials lies a more nuanced reality. Drawing from real conversations and experiences shared on X, this article explores why menial jobs abroad aren’t always the golden ticket they’re made out to be, and why building a career in Nigeria might offer greener pastures for some. We’ll address japa regrets, the hidden costs of migration, and inspiring Nigerian success stories that highlight untapped potential at home.
The Enticement of Japa
Nigeria’s challenges are no secret: unreliable power, soaring inflation, security concerns, and a job market that often undervalues talent. For many, migrating abroad promises escape from these woes. Posts on X often romanticize this move, with users sharing visa approvals and first-world perks like efficient public transport and reliable healthcare. One X user (Dieux_oint) recounted their journey from Nigeria’s post-COVID hardships, losing family members due to inadequate medical response, to rebuilding in the UK, starting with warehouse jobs and climbing to cybersecurity analyst roles.
It’s inspiring, but it’s also a reminder that japa often stems from desperation rather than pure ambition. Yet, the narrative isn’t one-sided. Many X users argue that the push factors like age discrimination in Nigerian hiring or exorbitant utility bills, make staying feel impossible.
A software engineer described spending hours resolving exploitative electricity bills instead of productive work, ultimately deciding to leave. These stories fuel the japa syndrome, where abroad seems like the only path to dignity and progress. But as we’ll see, the reality abroad can mirror or even amplify Nigeria’s struggles in unexpected ways.
The Hidden Realities of Menial Jobs Abroad
One of the most common japa regrets shared on X and other social media is the downgrade in professional status. Highly qualified Nigerians who’re doctors, engineers, and tech experts often end up in menial roles like cleaning, driving taxis, or warehouse work due to credential recognition issues or market saturation.
A media personality on a podcast episode discussed how her father, an accountant by training, juggled taxi driving and security gigs in the UK just to support the family.
“People think you’re abroad and you’re making pounds,” she said, but the high cost of rent, transport, and taxes devours those earnings
Cost of living is a recurring theme in these discussions. Earning in dollars or pounds sounds glamorous, but when converted to real purchasing power, it often falls short. One diasporan Nigerian emphasized the psychological toll:
“Being overseas is like doing a money ritual… Everyone sees and hails you as a rich man yet they don’t know what you go through daily.”
Isolation, long hours, and cultural shock compound this. Another post highlighted how Nigerians abroad work multiple jobs not out of choice but necessity, contrasting it with Nigeria’s spirit-draining inefficiencies.
Moreover, the dignity of labor abroad clashes with Nigerian cultural norms. In functional economies, a plumber or security guard can afford a comfortable life-owning homes and cars at young ages, without societal stigma.
But for Nigerians, these roles feel like a step backward. A user noted,
“The economy has conditioned people to look down on certain jobs because those jobs can’t even guarantee survival.”
This mismatch leads to burnout and regret, with many realizing that the “saner clime” isn’t immune to dysfunction. Emotional and mental health struggles are understated but profound. Nigerians on social media describe the “torture of daily life” in Europe and America, from racism to the constant grind.
One insightful thread argued that nationality itself is a handicap: restricted passports, visa rejections, and biased job markets make success abroad an uphill battle. For every success story, there are tales of unfulfilled dreams, prompting questions like: Is the trade-off worth it?
The Opportunities and Success of Building a Career in Nigeria
Contrary to the doom-and-gloom narrative, social media is rife with Nigerian success stories that prove building a career at home is viable, and often rewarding. Remote work has revolutionized this, allowing Nigerians to earn dollars without leaving. A doctor shared how a friend transitioned from biochemistry to data analysis, getting employed to a $1,500 monthly remote US job.
“Don’t write yourself off just because you’re in Nigeria,”
The post urged, emphasizing skill acquisition and commitment. Entrepreneurship thrives too. A biochemistry graduate turned down teaching to start at a fast-food chain, eventually building a healthy food business after stints at multinationals.
“No experience is ever wasted,”
He reflected, connecting dots from menial starts to multimillion-naira ventures. Another user, with only a National Diploma, climbed from N500k to seven-figure salaries through relentless self-improvement.
Even in traditional paths, persistence pays. A civil engineer went back to university at 30, self-funding while working shifts, and advanced from £6/hour laborer to £20/hour site engineer.
These stories counter japa regrets by showcasing how Nigeria’s challenges foster resilience. As one post put it,
“A single job can change your narrative; keep giving your best shot.”
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Digital skills are a game-changer. Users advise learning coding, graphics, or trading before university, arguing that certificates alone don’t pay bills. With platforms like Upwork and global firms hiring remotely, Nigerians are getting international roles from Lagos or Abuja. This hybrid model, earning abroad while living affordably at home beats menial jobs overseas for many.
Cost of Living and Quality of Life: Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s break it down with real numbers from social media discussions. Abroad, a menial job might pay £10-15/hour, but rent in London can exceed £1,000/month, plus utilities and transport eating another £500. In Nigeria, a mid-level salary of N500k-1.5m covers similar basics more comfortably, especially with family support networks absent abroad.
Quality of life metrics vary. Abroad offers predictability—no sudden naira devaluations—but demands 20-hour workdays.
In Nigeria, infrastructure drags, but social connections and cultural familiarity provide emotional buffers.
One user contrasted: “Nigeria drains your spirit, the UK drains your time. Pick your poison.”
A balanced view from X: Life abroad isn’t “better,” but offers more opportunities with predictability.
However, for those earning well in Nigeria, staying trumps despised jobs abroad.
Personal Growth, Dignity, and Societal Mindsets. Abroad teaches humility, titles matter less, and everyone is respected by first name.
Know When to Japa and When to Stay
Not all japa is bad. If you have N30m or a clear path, run, advises one post.
But for others, patience and skill-building at home yield better results. Inspiring figures like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala show migration done right, but rooted in skills honed at home. Ultimately, success isn’t geography, it’s mindset.
Conclusion
Greener Pastures Start Within. The debate on X reveals that menial jobs abroad aren’t always superior to building a career in Nigeria. While japa is an opportunity to escape, it often brings new struggles: high costs, isolation, and unfulfilled potential. Conversely, Nigeria’s ecosystem, though flawed, nurtures resilient success stories through skills, remote work, and entrepreneurship. Words like japa regrets and building career in Nigeria highlight the need for balanced perspectives. Whether you stay or go, invest in yourself, the real green grass grows where you water it. If you’re contemplating your next move, reflect on these shared experiences and choose what aligns with your values and goals.
