You’ve left Nigeria, landed in the UK, US, Canada, or Europe, and you’re trying to build a better life. But even when you’re working hard, earning in foreign currency, and "living abroad," one feeling never seems to go away:
"I’m not doing enough."
This pressure — to make it, to send money home, to live up to the dreams people placed on you — follows many Nigerians abroad like a shadow.
You might have a decent job, a roof over your head, maybe even a car. But scroll through Instagram and someone just bought a house. Open WhatsApp and your uncle in Nigeria is asking for help with rent. Call home and someone says, "Don’t forget us o — you’re abroad now."
And suddenly, all your little wins feel small.
You're living paycheck to paycheck, but you're ashamed to say it because people assume you're balling.
You’re tired from two jobs, but still feel guilty you haven’t “made it” yet.
🎯 Where Does This Pressure Come From?
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Back-Home Expectations
People back home often assume being abroad means you’re rich. So they make requests — for school fees, medical bills, or business capital — and it feels like you're failing if you can't help. -
Silent Competition
Whether we admit it or not, we compare. “That guy just moved last year and already bought a Benz.” “She’s now a nurse and sending money home monthly.” We feel behind — even when we’re doing fine. -
Internal Fear of Failure
Many Nigerians abroad left everything behind — careers, friends, identity. There’s a constant fear of “What if this doesn’t work out?” So we overwork, overthink, and often forget to breathe.
🧠 What Can Help?
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Redefine Success: It’s not just about money. Staying afloat, staying sane, and growing slowly is success too.
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Talk About It: Platforms like MyDiaspoHub exist so you don’t feel alone. Let’s normalize these feelings.
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Set Boundaries: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Sometimes, saying “not now” is necessary self-care.
🟢 Let’s Talk About It:
Do you ever feel like you’re not successful enough — even when people back home think you are?
What part of this pressure do you struggle with most?
Share your thoughts or story in the forum thread here. Let someone know they’re not alone.