I wouldn’t blame anyone for wanting to move abroad because, at this point, our homeland may not look as promising. Our graduates are in dire need of jobs, applying for supposed vacancies which are strictly reserved for silver spoon pikins.
Breadwinners aren’t just feeling the pinch but extremely concerned about how to make ends meet. The basic infrastructure is dilapidated and long overdue for an upgrade. Nothing seems to work, and when it does, it’s in limited or erratic supply.
Consequently, most people want out. Many have flown across the Atlantic and the rest, making all efforts to seek greener pastures. The reason is obvious. Continents such as Asia, Europe and the United States of America are way ahead and reaping the fruits of labour. Even though their land isn’t virtually flowing with milk and honey, still it offers a better start, better hope and a better tomorrow.
So whether you’re single or married with children and considering moving abroad, wondering what to expect despite hearing few larger than life stories. Here are some things worth knowing before abandoning ship.
1. Childcare If you have young children, you might need to consider who should look after the kids. Generally, the cost of quality childcare for age groups 0 – 2 years is almost equivalent to taking out a mortgage. I can recall paying 50% of my salary towards my son’s nursery fees.
2. Parenting In most developed countries, parenting isn’t the sole responsibility of the woman but both husband and wife. Both parents play key but complimentary roles in raising children. Also, there’s an ever growing increase in the number of stay-at-home dads and this doesn’t mean the woman wears the trouser. There are more lucrative remote working jobs than before.
3. Driving Driving without valid or correct car insurance attracts expensive penalties. You face having your license or vehicle registration suspended, receiving a traffic ticket and in some countries, possible jail term.
4. Culture Shock A lot of things might come as a surprise. For instance, more men take up stereotypically female jobs and make good pay, such as nursing, social work, and teaching, etc. Also, women earn more money than men in certain occupations, for example construction supervisors, vehicle and aircraft mechanics. So be sure to identify what you’re really good at without considering what your Nigerian counterparts might think.
5. Your Name A majority of employers might struggle to pronounce your first name and could ask for something less of a tongue twister. But that would be rude and seldom requested. So in my opinion, don’t feel pressured to change your name if you aren’t happy to do so. At first, my colleagues had various pronunciations of my first name but with time, they eventually understood the ‘N’ wasn’t silent.
6. African Food If you rarely eat the same soup twice, you might need to spend a bit more to maintain this lifestyle or learn to occasionally eat something other than Nigerian food. African foodstuff is expensive.
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