A Nigerian man has shared how moving to the UK forced him to start over, going from a comfortable HOD role in Nigeria to resuming exhausting work as early as 4:30 a.m., highlighting the harsh realities of the Japa experience.


A Nigerian man has gone viral after opening up about the stark contrast between his former professional life in Nigeria and his current work reality in the United Kingdom.
In a video shared on X by a user identified as @Teniola, the man revealed that he once held the position of Head of Department (HOD) in Nigeria. According to him, the role came with prestige, comfort, and flexible working hours. As a senior staff member, he rarely had to wake up early, and his daily routine was largely structured and manageable.
However, his experience changed significantly after relocating to the UK in search of better opportunities. He disclosed that he now resumes work as early as 4:30 a.m., a schedule he described as physically exhausting and mentally draining.
Despite his years of experience and senior status back home, he explained that starting over in a new country has been far more challenging than many people expect. He noted that relocation often means accepting demanding jobs, longer hours, and tougher working conditions while gradually trying to rebuild one’s career.
The man’s story has resonated with many Nigerians living abroad, sparking widespread discussions online. Several commenters agreed that while overseas jobs may offer better pay, the workload, early hours, and lifestyle adjustments can be overwhelming.
His account highlights the often-unspoken realities behind the popular “Japa” movement, reminding many that life abroad comes with its own set of struggles alongside the opportunities.
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