Media personality Dorcas Shola Fapson, popularly known as Ms DSF, has cautioned Nigerians earning a decent salary at home to think carefully before moving abroad for work, saying overseas jobs are not always as rewarding as they seem.
Speaking on a podcast with Jay On Air, Ms DSF pointed out that many people assume working in the UK automatically means earning more, but the high cost of living, including rent and transport, can make it hard to save.
She shared her father’s struggle when he first moved abroad, working multiple jobs to support his family but barely earning enough.
Ms DSF advised Nigerians to weigh the challenges and rewards carefully before deciding to leave the country for work, saying a good salary in Nigeria might actually offer better opportunities and comfort than an unfamiliar, unenjoyable job abroad.
She said, “People think you’re abroad and you’re making pounds. They could be abroad doing a cleaner job, making however much per hour. You probably have better opportunities here in Nigeria.
“Do you know how much rent is in the UK? Do you know how much public transport there is? Before you even make your salary, let’s say you’re doing cleaner work or driving a taxi.
“When my dad first went, he was a taxi driver. Imagine what he was making while trying to take care of his whole family, me, my brother, all my siblings, and my mum.
“He was working 9 to 5, then 5 to 9… taxi driver, security, accountant, just to make a little money.
“I get it, like if you make it in the UK, it’s great because pounds are stronger and it’s nice to make pounds, but it’s not like that you really have to hustle to build your way up.”
